Mackinac Island August 2019 ~ Day 3

Pictures taken Aug. 7 ~
On the third day of our anniversary trip to Mackinac Island, we walked along Main Street, bought fudge at Joann's Fudge, rode Shepler's Ferry back to the mainland, and had Mama Mia's pizza.

Mackinac Island is famous for their fudge shops.

My new mug.

Took a picture of the famous Grand Hotel while we were riding the ferry.

Mackinac Island August 2019 ~ Day 2

Pictures taken Aug. 4 ~
On the second day of our anniversary trip to Mackinac Island, we had breakfast at Mission Point, enjoyed an 8-mile tandem bicycle ride around the perimeter of the island, played tennis, and had dinner at the Bistro on the Greens!

Relaxing on Mission Point's Great Lawn.

I'm not sure how we have been lucky every trip to have beautiful weather!

People stack stones to make inukshuks along the water's edge. We made a tower of five heart-shaped stones to represent our five trips so far (including one family trip) to Mackinac Island!

We found a nice little spot to pull off for a snack.

Later, we even got in a little tennis (although I can't really play haha).

We had a wonderful dinner outside at the Bistro on the Greens.

Mackinac Island August 2019 ~ Day 1 (Videos!)

Pictures taken Aug. 3 ~
Jeff and I went to Mackinac Island for our anniversary trip. On the first day, we had a horse-drawn carriage to the Woods Restaurant!

Riding on Shepler's Ferry over to the island.

The Woods Restaurant is a Bavarian-style 1905 home that's reached via horse-drawn carriage into the wooded interior of Mackinac Island.

Videos ~ on the horse carriage!

We had a perfect corner table.

For dessert, we had the famous Grand Hotel pecan ball - vanilla ice cream coated with pecans and served over a chocolate fudge sauce. It was amazing! 

Breakfast in the Treehouse!

Picture taken Aug. 2 ~

Cousin Austin Visiting from Texas ~ 2019

Pictures taken Aug. 1 ~

Elli had fun with her cousin, Austin, from Texas! I think the Stomp Rockets were a hit.  :)

Video ~

Playing ping pong.

Playing Austin's new Hoot Owl Hoot game. 

Elli played her music festival pieces.

Playing Uno Moo.

Fresh Salsa and Guac

Picture taken July 30 ~
Made fresh salsa and guac with Kaitlyn and Brady!

Sprinkler Volleyball! (Video)

Pictures taken July 29 ~

Video ~

M.A.M.A. Festival ~ 2019 (Videos!)

Pictures taken July 27-28 ~
Elli received a Superior rating and trophy for her piano solos at the M.A.M.A. festival for the 4th year in a row!  We are very proud of her!

Video ~ Rehearsing "Plum Blossoms" before the festival.

Video ~ Rehearsing "Ballade for Belfast" before the festival.

Faith & Family Night at the Baseball Game (Video!)

Pictures taken July 27 ~
We went to the Faith & Family Night at the baseball game.  After the game, we saw Matthew West in concert!

Cotton candy!

Video ~ Christian artist, Matthew West.

Ping Pong in PJs

Pictures taken July 24 ~

Video ~

Outdoor Sister Manicures

Picture taken July 24 ~

National Ice Cream Day

Pictures taken July 21 ~
Celebrated National Ice Cream Day and made some chocolate zucchini muffins too.  :)

Little Deck Garden

Picture taken July 19 ~

Trying to protect our little deck garden of tomato plants and a hanging strawberry plant from the heat wave!

Piano Recital ~ July 2019 (Video!)

Pictures taken July 14 ~
Elliana performed "Plum Blossoms" and "Ballade for Belfast" in my piano recital. We are very proud of her.  <3

Video ~

8th "Gotcha Day" Anniversary! (Videos)

Pictures taken July 12 ~
We celebrated "Gotcha Day" at the water park again this year!

Video ~

Video ~

"Gotcha Day" ~ July 11, 2011.  Wo ai ni! 💞