Sunday, May 18, 2014

Spring in Michigan

Spring has been so slow to arrive this year - not surprising given the long, tough winter we had.  The trees are finally getting their leaves and flowers finally starting to bloom.  Windows are opened and it's so nice to air out the house and listen to the river flowing behind us.

Our own backyard paradise

We spent the morning at the nursery picking out new annuals and perennials and I spent most of the afternoon planting flowers.  You woke up from nap a little earlier than normal, so I got you set up with a juice box and your pony fruit snacks for snack and set you up on the front step so that I could keep planting. You did well to keep yourself entertained and helped me dig in the dirt a little bit.  You didn't really care to get your hands dirty though.  I found an earthworm and in the dirt and when I asked you if you wanted to touch it, your answer was, "no, it's too spicy" (not sure where that response came from).
Some of Mama's new flowers - geranium & alyssum 

We think you got your first bee sting (and possibly 3 bee stings).  As I was planting flowers, Daddy noticed you had blood on the back of your neck and what looked like a little bite.  You didn't really react, so we assumed it was a mosquito or something.  A few minutes later, you started crying that your neck hurt and when I looked, you had another bite with blood on the right side of your neck.  About 15 minutes later, you started crying yet again and we discovered that you had a third bite with blood on the left side of your neck.  We soon found a large bumble bee laying on the sidewalk, so we can only assume that it got you all three times.  If that is the case, you handled it awesomely (if that is even a word).  I can't believe how well you handled it - each time crying for a minute (or less) and then going about your business as if nothing happened (except that you are now scared of bugs - calling them all spiders).
Sting #2
Stings #1 (bottom) and #3 (left)
the culprit

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Charleston, SC

I recently had a very short (overnight) work-related trip to Charleston, SC.  I had been to Charleston twice before (spring break 2001 and again for Eric and my one year anniversary) and I was so excited to have a chance to revisit the beautiful city.  We had hoped to make a family vacation out of it, but the schedule didn't work out.  So, I decided to book an early flight so that I could spend all afternoon touring the city and taking pictures.  I was so disappointed to discover that the only day I would have an opportunity to play tourist, there was a 100% chance of rain and strong storms!  I was hopeful that the forecast might be off since it wasn't raining when my plane landed, but the second the taxi dropped me at my hotel the rain drops started.  I was determined not to let the rain slow me down and ventured out, but after 20 minutes in the pouring down rain, I decided there was no way I would be able to enjoy myself (and keep my camera dry) and headed back to the hotel.  Fortunately, the rain took a break for a few hours and I walked as hard and fast as I could throughout historic Charleston trying to see everything I could before the next round of storms started up.  I'm guessing I put in about 5 miles in 2 hours!  I wish I would have had more time to enjoy the city, but am glad I was able to see what I did.


The Circle Church




Rainbow Row
I love all of the unique doors and garden gates throughout Charleston.
Pineapple fountain - Waterfront Park
Sunrise at Waterfront Park

Happy Mother's Day!

I had such a great Mother's Day - Daddy made breakfast, we looked at plants at the nursery, went for our first bike ride of the year, and then Daddy fixed a yummy supper.  It was a gorgeous day and was so nice to be able to spend it outside.

You made me a beautiful picture at daycare (even though as soon as you gave it to me, you took it right back and said it was YOUR present).

I had some time to try out my new macro filters for my camera.  I love them!


All ready for our bike ride!