Beautiful Fall Weekend

We are blessed here in Michigan with the gorgeous change of season we've had. I think it is officially FALL now. One Sunday after church we headed up to the lake to enjoy our "annual hike" the weather couldn't have been more picturesque! Here are a few shots to document our fun!

all prepped to take the dock out -after the boys get in a round of fishing

still fishing

After lunch we drove to the other end of the lake where we started our hike!

he found a "slingshot" stick

our balance beam

we rode to the trails in the back of Grandpa's truck! (you can only do that in Lakeview)

The baby swans we've watched grow all summer! How awesome!

We reached the church camp and enjoyed some fun on their swings

Then back home there was work to be done. The men were taking the dock out...much to Carter's dismay!

A last kayak ride

It was a perfect end to the summer and a fun kick off to fall of 2011!

Fun at the Apple Orchard

Jumping into the haystack!

Two Sunday's ago, we headed to the apple orchard! We were celebrating our friend, Colby's, birthday. How can he possibly be 3 already! Wow! It was the most perfect afternoon for outdoor festivities. Here are some of our pictures.

Talking to the chickens

"Mom, can we get some more baby chicks???"

Bunnies---so cute!

Carter practicing his photog skills. Us by the apple tree!

Our buddy Brayden! These boys are our kindergarteners

Milking the "cow"

More bunnies...are you shocked she barely left the bunny house?

A yummy lunch followed by gifts, cake, and cider!

Instead of a sandbox, they had a n area full of corn. COOL!

Trikes on the trail

The infamous duck race

...and more bunnies!
What a perfect way to celebrate a fall birthday!

Nature Walks

The weather has been so gorgeous lately that we have been trying to fit in some nature walks and "treasure hunts". The kids coined the term because they say we are going out to find all the fall treasures. A few of our favorite finds are milkweed, cattails, gigantic grasshoppers, woolly caterpillars, and now the awesome leaves! Yeah for living in the "country"!

Chasing crickets and grasshoppers.

Cattails are so....cool AND messy!

Art Prize

Excuse the lack of posts lately. We've been out and about enjoying life around here! The weather has been breathtaking....so we are soaking it all up. Who knows what the next day will bring when you live in Michigan?? Here are some of our favorites from this year's ArtPrize. It was so amazing!








We love living so close to all these wonderful happenings!