Fall Bucket List

I've always ("always" as in the last five or six years) made a summer bucket list - a list of all the things I want to do on my summer off with my kids. I often have a lot of the same things on it, like visit Leland and Alden (the towns), go to the beach as much as possible, etc. But I try to come up with some new things each summer.

I make a mental bucket list for Christmas too, but I'm not sure why I never thought to make one for any other season or holiday. So, taking a page out of Kelle Hampton's book (or blog), I decided to make one for fall. 

{If you don't follow Kelle on Instagram or read her blog, you totally should. She inspires me to be more like me if that makes sense. I think she and I have a lot in common in that she's so "extra" and I - well, I am in my head, but I sometimes feel uncomfortable showing it to the world. I love decorating for seasons and holidays. I love planning themed birthday parties. I love getting crafty and pinteresty, even if it doesn't turn out. But sometimes I get criticized for these things. For wanting to do more and for being "extra." Because I made my kids' baby food or because I have made their Halloween costumes before, I get called "Super Mom," but it's not meant in a good way. And that has led me to hide that part of myself sometimes. I don't do these things to show off or to make someone feel bad - I do them for me. And Kelle has helped me feel more comfortable sharing this side of me. I am a little "extra" sometimes, and that's not a bad thing.}

Anyway, I could use Kelle's bucket list that she shared on her blog, but I wanted to make my own. Because there are some things I would like to add and some I don't have the desire to do. And because I'm not quite as extra as she is, mine has fewer items to check off. But I definitely used hers as inspiration!

All that to say...I made a fall bucket list! And I'm sharing it here. Perhaps I'll share photos as we check things off, if I remember to hop back on the old blog before next summer.

No judging my art work...I never claimed to be an artist. ;)

Spring Hike

Spring has finally arrived in Northern Michigan, and like most people in this area, the boys and I set out to enjoy the sunshine this weekend. On Saturday, we headed out to Empire (about 30-40 minutes from our house) to hike the Empire Bluff Trail. Somehow, in my 31 years living in Traverse City, I have never hiked this trail. Since Dave was working, the boys and I enjoyed this adventure just the three of us.

Within 15 seconds of our hike, Leland found a walking stick that he carried the entire hike, and I had to practically pry it out of his hands when we got back to the car at the end. He loved that thing. Alden found one too, but quickly tired of carrying it around.

Leland made up his own song and kept singing "We're going on an adventure, we're going on an adventure!"

They pretended there were bears in the woods, and Leland hunted them with his walking stick. Alden's face below is him saying, "Oh no, get da bears!"

Maybe halfway up the trail, we stopped here to rest and enjoy the view. Leland said, "Wow! It's beautiful. Who painted this?"

A little further along, checking out the view again.

And sometimes, when you're adventuring with your kids and no other adults are around, you need to pull out the selfie stick so you can be in a dang picture with your kids.

This was as far as we went - I'm not sure it really goes much farther, this is kind of the culmination of the hike. There was a boardwalk surrounded by sand with a big dune behind it. We played for a while.

Again with the selfie stick...

Panoramic

Climb up, run down...

...or scoot down on your booty.

We had a lot of fun. The boys did amazing the entire way up. On the way down, they wanted me to carry them, which was impossible. They cried and whined enough for me to carry each of them for five minutes. Then, at the bottom, Leland said he wanted to go again. I hope we can go again this summer sometime. Maybe next time Dave can go too.

These boys are my favorite little adventurers. I love that they're always up for whatever shenanigans I may have in mind. We have so much fun together.

Fall-ish Pictures

A couple of weeks ago, I took the boys to a nearby covered bridge to get some fall photos. Unfortunately, the leaves were still green so I didn't get the fall colors I was hoping for, but I knew we wouldn't have time this last weekend with Alden's birthday and I didn't think we'd have any leaves left by this weekend. So green leaves, but they still turned out nice, I think.

Note: We are finally in the stage where Leland will happily oblige to have his picture taken, but his smile doesn't look genuine. And Alden smiles constantly but is never looking my direction. So pictures of these two still take some work. I took about 200 pictures and ended up with a couple of keepers.

See...fake smile, but GOSH! He's still so handsome.

Cheeeeese!

I love this one, but I wish Leland's face wasn't covered.

We found a caterpillar!

Another car pulled up to get pictures so the boys were distracted. I still love this one though. Leland's pose is on point.

They had fun running back and forth across the bridge a gazillion times. And there is a bell to ring as well, so of course they had fun with that. Leland has asked if we can go back. I'm sure we'll be back at some point. Such a pretty place for pictures. Also, the property that it's on is for sale. I want to buy it! Now to just stumble upon gobs of money to afford it. 

Another Beach Day

I finally have my computer back, which means easier blogging, and I can use pictures from my real camera, not just my phone. This post will include both.

Sunday morning, the boys and I headed out to Leland again for some beach time. Dave stayed home because he hates the heat (weirdo), so my mom and my sweet friend, Kristina, came with us. We had such a fun morning. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Alden found the 45 minute drive to be a bit much for him.

This usually only happens if we're driving after 11:00am, on our way home for lunch. Not on the way to our destination.

And then we arrived. Man, I love all of the amazing beaches in and around Traverse City. Lake Michigan is beautiful.

Lots of waves that day. Leland loved it!

Alden was a little more shy about the water. He wanted to be right next to one of us, if not in our arms. He was unsure about those waves.

After a little water play time, we took a break for some sand play. And snacks.

(Side note: I did get a Cheese Shanty sandwich that day and it was AMAZING!)

My sweet baby

And then we played in the water some more.

I was so happy to get this picture even though the boys weren't looking. I never get to actually be in the picture.

After the beach, we headed back to Fishtown for some ice cream at the Dam Candy Store.

The boys got strawberry (Leland picked it because it was pink).

Alden knows we don't waste ice cream.

I sure love all these summer adventures with my boys. I'm glad they're always up for whatever activities I have planned for the day, unlike their party pooper of a daddy (who actually had good reason to skip the beach, since he had spent an entire week working in 90 degree temps and needed a day in the comfort of our air-conditioned home).

Elk Rapids Beach Day

One day last week, we ventured out to Elk Rapids again to meet up with an old pal, Emmett. Emmett went to Julie's daycare with the boys and his mom teaches at GTA with me (well, not with me - she teaches high school, but you know what I mean). Emmett is about a month older than Alden, so while they don't play "together" as much as play near each other, it was still a fun play date. 

There is a really cool playground at this beach. The boys had so much fun. And Alden, in his typical fashion, injured himself. Oy!

There was another young boy there who let our boys play with his trucks. I brought a huge bag of sand and water toys, including trucks, boats, and planes, but of course someone else always brings something cooler. 

My kids could swing all day! I think Emmett feels the same way. 

And my boys always have to climb EVERYTHING! Hence Alden's constant injuries. 

Leland and Alden LOVED the beach and the playground! We will definitely be going there again!