Higgins Lake - 2010

July 28th - 31st

It was time for your annual family trip to Higgins Lake. Matt took the week off work so he was able to join us for the whole trip this year. Last year Matt spent his vacation time in the hospital with Madison, so he was only able to spend a day and a half with us at Higgins.

On Wednesday, we headed up north. Our first stop was Matt's family in Blanchard. We visited his family on Wednesday, spent the night and headed up to Higgins on Thursday morning.

This year, the WHOLE family was going to stay at Tim and Mary Jo's cottage due to a scheduling conflict with Uncle Donnie's cottage. That meant there was going to be 10 adults, and nine kids staying in a cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft above the garage. Well, thank goodness Amy and Steve brought their RV and parked it in the front yard. This added a sleeping and small living space for their family.

Matt, Melissa, and Charlie, Mom and Dad were already at the cottage. It was a little cool outside, so we just visited, put Madison down for a nap, went shopping and enjoyed some dinner together. Madison was displaying her independence by trying to eat her hamburger whole!




Amy and her family and Tim and his family arrived Thursday evening.

On Friday afternoon we finally made it to the beach! Madison had never been INTO Higgin's Lake before, and we were debating weather to let her in this summer. We had heard that the swimmer's itch was even worse then normal, and we really did not want her to get it, but we took a gamble and let her have some fun in the water.

Madison seemed to enjoy the beautiful yet very cool water. Of course she was a little apprehensive at first, but eventually loved it!







After dinner that night, I caught Grant laying with his dog, Tanner, and I had to take a picture. He loves his dog!



On Saturday, we took another trip to the beach. (The state park.) Tim drove the boat over so the kids could ski and tube.






As usual, Uncle Matt was being goofy, and this time he was using props.













Sunday was our last day at Higgins Lake and unfortunately, the weather wasn't very great. It was time to pack up, clean up, and head home, but not before we snapped some family pictures.








It was another memorable and fantastic Higgins Lake Family Vacation!

Messy Girl

July 18 & 25, 2010

Since Madison has learned how to feed herself, mealtime has become even more messy! Here are a few examples.

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Ravoli turned Madison into an Oompa Loompa!

And a mess like that is usually followed by a bath. She looks like an wild child here!

Silly Sparkler Girl

Friday, July 16, 2010

A few weeks before the Fourth of July, I was in JoAnn Fabrics and came across some sparkler headbands. I handed them to Madison to keep her occupied for a bit, but when I put them on her head, I realized I had to buy them. I thought she looked adorable with them on!

This video was shot a few weeks after the fourth when Madison was playing with her sparkler headband. (Her cousin Megan was over at the time.) I think she knew she looked pretty cute in them and she also loved to wear them around her neck like a necklace. She thought that was pretty funny and would giggle and giggle.

Madison - 14 Months

July 13, 2010

I had to do a photo shoot in old town and I had to bring Madison along, so I decided to snap some shots!

Sweetest Sound

July 11, 2010

There is one sound that can NEVER fail to make me grin ear to ear. . . the sound of Madison giggling. It is the sweetest sound I have ever heard.

The reason for her giggling in this video was because of her cousin Megan. (whom she LOVES) Megan was making a little wind up bunny hop and fall off our ottoman, and Madison thought it was hilarious! She actually laughed MUCH harder the first few times Megan did it, but of course we didn't get the camera out in time! (Oh, and notice how Madison is also trying to use the remote to turn the TV on while she is laughing hysterically!)

First Trip to the Zoo

July 3, 2010

Since we didn't have any big plans for the Fourth of July Weekend, we decided to take a trip to the Grand Rapids Zoo on the 3rd. This would be Madison's first trip to a zoo. We figured she would be too young to really appreciate it, and we were right, nothing at the zoo seemed to excite her too much. We figured out later that part of the problem was because she was coming down with another ear infection! Regardless it was a nice family trip.

Madison's Obsession

July 2, 2010

At the young age of one, Madison already has an obsession and it is. . SHOES! She LOVES them! Sometimes when I am getting ready I just give her a basket of shoes to keep her entertained for a while.