A Walk in the Woods

Over Labor Day Weekend we spent some time at the camp in Gladstone (Brampton, to be specific) relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. We had several visitors as Mom and Aunt Sue made a short visit on their way from Hancock to Muskegon and Dad also stopped by on his way from Minneapolis back home. We also had a big family get together on Labor Day proper, after which we became the proud owners of two large taco salads.

In addition to picking apples and watching the deer, the kids had a blast using their imaginations while playing in the pine forest. We also had a demonstration of how a mousetrap works (fortunately not with a real mouse). There were no bat appearances in the camp this year.

One of the exciting experiences at camp is going for a walk - over the Days River and into the deep woods.

Everyone made it to the trail-head. I think the kids were told to look for acorns, which is a challenge because there aren't many (any?) oak trees at camp. Instead, they've identified several pine cones.

There are feisty crayfish in the river. This is one of the bigger ones.

After crossing the bridge, we handed out the cameras. We took pictures of the flora and fauna:

Everyone had to have a leaf:

We found another frog. Actually, there were tons of these little guys. They jumped around like grasshoppers.

A nice crow flew by and offered to take everyone's picture:

We found more to photograph:

It was a good walk.

For you non-facebookers...

In our spare time, Karl and I have been working on decorating and settling into our new home. Ok, mostly it's been me decorating, but he's been very helpful in hanging things on the walls : ) I thought I'd take some pictures so you could all see our new place!

Our spare bedroom/office

Cozy bedroom complete with new age bedspread

Our tiny, yet functional bathroom

The refrigerator is laughing at you

Our tv doesn't actually show any channels or movies, we just like to watch it glow

Give a Bug a Hug

I stepped outside yesterday and there were two bugs on the side of the garage door. They were just hanging out. The first was a large walking stick. It actually stayed there for most of the day. 

And a cicada.

 The two were not on speaking terms.

I never realized that walking sticks had pincers.

This is a decoy walking stick that I found.

Here's to You Dad...

Dad, remember the times when I would beg you to tell me a story? And then, do you remember when you ran out of story material and I had to tell you what story I wanted told to me?

Well, one of my most vivid memories of those stories involves finding abandoned military bunkers full of all kinds of army vehicles and machines. This has long been a fantasy of mine. And today, I discovered that it is in fact a reality.

So here's to you Dad, for telling me one of my most favorite stories that was in fact true.