Bay View, MI Beach Trip

During the first week of August, we spent 3 days in beautiful Bay View, near Petoskey, MI. Highlights included lots of fun at the Lake Michigan beach, staying in a historic bed and breakfast inn and funny bedtime stories read aloud by Grandpa Siebelink.

The Terrace Inn was exactly what Stella had dreamed of with regards to the pink floral wallpapered bedroom and the Victorian dining room with chandeliers. I am happy to report that we didn't break any glass dishes or other fragile items while staying at the bed and breakfast! We were the only family there with 4 young children.

This was Ava's first trip to the beach. She really didn't seem to notice the beach much. She was quite happy to nurse and sleep.

Lincoln, Isaac and Stella played long and hard the entire time we were at the beach. Lincoln was in constant motion, usually digging.

Candle dipping

Today Isaac and Stella dipped candles at Greenfield Village. I think they were both surprised at how long it took to make 2 candles! It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed our morning excursion.

Star-gazing

Isaac and Stella have been studying the our solar system and the constellations in home school this month. On Thursday, August 7, 2008, they had their first chance to observe the stars. It was a clear night and at around 10:00 pm, I woke them up to go with Daddy to Big Sugar Bush Park. Isaac was immediately awake and ran outside to the driveway. I sent him back inside to get dressed. Stella was sleepy and it took some convincing to get her dressed and outside. But once awake and looking at the stars in the driveway, she was an eager star-gazer as well.

Armed with blankets, flashlights, binoculars, a telescope and a glow-in-the-dark constellation guide book, they proceeded to the big hill at the park. Hopefully they didn't wake the neighbors on their way to and from the park with their excited chattering.

They spotted the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Scorpius, Polaris, Deneb, Vega, Cygnus and most importantly, Jupiter! Isaac was amazed at the sighting of Jupiter. They checked out the craters on the moon as well.

Ava rolls over!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008: Ava rolled over from her tummy to her back. She can also scoot a few inches forward on her mattress using her knees and toes.

Stella quote

Tonight as I (Lisa) was helping Stella get ready for bed, the following conversation went something like this:

S: I want to listen to the Bible CD.
L: OK, what part or story do you want to listen to?
S: Oh, I don't know! There are so many wonderful stories to choose from!
L: How about the story of Jesus as a baby?
S: Yes, that sounds good. Please get the Matthew CD #1.

Isaac lost another tooth!

Sunday, August 3, 2008. Tonight at dinner, Isaac lost his 3rd tooth.