Summer of 2011

      Okay I confess. Before we got to Michigan I didn't think that there was any way a baby could ever impress me. I mean all they do is eat, sleep and poop, right? Then along came baby Ella, what a doll. She totally won my heart with her first smile. When she looks up at you and gives you one of her cute little smiles it's just so damn adorable. I am going to certainly miss the little goober this winter and am looking forward to seeing her in the spring.

      After listening to the kids tell their horror stories about having to work in the fields as kids (yes, I made them help me pick strawberries when they were young) we decided to try it again for old times sake. We took MJ and baby Ella strawberry picking and enjoyed a very pleasant morning in the berry field. Of course we also got to enjoy some of Sheilas' delicious strawberry pies (MJ is the only person I know that picks berries faster than me). With strawberry picking being so successful, we decided to tackle raspberries at the same farm. MJ, Rosie and Kelsey helped us pick raspberries during our Labor Day celebrations and we used them for topping on our french toast breakfast, excellent!! There is nothing better than fresh picked berries. We picked our berries at Middleton Berry Farm and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It's a family run farm that is setup to ensure families have a good time and enjoy their picking experience (note: Lynn and Dustin were conveniently absent). The farm even includes a little petting zoo with goats and rabbits. If you're near Holly, MI be sure to check them out. .

      During our July family camping trip with my sister Nancy &; Bruce and brother Ron and his Nancy we took a trip to the NFL Hall of Fame. Even though there weren’t any recent Browns on display I really enjoyed my time there and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about going. 

      Another highlight for us was the nearby golf course, Heather Highlands. They have an executive course that Sheila and I managed to get on at least once a week. We enjoyed the course layout and spent an awful lot of time strolling around the course looking for balls that we miss-hit. My game didn't get much better but Sheila improved significantly.

      There is a definite nip in the air which can only mean, it's time to head south. We are currently in Monroe, MI and will be heading for Erie, Pa in a couple of weeks.