August and September
After three enjoyable weeks in Utah, we made our way back to Michigan. I don't know if Ira was excited to be back, or if he was going through party withdrawls, but he REALLY wanted to have a "Back in Michigan Party."
This is it.
The Jacksons, Stricklans, and Herrick-Zilkas were able to come. And it turns out it was the same day as our friend's B-day. He was probably surprised at how bad we are at surprise birthday parties, since we didn't know. Sorry Grant!
Eliot checking on the garden.
We were surprised to see that so much had survived our neglect.
Anthony's decided to repeat last year's "makeshift 1/2 Marathon," with a better route and more friends. Here are the Huron Hustle participants
One last camping trip before the end of Summer. For the record, Esther and I bailed on the over-night part of the experience.
Orange Muffins
Poor kid
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For my birthday, we went to Independence Lake and since it was Labor Day, a few friends from the ward were able to meet us there. Here are my farmer's tan and cute baby.
Anthony made peanut butter chocolate cheesecake. Salivating...
Our freighbor (friend/neighbor), Sarah made me Banana Cream Cheese cake. mmmm....
And my Primary Presidency brought lunch and dessert to our meeting the next day.
I feel so loved. :)
Ira spent an entire Summer anxious that this day would eventually come. He wiped away a tear during our morning prayer, and walked to the bus as if he were walking to the gallows. His first step onto the bus felt like triple slow motion. But he did it, and as it turns out he absolutely LOVES school, thanks mostly to his teacher Mr. Davis and a few good friends he's made.
A few weeks into the school year, Ira was playing school and insisted on being called his teacher's name.
Anthony: Ira, when you grow up, would you like to be a teacher like Mr. Davis?
Ira: I don't want to be like Mr. Davis. I want to BE Mr. Davis.
Second Day. Not quite as painful of a walk.
Eliot on the other hand, couldn't wait for school to start, and had to pretend he was in class for the first week Ira was gone.
One of the adjustments to school, was dealing with Ira's exhaustion. One day, while tired and grumpy, he threw a toy train across the room and hit Eliot in the eye. I guess he thought it was fairly just, because a couple nights earlier, Eliot passed a book from the top bunk to Ira in the lower bunk (when they were suppose to be sleeping,) and hit Ira in the eye. An eye for an eye...
Poor battered child
He's loving school as well. Though I thought his outgoing, class clown side would be more prominent. Apparently he's been fairly serious and enjoying his "work."
Family Home Evening with the Cowleys, Downings, and Boles.
Ah! I'm so lucky!
Our friend Camilla made some gourmet graham crackers and marshmallows. So divine!
Her recipe is here: http://sugarboles.blogspot.com/
Allison's 2nd Birthday
We're lucky to have such fun neighbors. :)
BYU - U of M
Anthony and I weren't planning on going to the BYU game, but then we found a really great deal for amazing seats. Cosmo sighting!...from the 18th row and 15 yard line.
In short, University of Michigan kicked our pants.
Henry Ford Estate
I can't believe we've lived in Michigan for this long, and hadn't made it to the Estate until now. It was impressive. The boys weren't crazy about the tour inside the mansion (no pictures allowed.) But we had a blast exploring the grounds.
Edsel Ford built this "play" house, 2/3 scale for his daughter.
We spend a large portion of our time playing hide and seek in the grove.
Esther
Her little personality started to emerge in September, complete with smiles and chuckles.
First smile caught on camera.
Esther woke up from a nap and twisted her blanket into Mother Teresa garb. This was completely unaltered by us.
Eliot likes making Esther forts. Besides the risk of suffocation, it's pretty cute.
Life is good.
