A True Michigan Summer

Smiley face floaty: Check

Green grass: Check

Bathing suit: Check

Sunglasses: Check

Sunshine: Check

Grill: Check

~~~~~~~

Good times: Check

Lights! Camera! ACTION! (in our town!)

I love surprises, and it's a good thing too, because they are EVERYWHERE!

Example: We went to the park this evening to get our swing on (you know, because Rocketship is a complete swinging addict!) and were greeted at the entrance by this sign.

I will summarize - it basically just reads:

"Blah blah blah, we are shooting a production called Home Run Derby blah blah blah and putting this sign up is easier than having all you rubber-neckers sign disclosure statements blah blah blah and if you don't agree blah blah blah you can skid-attle yourselves outta here."

A production, huh? Cool. I mean, we don't usually get this kind of action in our little park!

And here it is, a gaggle of crew members, and I DO MEAN GAGGLE! I had no idea it took this many people to "make it all happen". But they there are. A couple of guys on a camera dolly thing. Someone with a script in hand. Some other loudmouth piping orders all over the place. A few taking a break. And what appeared to be a child actor being thrown a ball by an adult actor.

Here's one of their large trucks, complete with generator trailer, catering cart, and another trailer that could only have been a port-o-potty (presumably super-posh!).

Check out all these trucks!

You just never know what's around the corner!

The Cleveland Shower

E and Dad

I often receive comments from our visitors that there are a lack of pictures of the 'dad' on this page. What ever you say...SO, after finally releasing my beloved cameras from my clutch for a few precious moments, the following pictures were taken.

Happy? (sticking tongue out).

These pictures were taken during Gigi's recent visit. We went to visit Tollgate Gardens. I really liked this homemade flower thingy.

It was constructed of copper tubing (elbows, tees, etc.) that had patina'd nicely. Mental note and promise: if I ever have a garden, I will break out the flux and sweat some pipes together...

Shapes are Fun!

While visiting friends near Cleveland over the weekend (and showing someone expecting a new baby), Rocketship walked around to the back of this car, stopped, pointed, looked at me and proclaimed the following: “Look, that’s a lot of ovals!”

Completely cracked me up.

Yes, sweetie, it SURE is.

Rocketship's Piercings

So we've been explaining to the wee one about possibly getting earrings. She has been so excited to look "like mama". We've looked at them in the store and we've played around in the jewelry box at home. We've maaaaaaaybe even bribed her at times (alas, it is true...). Let's just say it's been played up for a bit.

Earlier in the week, we stopped at a shop and looked into it and - boom - before any of us knew what happened, she was the proud owner of two new little studs!

She was SUCH a trooper too, didn't even cry. Well, OK, she flinched! Mom was really good at nipping this early by teaching that, although it will hurt at first, the proper thing to do is to say "Ouchie......I'm OK".

It completely worked!

Here is a picture from "the chair", courtesy of my not-so-good camera phone.

And later in the day at home. Again, she LOVES them!

Even though I think they look great on her, it is just one of those things that makes you realize she's growing up. She looks so much more like a little woman now!

Leftovers: America's Birthday

This was another beautiful Michigan weekend. Perfect for running through the sprinkler...

Or just standing and letting it soak you. Watch out, Mimi, or you'll get hit too!

We continue to celebrate Rocketship's birthday that never really happened (because she was sick and we canceled the party) and won't stop happening (because we keep seeing people that have presents for her, hence song-singing, candle-blowing, etc.). We think she loves it...

This time we celebrated Papa's birthday as well. Candles go surprisingly well in watermelon.

Cousin Lily loved her watermelon and joined the "Clean Plate Club"!

The girls are always happy to see each other.

Even Midgie got in on the holiday action.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

'Til next year! Happy birthday, America!