Dad's Day Off

Billy decided to take a much needed and deserved Friday off last week and we enjoyed the morning to ourselves (ie - extra sleep after a late night out) with the kids in school but spent the afternoon at The Henry Ford Museum (visted here) with our neighbors.

I think Billy and William had the most fun and I loved watching them together.  It's amazing how boys will be boys.  He was sooo into this train, and probably could have just watched it go around and around the entire time we were there.

 I zoom right past, but these two just stop and study...must be a boy thing.

They would hardly stop and let me take a picture, best I got.

There is a lego exhibit going on now.  There were crazy lego skyscrapers on display but these kids didn't even notice and were onto the area where they could build their own.

I promise she's smiling:)

We did manage these...fun day!

Thanks for taking the day off.  I know at times it doesn't always feel like a vacation, but I certainly do appreciate the extra help and break for our normal routine!  

XOXO

Aubrey

Future Spartans (and winner annouced!)

A visit to Michigan State will always bring back treasured memories.  From my days in the dorms, sorority life, meeting Billy and of course football.  

We had such a great time tailgating with the kids last year that we attempted it again this past weekend.  It was all I could talk last week, completely excited for our little day trip.  I watch most of the games on tv, but it's not like I'm this die hard fan who plans their life around the Spartan's schedule (However, I will admit to screaming at the tv).  It's because I called this place home for four years, and I'd be lying if I don't have this little dream of our children getting experience what we did.  

So, the sales pitch is starting early.  College part two, right?

  We could not have asked for a better day or better kids.  Look at him, born to tailgate.

We were able to catch up with friends without chasing them around and just relax, which doesn't always happen.

While MSU may have the scale tipped in its favor, we will gladly support any decision.  

At the very least, we'll take them as lifelong fans.

AND THE WINNER IS.....

using random.org

****Congrats Megan!  You apparently have good luck with my giveaways****

Have a great weekend everyone and go green!

XOXO

Aubrey

Camp out and in

We have been busy enjoying summer this week with swim lessons, visits to the playground and a day at the pool.  All the fun has left little to no time for naps and even less time for me/blog time.  My posts will most likely always be sporadic as our week's are never the same, so I appreciate you continuing to check in and see what's up...especially those checking multiple times a day:)

When I was making the summer bucket list I asked Lauren what she wanted to do this summer.  And with no frame of reference she said "I want to sleep outside."  Her campin' lovin' daddy honed right in on that and started planning right away.

Lauren was so excited all day about camping outside.  Wondering when we were going to put the tent up and even packing a bag.

I know Billy was in his element and Lauren was loving the special time with just her daddy.  She wanted to help with the tent and sat a watched our tiny fire grow, as a true camper should.

The only thing I can take credit for is purchasing the ingredients for s'mores.  

Yep, those are peanut butter chips.  

An excellent addition to the s'mores, in my opinion.  

After dessert, she just loved going in and out of the tent while mom and dad enjoyed a drink...William was fast asleep, thankfully.  Keeping him away from the fire would have been no easy task.

As much fun as we all had, Lauren called it quits at 8pm.  Explaining to us that it was too hot in the tent and she wanted to go inside.  It's no secret that I'm not an outdoorsy kinda girl, ya think she might take after her mother?

Nice pic, Mr. and Mrs. Chins

XOXO


Aubrey

Weekend Roundup

The weekend started early and ended yesterday.  Full of fun for the kids but some mom time too, of course.

We started Friday morning with a trip to Domino Farms.  It was a gorgeous day so we included a picnic lunch too.

Lauren LOVES her friends Tristan and Tinsley, I have started to joke that she wants to be a part of their family...case and point.

We ended our friday with some singing, dancing, and CHASING.  

The Merry Music Maker put on a great show but William wanted nothing to do with the show or sitting with me. 

If you're happy and you know it...find the janitor's broom.  Anything and everything that isn't for tots, William wants.

Lauren was ready to run around halfway through as well, but I somehow managed this.  Too bad she is a little blurry.

Saturday night we were a family of five.  We babysat Tyler who was visiting from California while his parents went to a wedding.  He was so good, an absolute delight to have.  Easy going and laid back.  Our kids are CRAZY compared to him.

We were waiting for Kristi to return and Lauren kept saying "I've got my guys."  So cute!

If you're still with me...I know this is long:)

Mother's Day was awesome, one of my favorites.  

Nana hosted dinner at her house.  My mom and brothers were included and Lauren got to visit with most of her cousin's.  (Which she said was her favorite part of the day)

Nana orders Chicken Shack and calls it a day.  You help yourself and find a chair.  I do love the fuss that goes into a nice home cooked meal and a beautifully set table, but sometimes simple is welcomed just as much.  It was an afternoon where everyone was enjoying themselves.  I was lucky enough to be able to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine.

 

Thanks for a great Mother's Day, Nana!

  

To get in one more fix with our 
California friends we did an early dinner last night.


Great to see you guys and safe travels to 

Nashville!

We were back to our routine today after a week off school, next week is her last week!  I can't believe summer is here!

XOXO

Aubrey

Summer...come back!

I should just be happy that spring is here, but the tease we had last week is making me lust for all things summer.  Living in Michigan, we usually get a 48 hour heat wave that has us dreaming about summer BBQ's and sandals, not actually doing it!  

We enjoyed a picnic at the park, several walks even into the usual cold evening hours, and some patio cocktails.  But because the warm weather stayed so long, I took it a step further.  

If you've ever paid a visit to our backyard you know it's a good 10-15 degrees warmer than the surrounding areas.  The Beacon of Heat is what I like to call it, so while it may have been 70 degrees most places, it was at least 80 degrees in our yard.  

When in Rome, right?  I pulled out some summer water toys, put the kids in their bathing suits and like most middle-aged white males....put my shorts on too:)

The fifteen day forecast isn't looking that sunny, but it's not snowing either. 

XOXO

Aubrey

Weekend Fun

Just a quick little post about our weekend.  Billy and I enjoyed dinner out and a concert on Saturday night while the kids overnighted with Grandma and Grandpa.  It is always nice to have the whole night.  Not only to enjoy the time together, but to catch up on sleep and a few things around the house.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful parents that are close and always wanting to babysit for us!

We joined them Sunday afternoon for an early dinner and watch MSU lose...boo!

I had to share a new dessert I found.

Campfire Banana Boats

I finally caught an episode of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network and it was all about camp food.  I just had to try these!

Just follow the recipe, but if you are doing it in the oven....350 degrees for 20 minutes.

I'm showing you these pictures because while they were really good, the bananas needed more chocolate and more graham crackers! 

And make the graham crackers a little chunky too, the crunch is good!

We sent Jocelyn and Emma home with all the fixin's too...they liked but we both agreed on more sweets stuffed inside:)

XOXO


Aubrey