Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry Railroad

Mark has had about a week and a half off between first summer term, and the 2nd summer term.  Because we didn't have a lot of time, we decided to take a "stay-cation" and just do fun day-trips around the area, and get to know our surroundings better. 

I had been to this place as a teenager back in the day.  It is in the Flint area, so about halfway between Midland and Detroit.  I remember going here with my Mom and little sisters.  This was the phase of life when the oldest sister was in college, the 2nd oldest was on his mission, and my older brother was usually "busy" with teenager-ly things.  My Dad traveled a lot, which meant that the 4 of us "girls" would go out pretty often.  I liked this phase...it was fun.  :)

Anyway, it was a great day!  Weather was perfect, and we had all the time in the world to wander the old-timey buildings and homes before our steam-engine train ride through the Village.  After our train ride, we enjoyed some ice-cream, a pretty intense carousel, and ferris wheel rides before the sun began to set on this little town.  It was a great day for making memories.

We all really enjoyed this Print Shop from the 1800's.  Especially Mark, who has always been interested in letter presses, and self-publications.  I kept imagining early pioneers who used these types of machines and equipment to publish the first manuscripts of the Book of Mormon.  How much time it took for them, only to have all of their efforts burned up, and be persecuted for their beliefs.  It was like walking back in time.  Very cool!

Each page has to be pressed individually...the process is fascinating!

Trying out toys from the 1800's...stilts were the hand-held devices of yore.

MY street!!

Ironically, this is the fastest Carousel in the state of Michigan...just so happens to share the same name of our energetic 4 year old!!

Ferris wheel with Dad...I was a scaredy-cat.

The water-pump outside of the school house.  Good times.

Dow Gardens in the Summertime

What a beautiful place!  If you ever make it to Mildand, we are taking you here!  It's basically acres and acres of beautifully manicured lawns, trees, flowers, bridges, waterways, secret gardens, butterfly exhibit, an old fashioned barn, family gardens, rose gardens, fun stuff for the kiddos...it's a great place to just go and stroll, and sit on the grass, and enjoy the beauty of God's creations.  We had a great day doing just that!!  Enjoy the pics!!  I couldn't pick just one, or three, or five even...haha!!

Dow's house from the back...that water covers his underwater-studio...and he built the garden as an extension of his backyard...some kind of a yard, eh?

I am in LOVE with this bridge!!

Thank Goodness for Daddy!!

Where would any of us be without our dear, old Daddy?!?  We sure love this guy, and are so grateful for all he does for our family!  Who wouldn't want to celebrate such a great guy?!?  Thanks for all you do for us Mark!  We LOVE u!!

Father's Day dinner at it's finest!

I think he likes his gifts!

Trying out his new toy...

Bulls-eye!

Thanks Pop!

...for all the sweet things you do.  We appreciate all of your Golden Advice...

...We love that you are a nerd, and We hope you have many Great Adventures this year...Happy Father's Day!!

While the Big Girls are Away...

While the girls were away at Girl's Camp, the rest of us had some fun too.  Sometimes with all three of them, it's hard to find something that appeals to everyone.  We decided it would be fun to do things that we knew Parker would love, but the older two might not be crazy about.  So we set off for some summer adventures!

 We went to the Mount Pleasant Children's Discovery Museum one day.  It was fun for Parker, and pretty manageable for a few hours.  Not as big or awesome as the ones in Illinois, but still a great place for her to play and get some energy out.  And who am I kidding, Mark and I played a little too!

Another day we took a hike through the Chippewa Nature Center hiking trails.  We got a bit lost, but ended up having a good time anyway.  It's been such wonderful weather this summer to be outside enjoying nature and getting some exercise.

We also took a little trip to Dow Gardens again.  We've been here several times this summer, but it never gets old.  It's so nice to just walk through the gardens enjoying the green that surrounds you, as well as the flowers, architecture of the bridges and landscapes, and water.  The sounds, smells, and feelings of summer are just so calming and inspiring. 

Her last moment of glory...being an only child, so to speak...until the big sisters came home.  I think she really missed them, but also got a taste of what it's going to be like someday in the distant future.  Oh boy, that's an interesting thought!