Autumn Leaves

Jacob, Sydni & Kourtni - having a great time helping Grandpa rake up autumn leaves

Allyson Rebekah

Jacob really wanted a little brother - but when he saw Allyson, he decided she was a keeper!

Proud daddy!

D & D are their beautiful family

Angels Landing

Hikers - ready to go!

Brittany, Cory and Ashton - Ethan & Megan - ready to go!

Tiffany & Brett at the very top of Angel's Landing.

There were some fun cubby holes along the way - Jacob and Charlie decided to surprise us - we thought it was also a great spot for a nap!

Some of the amazing scenery - and yes those leaves reallly were that pink!

What great hikers we had with us - Charlie & Jacob hiked up and all the way back - nearly 5 miles! Ar carried James up that 1,488 foot climb- and we were all starving when we got back down - we couldn't wait for everyone else to arrive - we just started eating!

Land of the Lakes

A new joy - our new little grandson . . .Grant arrived on a lovely Monday morning and is healthy and strong.

Time to do our hair - I love the little California girl look . . .

Grace and I are checking on the Moo cows. Autumn is a gorgeous time in northern Michigan - beautiful rolling hills, amazing blaze of color mixed with greens of all hues. We liked to stop at a Bill's Farmer's Market, where the produce was fresh and plentiful! And oh, that is a bottle of sparkling apple cider that Ray has in his hand.

The playground near the harbour became a favorite spot for us . . . it has fun slides, a sand box, swings, a nice beach, fishing jumping out of the water and great views of Lake Michigan- something for each of us to enjoy!

The whole purpose of our trip - baby Grant and big sister, Grace - two cute ones! Aunt Sarah brought out a pile of newborn diapers to save Jesse some leg work - Gracie decided she wanted to practice diapering all of her favorite friends . . . - so there they are - all well cared for and happy!

Putting on the Ritz at the Grand Hotel

Cori & Jesse treated us to a luxurious night's stay at the Grand Hotel on Macinac Island - we had such a wonderful time!

There it is! The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. This is where Somewhere in Time was filmed.

Ray at Arch Rock at Mackinac State Park.

The food was magnificent - beautifully presented by very professional, white gloved waiters. No cars are allowed on the island - everything is done by horse and carriage or walking - just as in the days of old, it gives a lovely timelessness and tranquility to the island.




We walked a few miles looking at all the lovely Victorian homes -

We liked these bird houses - and the landscaping around the island is beautiful - everything is so green and flowers everywhere!

After six - everyone dresses up - doesn't Ray look handsome in his tux! We dined in style and then spent a lovely evening listening to a harp concerto and going to the movies.

Those Cute Grandkids

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children [and grandchildren] teach us what life is all about." ~Angela Schwindt

Heading into the Sunset

Gracie doesn't miss a chance to stop and "smell the roses."

We had a wonderful visit with Cori & Jesse & beautiful little Grace. We headed south on March 23 and because Ray had been working most of the night before, I did most of the driving, but the trip flew by as we listened to "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks. I love books on tape!

A few highlights of our trip:

Beauty in the Breeze at Point Vincente

Whale Watching at Point Vincente Interpretive Center

We saw two California Grays passing by while we were there, but we realized that people come, bring picnics and stay the whole day with their binoculars.

The Aquarium of the Pacific was amazing - we spent the whole day there~

Grace feeds the Lorikeets some nectar

Disneyland, of course

We also had the wonderful opportunity to go and visit the home that Jack & Irene built in Sunland ~ this is where Ray was born, but the family moved to Colorado while he was still young.

The beautiful stone fireplace that Jack built

Golfing with an ocean view

A romantic evening at the Josh Groban concert

A picnic at Redondo Beach