The campers return!

Hi everyone!
We got home yesterday after 4 days of camping in the Manistee National Forest. Our weather up there along the shore line was overcast and we did have some sprinkling but nothing bad. The kids swam every day but one, the campground beach was rocky and gravely which made it hard to walk on for the kids but they swam anyway. Then on Weds. we drove the few miles to the public beach wich was solid sand and they swam some more. They rode their bikes around the campgrounds, played badmitton, we walked the historic streets of Manistee, watched a tugboat push a barge up the river and under a tow bridge and went to have ice cream at the house of flavors before coming back to the campgrounds for campfire buisquits and grilled chicken with rice! The next morning we did a 30 minute nature walk then packed up our gear and headed back home. Was a nice camp out but now Larry and I look forward to going back up there for a few days alone. We have always LOVED Ludington which is south of Manistee but I think we like this newer area even more! Its old, historic and beautiful! A fun place.
Another week or so and the kids are back in school....yayeee!!! Its been a whirlwind of a summer and I cant believe its almost over. The leaves are beginning to turn and some are falling but I think that may have something to do with the heat and drought we had this summer. Anyway, we are staring fall in the eye already! Okay, enough of the weather....you all take care and know that I love you each and every one! Lin...we have NOT heard much from you.
Love you,
Rose

Grandbaby story....

Hello my family, I cant hold it in any longer....I have to gush about my sweet little grandbaby. She has changed so much in three months I couldnt believe it. She looks like a little girl more then she looks like a baby!! She remembered me, which filled my heart to the brim again. She is all over the place, runs, not walks....everywhere. And she climbs on everything too. She is a happy healthy little baby girl. I got hugs and kisses at every turn which put me in my glory, of course. We spent alot of time together, taking walks, playing, singing, reading and just soaking in her whole being. Man Im in love.....so much. Ok, now that Ive gushed I feel much better. She loved playing with my underwear and bra.....hahah was too funny. And when I chased her and said "Im going to get you", she would run away with her hands out in front of her like a zombie running and laughing. Aw, shes just too sweet. Love to all, Cindy

Cindys In and Out pictures....enjoy

this is near our house

this is the entrance from reeses house to beach

haha...maya is "in" the cooler

Wonderful Baby Fix

Hello family, just wanted to relay my trip to Virginia to see Maya and Kelly. I didn't do any site seeing or anything, just spent time with the baby and Kelly. I was in heaven!!! She has changed so much in the three months since I have seen her. She is allllllll over the place now, running everywhere. She is cute as a button, of course, and she remembered me right away which warmed my heart to no end. I held and cuddled her as much as I could. I fed her every meal and gave her every bath. I slept on a mattress in front of her crib and every morning she would wake up and put her little hand through the bars and poke at me. I will send some pictures as soon as I get them downloaded, I know you just can't wait...haha My heart is full once again until the next time. Kelly was great and made me feel very welcome and comfortable. She is always so generous with Maya and I appreciate that.

And Rose, you forgot about my in and outs.....geez...haha I will get mine up soon also. Im game for any subject for our next topic. Holy works for me to get us going until we decide on the others. Just let me know. Love to everyone, Cindy

Photo shop

Hi guys, I was playing around with my photo shop and this was the result of one of my pictures. I won't take up more room on our blog, but thought this was interesting. Amazing what you can do, isnt it? Love Es.

New themes!

Hello my beautiful sistas!
First, thank you Esther for saving my butt and posting my two themes on the Blog for me! I appreciate your helping me.
Second, here are a few proposals for the next photo shoot theme....oh and by the way....you guys put in a few ideas and we will vote on the best next theme. Hurry up now!
Here are my suggestions: holy, textures, we discussed emotions such as joy, sadness and swings. I do like "swings"but can also think of lots of "holy" things so lets get some input guys! Lin, we still need your exit and entrance dont we? Good luck, girls and happy shooting!
Love you all,
Rose

Entrances and Exits

Well, here are my pictures for this month. I had alot of fun at a playground as you can see. I am ready to start the next group, lets figure out what it will be. Esther

Rose's entrance/exit pictures

Here are her second set.

Rose's reflections

Here are Rose's photos of reflections, she was unable to download herself. She picked two and I downloaded them but did enhance them for her so if you have issues with them it is likely my fault........sob!

Back to Napa

Hi All,

Well, we are heading back to Napa for a wine pouring and then on to SB and for me Fintan. We had fun and the weather has been good most of the time but I have bills to pay and a grandson to spend time with. Thought I would leave you with one more pic of Bainbridge.

Love Linda

Loved spending time with Logan and Rose

Hello family, well we are on a down again now that Logan and Rose left! Its always great to get the company and try to plan new adventures. Logan was a cutie patutie to say the least. We think he had a great time and enjoyed visiting. Its always fun for Ed and I because we do new adventures with each grandbaby that comes to visit! I miss you and Logan already too. I have to say my favorite was the Kentucky Down Under Cave. Was very raw feeling, lots of water and dampness dripping and we saw three different creatures while down there. I also loved the birds we saw and got to feed. Logan and I had a great water fight, he sure is strong for his little build. We laughed alot and enjoyed him completely. Uncle Ed got to spend time with him also and loved it, says they are alot alike, calm....hahahah We are already looking forward to our next visit by the Holmes children......Livie! And remember, everyone is welcome any time, so come on down. Linda, Im so sorry about Bean, but now she is with my dogs and loving it! Remember, Dad is up there and dogs always loved him. Esther, the hockey camp sounds like it was a blast. Gets us that much closer to those free professional hockey games when Devin makes it pro.....teehee Lots of love to everyone, and know we miss you all terribly. Love Cindy

The Return!

Hello everyone!
Logan and I arrived home yesterday around 8:00 PM. Christy was at the airport waiting for us...plane was delayed by 45 minutes. I dont think Logan was ready to come home yet as he was having a wonderful time at Aunt Cindy's and Uncle Ed's house. He LOVED the plane flight....took it like a pro flyer! We went to Kentucky Down Under to see animals and go thru the caverns,went to Lost River Cave where we took a boat down an underground river...was cool. Went to the famous candy store for his big bag of candy, to the Alpine slide but it was closed due to 104* weather so we stayed indoors in the airconditioning!! We went for chicken on a stick at the flea market (a must-do if in Kentucky) and had a water balloon fight in the afternoon. Logan was very compfy at Aunt Cindy's and we both loved her house! Beautifully decorated!! Good job, Cin!!! We had a wonderful time with you and Ed and we thank you for your hospitality! We will see you again in Oct. I miss you already. Now, next year its Olivia's turn to fly.....look out Cindy...we will be back!!! :0
Linda, I am SOOOOOOO sorry about Bean...poor old Beanie...we are ALL going to miss that dog!!! I know this is hard...we have all been thru it. Just know that our hearts are with you.
Well, I will sign off now. Got lots of cleaning to do tomorrow and all next week. We are going to Manistee next week with the kids and the 5th wheel and right after that Kathy is coming! So I will write again later. Take care everyone! I love and miss you all. Hocky Camp sounded very cool, Es. Glad he got to do it.
Bye now! Love,
Rose

Red Wings Hockey Camp

Well, Devin just finished his hockey camp at the Joe and had a great time. The Red Wings goalie coach gave them instruction today and over the past three days he got to tour the locker room, get his picture taken in front of Hasek's locker, was given several Yzerman souveniers signed by the man himself, and had several hours of on ice instruction and several hours of dryland training. It was not an intensive camp but it didnt cost an arm and a leg either, so all in all it was a fun weekend for him. Next year he will hopefully go to Peterborough, Ontario, where the goalie instruction is top notch, very intensive and offers five hours of on ice daily. I have been taking alot of pictures for our entrance/exit series and will be posting as soon as I get my film developed. Love and miss everyone, Es.

Sad news from Bainbridge

Hi Family,

I just wanted to let you guys know that we put Beanie down this morning. She started failing about 3 days ago and by this morning she could no longer get up. Anyway, she went quickly and without pain.

love, Linda

Another Kentucky adventure!!

Hello my sisters!
I am departing via airplane with my middle grandson to Kentucky for 4 days! We leave this afternoon on Southwest and should be at our destination in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Logan is very excited but instead of acting happy or anxious he comes across as goofy and cocky! I know what it all means so I have reassued him he will have fun. What a kid! Looking forward to being with Cindy and Ed....they are always nice to be with. Will give you all an account of how much fun we had when we return next Tuesday. Talk to you soon.
Love and kisses,
Rose

Ok, here is my first IN and OUT picture.

Hi Girls,

I just wanted to start the August photo shoot so we don't forget. In and Out right? This one was taken in Rose's back forty where she keeps her garden. It was such a pretty spot and had an in/out feel to it that I thought I would get a few shots and this one was pretty. Hope you like it.

We are still on Bainbridge and it is coldddddddddddddddddd. Has been for about three days. Kelly and Ross come this weekend and Peter is all excited. It will be fun! We head back south on Wednesday and then down to pick up the boat. This will be intesting!

Love to all, Linda

Sad near Saginaw!

Hello my dear sisters! Well, I tried again last night to post a reflection photo but this time with Esther next to me......no luck! We could not get past the last point which is exactly where I could not get past in my three prious attempts! Ugh, frustrating!!!! I will get Kathy to give suggestions when she comes out next month. If that does not work I will try posting the photos on my e-mails to get them to you guys. Dont give up on me yet! :)
We are 99.9% done with the kitchen!!! Yippeeee! Our cupboards are up, new fridge is in place, stove back in, new hood, wall trim on, lights all work, running water in kitchen and I am almost ready to cook in it again! All thats left is the cupboard doors to go back on (we are doing that) and a little trim around the pantry closet, the pantry doors put on and crown molding on the upper cupboards. The guys need to remove the old fridge and sweep the front porch and we are DONE!!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Its been a long haul but it is worth it...every time I see that beautiful floor and all that new space above me. Its a very nice kitchen. You will see it in time. Is your construction finished, Lin? How do you like the bathroom downstairs? I cant wait to see it. What will you be redoing next? :)
Well, I must run along now and get this place cleaned up. Took kids home yesterday and now need to put this place back in order. I am preparing for the big Logan/Kentucky adventure next Thursday...he is excited about the flight to Aunt Cindy's. Will be fun! Will let you know how it went when we return. You all take care and keep writing. I love you all so much.
Your sister, Rose

A Nuclear Sight

Hi All,

I thought you might like to see what we woke up to this morning at 630am. We get treated to some great sights, this being one of the best. How often do you get to watch a nuclear sub go by? Anyway, just thought you might like this.

Love, Linda