Michigan

On Saturday we left home and drove to Peru, IN for our Cousin's/Great Uncle's annual "Froast" (fish fry/corn roast). It was fun to see our extended family and we all ate way too much food. Just to fully convey the magnitude of the wonderfulness (correction: terribleness) of the food, my plate consisted of fried fish, fried pickles, a fried biscuit, nacho dip & chips, a hush puppy, and the cheesiest and most wonderful macaroni and cheese you've ever encountered. This is one of the few times I allow myself to eat whatever I want, however much I want, and I don't feel one ounce of guilt over it. It's wonderful! And of course there was what else, homemade ice cream for dessert.

Then we continued up to Michigan and arrived late Saturday night. On Sunday the Ohio Gribbles were here so we got to visit with them. Jennifer is getting ready to start her senior year in HS and Jeff will be a Junior at OU. It was fun to catch up with them all. We've done a good amount of relaxing, shopping, swimming, reading and playing on the beach. (disclaimer: I have also already gotten all my work done for the week with the help of my mom watching Will!) Will has had fun feeding the deer. We've seen three consistently including one baby still with its spots. Will is also still on his kick of always wanting to have "Nana Do It!" One big change this time is that he has been LOVING the water. He still likes to play on the beach of course but his favorite is to grab his inner tube and head out for the waves. He doesn't want anyone touching him, he likes to do it himself. He will just kick and kick, riding the waves up and down, until we have to drag him out of the water. It's fun to see him so independent. Here is a picture of the beach. It's so beautiful and I never get over how much I love it! Also a picture of Will's face after a day on the beach. Sun block doesn't seem to help the stickiness factor.














Will decided to help Nana sweep the porches - but refused any clothes.

Some random updates: Mr. I Won't Try Anything New has found a new love. Turkey Bacon! He ate three pieces this morning. He is also talking so much now that I am amazed every day. He repeats just about anything (constant reminder to watch what comes out of my mouth!) and is understanding so much it's incredible. He has a new attention-getting tactic. Occasionally he will call me "Sarah" or his daddy "Luke" and even BG "Barbara". He gets this little grin on his face like he's so proud of himself. It's hilarious. This week he also said "Nana, like my jeans" (not sure if it was a question or a statement) and "Daddy deer find mama and baby deer." And finally, he said "I Love You" extremely clearly to Luke on the phone today. Normally he just replies "okay." We can get him to say it if we ask him to say each word separately, but today he said it all together. So sweet..