Time to Catch Up!

Why does summer seem to go by so quickly?  I guess it is true... Time flies when you are having fun! Since I last posted on the 4th of July, we have been busy with work, cross country, kids, and our boat!
On July 5, we drove up to Ann Arbor, MI so that Calvin could participate in his college orientation.  A day and a half were for parents and students and the remaining day and a half were for just the students.  Once again, we were all very impressed with this school and Calvin can't wait to get started!  When we weren't learning the Michigan fight song, we were able to spend some time with some very good friends from Stockholm.  They were in Ann Arbor visiting relatives so Max was able to spend lots of time with his friend, Gabby while I spent time with her mom, Nancy.  Great time!

After our time at U Mich, we headed further north to Mackinac Island, Michigan where we spent 4 days and three nights.  Fantastic time on the island where cars are prohibited.  We biked, hiked, ate, drank, walked, explored, golfed, and learned about the island history.  The boys even enjoyed some parasailing!

Max continued to volunteer 6 hours per week at the Holden Arboretum until last Friday.  He really enjoyed the little kid section of the park that he worked in.  Many times, it was boring, as he waited for visitors to arrive and need his help but he really loved the time that the kids' day camps were there and demanding his attention and expertise.  He is now thinking that he might want to be a day camp counselor next year.  Josh's mom came up for a visit and had the opportunity to see our boat/yacht club and to visit Max's place of work.

Quincy was able to come home for a quick weekend while on a break from his camp counselor job.  It was great to see him and he brought home his new girlfriend, Rebecca, for us to meet.  Great girl and a great time, lounging at the yacht club all weekend and getting in some great sailing!  We also enjoyed a party at the yacht club.  Can't beat enjoying a bottle of wine on your boat with friends while live 80's music plays in the background!

Calvin finally had a day off of work on the same day that Josh was able to take a day off so he finally got to go out on the lake in the boat.  They had a very nice time although a dose of dramamine might be a good idea before heading out next time!

I continue to try to do some hiking a few days a week in the beautiful metro parks around our house.  It has been hot and muggy so not always appealing but always beautiful and always a good work out.

Unfortunately, last week, we had to say good-bye, very unexpectedly to one of my aunts.  My dad's sister, Mildred,was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly.  Although the occasion was sad, it was nice to catch up with my many cousins and other aunts and uncles.

Josh came home from a week in Europe on Friday and I got home from the funeral Friday evening, so we were happy to go out with friends on Saturday evening and celebrate "Ale Fest" in one of our local parks.  Despite the rain, we had a great time and enjoyed many of the local beers.

On Sunday, it was time for Max's lazy days of summer to end as he took off for 6 days of cross country camp with his team.  He will then have mandatory daily practices when he returns.

That's it!  You are all now caught up.  I will leave soon to pick up Tabitha from the airport for a 10 day visit.  Can't wait!!