Life with the Woods

Spicer's Apple Orchard

2012-02-15T19:22:00.001-05:00

Asa had received a certificate for a free donut and cider from Spicer's Orchard, so for Eli's birthday trip we headed there. The boys enjoyed their donuts. YUMMMMMM!!

After eating the yummy donuts and drinking the yummy cider, we headed outside to explore.

The corn box was pretty fun until the boys got frustrated with it trying to make "corn" castles.

Eli enjoyed 'driving' the train while Asa rode in back.

The Ark playscape was fun too.

They had the most fun on the tube slides though. Even daddy and Trisha joined in on that fun.

Trisha even tried the mini zip line.

Then they found the actual sand box and Asa went to town digging a hole.

More fun playing on the playscapes.

Time to get to work driving the big farm equipment.

Asa is finally understanding how to peddle. He really enjoyed riding the tricycle around.

Happy Birthday, Asa & Eli!

2012-02-14T19:58:00.041-05:00

Hard to believe my babies are 5 & 4 now!

The pirate ship cake I made.

Everything is ready! Let the PARTY begin!

Singing Happy Birthday and time for cake.

It's time for gifts.

The kids had fun with their loot bags.

Pumpkin Carving 2011

2012-01-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

Johnson's Giant Pumpkin Farm 2011

2012-01-18T07:16:00.001-05:00

They had Thomas the Tank Engine this year. Asa and Eli loved it!

Measuring how tall we are this year!

Feeding the animals!

Asa and Eli love this little bridge! And here they are with the largest pumpkins from this year's crop!

Checking out more characters and we walked the bird trail this year!

The boys even got to ride the tractor train this year!

More characters!

Trisha took the boys through the soybean maze!

Checking out more things. The old firetruck was fun to look at!

As well as the old farm truck!

There were tricycles all over the place and the boys loved trying them out. Daddy took the boys over to warm up by the fire!

Time to pick out our pumpkins! Eli apparently needed to test the climbability of the pumpkins!

My HANDSOME boys!

Finally have the pumpkins picked out and headed to pay for them!

Then Trisha pulled them to the van!

Started raining on the way home and we saw a double rainbow!

School Harvest Festival

2012-01-17T18:14:00.000-05:00

Later in the evening after the parade, we took the boys to the Harvest Festival at the school. They loved it! They enjoyed every part of the evening.

First, they played a few games outside.

Then we headed inside and they really enjoyed the cookie walk. This proved to be the highlight of the evening as they played several times. They just enjoyed going around and anticipating their number being called.

Then they colored paper plate jack-o-lanterns. And tried the hockey shoot out!

Then we went to the library to hear a story! The boys loved this but then again it is their favorite thing to have books read to them. So I'm not surprised that they enjoyed this.

After the story the boys headed out to enjoy some donuts and cider. Only the tractor returned from the previous run and Asa could not get over there fast enough for the hayride.

Then off they went on the hayride while money went back inside to help with the games. All part of being a PTO mom. They had such a great time.

Asa's First Halloween Parade

2012-01-17T06:14:00.000-05:00

Eli and Daddy waiting for the costume parade to start.

Here comes Asa's class!

There's Asa in his pirate costume!

And here Asa noticed that Grandma Woods showed up to watch the kids go by in their costumes!

And Asa kept his eyes on her until he couldn't watch her no more!

Wednesday Night Activities

2012-01-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

This is how we spend our Wednesday evenings throughout the school year!

Not only do they play games but half their time is spent hearing Bible Stories along with Scripture memorization!

Maddy turns 2!

2012-01-12T23:48:00.006-05:00

Isn't this one of the cutest cakes you've ever seen?

Getting ready to open gifts!

Time for cake!

Free Day at the Children's Museum

2012-01-12T11:25:00.003-05:00

We decided to treat the boys and take them to the Children's Museum. The museum was having a free day and they were packed. Poor Eli was a bit overwhelmed and wasn't sure where to go or what to do.

Asa on the other hand jumped right in and interacted with the other children and adults around.

All in all they had a fun time and are eager to go back again. Just hopefully it won't be so crazy!

Say Cheese!!

2012-01-11T23:14:00.001-05:00

Had a photo shoot at home for Miss V. and the boys decided they wanted a mini-session for themselves!

Fire Station Open House

2012-01-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Mid-October we went to the Fire Station Open House. I was volunteering my services again and my boys loved checking out all of the stuff going on out there.

They got to explore the fire trucks.

As well as the Survival Flight Helicopter.

They checked out the ambulance...

...and explored the smoke house!

Here is a group shot of all the firemen and auxillary members present at the event.

Ready for take-off!

(I actually have enough photos to make a stop action video of the take off.)

Then to finish the afternoon off we watched the firemen take apart a car. Pretty cool to watch the jaws of life being used. Especially since we knew it was for display/training purposes!

A Beautiful Day for A Walk

2012-01-10T22:30:00.000-05:00

Impromptu Birthday Shoot & First Apple Orchard Visit 2011

2012-01-10T10:25:00.009-05:00

Our first trip of the fall season was to visit Montrose Orchards.

They had just put out the pumpkins the night before so I took advantage and had a small photo session with my boys. Love their honest emotions.

Trisha and her friend Whitnei came along for the mini-adventure.

Family Gatherings are Always Fun!!!

2012-01-09T22:25:00.002-05:00

One thing I love about our family is how we all gather together when family is visiting.

Just a few images taken while we were together.

Eli's First Day of School...

2012-01-09T11:08:00.003-05:00

Headed up to the bus stop! Eli is super excited for his first day of pre-school!

Look at my little man! So excited!

He took off for the bus and looked so confused when I called his name. He looked so cute sitting there in the bus seat.

And here he is getting off the bus. Actually daddy had to get on the bus and pick him up. Poor thing fell asleep on the bus ride home.

*Yes I know I over exposed two of these pictures and it bugs me but its what I have of these moments. I promise myself next year for Kindergarten will be better!

Miss Nessa turns 1

2012-01-08T23:02:00.012-05:00

We went to celebrate Vanessa's first birthday!

The kids had fun, as usual.

The birthday girl even got momma to climb around the play scape with her.

Mmmm...Cake, Oooo...Balloons, Yay...Gifts!

Time to sing and blow out the candle.

Oh sugar! She's so funny because she didn't want it on her hands.

Getting ready to open gifts!

Lots of fun new toys to play with at home!

Asa's first day of school

2012-01-08T11:31:00.009-05:00

Getting ready to head to the bus stop! Don't know what is up with the one eye squint.

Waiting for the bus to come!

Look I see the bus coming down the street!

My big boy is going to school! He didn't even hesitate, ran straight over and climbed right on!

Poor Eli was just devastated that he didn't get to go too!

Fast forward 4 hours.

Here Asa is on the return trip from school!

He was so excited to go to school. (He still is, I hope that never changes!)

His first project that he brought home from school!! <3

A new toy for the yard...

2012-01-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

Uncle Jeremy brought over a new toy for the boys. They loved it. Thank you Tyler and Molly for passing it down to Asa and Eli.

Asa gets ready for Kindergarten

2012-01-07T00:49:00.000-05:00

Seeing Thomas One Last Time

2012-01-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

Our Mini-Vacay Part 7 - The Long Way Home - Mackinaw Point Lighthouse

2012-01-06T00:42:00.002-05:00

Our final stop on the trip home was Mackinaw City! The boys loved playing by the water again.

We arrived to late for the boys to climb to the top of the lighthouse tour but they enjoyed their visit just the same. They loved seeing the Mackinac Bridge and spying Mackinaw Island off in the distance.

I could stare at scenes like this for hours. Oh look my shadow at least made it into a photo! :-)

We had fun and stopped in town to buy some fudge. Yummy Mackinaw Fudge! Well because of this stop we were able to watch a Corvette Parade. The boys thought that was really neat.

No sooner had we gotten on the expressway that the boys were out!

We had such a great time and can't wait for our next little big adventure whenever that may be!

Our Mini-Vacay Part 6 - The Long Way Home - McGulpin Point Lighthouse

2012-01-05T10:21:00.002-05:00

Next stop on the trip home was the McGulpin Point Lighthouse.

The boy got to climb to the top with daddy first. Of course, they loved it.

I enjoyed walking around and checking out the displays in the caretaker area.

Then we decided to walk down to the beach. For the 0.3 mile round trip it sure felt a lot farther especially the return trip back up to the lighthouse.

The boys enjoyed throwing rocks again.

Daddy even tried to throw Eli in.

Have to admit this is the first time I've ever been on this side of the bridge. Pretty cool to see it from another angle.

Headed back up to the lighthouse. Chris got in an extra workout carrying both boys back up the hill.

Some of the views of the lighthouse as we walked back up the hill.

Our Mini-Vacay Part 5 - The Long Way Home - Cross Village

2012-01-04T22:34:00.001-05:00

Driving through the tunnel of trees on Route M119 on our way to Cross Village.

Taking in the views as we waited to be seated at the Leggs Inn. There are three lighthouses visible on the horizon from the garden.

Deciding what they wanted to eat, mommy knew what she wanted long before we ever arrived.

More of the beautiful views as we waited for our food.

Surprisingly, Asa and Eli did super well while we waited over an hour for our food. I'd have complained but the food was delicious and obviously the view was spectacular!

Checking things out as we were leaving. I love this bee picture. So cool to stalk him.
Standing in front of the Leggs Inn tee pee.

Trying to read the sign only to realize I took the picture of the Polish side. LOL! Oh well, we spent a great afternoon together, enjoyed good food, and took in some spectacular views.

Our Mini-Vacay Part 4 - The Long Way Home - Charlevoix

2012-01-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

First stop on the long way home, Charlevoix and the South Pier Lighthouse. This lighthouse we were not able to go in but the boys loved being able to play on the beach.

Chris even took them down to put their feet in the water.

They had fun getting their feet wet.

We even got to watch someone trying to kite surf.

Yay! They got to use the sand toys we bought.

Then we walked over to the pier for a closer view of the lighthouse.

A fun break and a great chance to stretch our legs.

Our Mini-Vacay Part 3 - Leaving to head home

2012-01-04T06:55:00.002-05:00

Views of the house we stayed at on our mini-vacation. I am so thankful to my sister-in-laws parents for affording us the opportunity to even take this trip. We all enjoyed ourselves and had a much needed get away from everyday life.

Our Mini-Vacay Part 2 - Grand Traverse Lighthouse

2012-01-03T22:40:00.006-05:00

After a late breakfast/early lunch on day two of our mini-vacation, we headed over to visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse! The day was a bit warmer but a bit more overcast. We stopped by K-Mart before heading up and picked up some sand toys for the boys.

Only, when we made it to the waters edge, we discovered that there was no sand just rocks really.

The boys still had a great time jumping and playing in the water. When they started jumping, I was beginning to wish I'd thought ahead and brought them a change of clothes. Oh Well!

I even got the chance to chase butterflies!

We then headed back up to the lighthouse because some of us needed to use the restroom.

We were going to head back but the boys convinced Chris to let them climb to the top of the lighthouse. They even got a prize for making the climb.

A few scenic shots before we headed back to the house for dinner.

Our Mini-Vacay Part 1 - Old Mission Point

2012-01-03T00:39:00.016-05:00

A little discouraged about not being able to go anywhere this summer, things took a turn for the better. We were planning a small one day trip to Cross Village, MI when my brother-in-law invited us to come stay with them at the vacation house his in-laws rent for a week at the end of summer. After consulting his in-laws and his wife it was confirmed that we would be staying the end of the week. We drove up to Elk Rapids on Wednesday night and were able to get a full day of activity in on Thursday.

Our visit activity, which turned into an all afternoon activity, was to visit the Old Mission Point Lighthouse. My boys loved it.

They enjoyed playing in the waters of Lake Michigan. The breeze was a bit chilly so jackets were donned and the good times ensued.

Trying to take advantage of a great photo op.

The boys were having a blast throwing stones into the water. Chris tried to convince them they would get something special if they could lift the big rock.

Then we headed to the lighthouse but first the boys had to stop to make "sand angels."

Then finally we headed up to the lighthouse.

The boys enjoyed walking okay running around checking things out.

Then Chris took them up into the lighthouse tower. They really liked this.

We decided it was time to head back to town for some lunch. Interesting fact the lighthouse is located at the 45th parallel.

This log cabin is also on the site of the lighthouse.

Instead of heading back to the "big city," we headed into the town of Old Mission. We stopped at the general store for lunch.

They had very yummy zubs. We split one between the four of us which left Chris a bit hungry still but he decided to wait until we got back to the house to get something else to eat. The views on the drive up and down the peninsula were just simply gorgeous. I really do love the beauty of my state of Michigan!

We stopped by the store on the way back and bought food for dinners and breakfasts for the days we were there. We still had time to relax and enjoy some family time before dinner.

Watching Thomas go by...

2011-12-23T00:18:00.007-05:00

...after Molly's baptism. We headed up to Genesee to see Thomas go by on the tracks. It was rainy and we had to sit in the car but the boys loved it.

Then we stopped again the next day. It was also a much nicer day and we got to watch outside of the car. The boys also made friends with some of the other kids up there too.

Molly's Baptism

2011-12-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

Here Molly is confirming her beliefs and testifying before the congregation.

She sang a solo, then there was a sermon followed by Molly's baptism.

Here is the video.

The elders of the church ended the service by praying for Molly.

Somedays are worth...

2011-12-20T18:23:00.000-05:00

...chasing rainbows!

Went to the store after the horseshoe tournament and came out to this view. Then headed to a better location to try and capture it some more. Stayed until it faded and headed on the way home. However the show was not over.

As we were driving down the road, the double rainbow reappeared. So I scrambled to find some place to stop and take more pictures. It was so fun to go on the hunt and I believe the resulting image below definitely shows that it was worth it too.

GTFD Horseshoe Tournament

2011-12-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

This summer I partnered with the local fire department and had opportunity to shoot a few of their planned events. I had a lot of fun doing this and the boys enjoyed some fun activities as a bonus.

Asa

2011-11-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

Such a little show-off layely.

Farm Fest 2011 - Frankenmuth

2011-11-29T19:55:00.002-05:00

The weekend after the Firemuster was Farm Fest in Frankenmuth. They bring in antique Farm Equipment. The boys enjoyed exploring and "driving" a few of the tractors.

After exploring a bit, we rode the wagon over to the one-roomed schoolhouse.

While waiting for the previous group to finish inside, I snapped a few scenery shots.

Loved being inside and checking things out in there.

Headed back to the farm. I almost wasn't able to get on this tractor and ended up in the back and Asa wasn't to thrilled about that.

Then Asa and Eli enjoyed riding the barrel train. I love this first shot of Eli.

Here they are coming back.

And since there was no line they got to ride on the other train.

Loved seeing all the different demonstrations.

Then it started to rain a bit harder.

So we headed inside the homestead farmhouse.

While we explored inside, the rain lightened up and we went back to check out the plow horses.

Before leaving we rested over in the entertainment tent and enjoyed some singing.

Then we went through the barn on the way out before heading to the car.

Frankenmuth Firemuster

2011-11-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

The end of July we headed up to Frankenmuth for the Firemuster weekend.

Seeing all of the old fire trucks was a lot of fun and the boys loved it.

The first back-driven truck that I can recall seeing in person.

The boys were a bit hesitant to help spray the water, at first.

But at the second truck they were as eager as ever to help.

Then they got to explore this fire truck.

Before leaving, the boys got to play in the bounce house.

I believe this was their first time in one.

VBS Night 4 - The Last Night

2011-11-28T21:07:00.004-05:00

Lining up outside before VBS starts.

Offering Time . . . Who will win?

Uh-oh, I have a sneaking suspicion that the girls are going to win for the third night in a row.

Yuppers the girls won.

This night the pastor got the pie in the face!

Yeah the cream flew all the way to the piano behind them.

Time for the skit and to find out what happens.

The big kids playing the games.

The K4&5 at the "Trading Post!" Picking out things with the "money" they had earned each night.

Made it out for the 3rd and 4th grade kids games.

Then it was time for the message and special musical selection.

Handing out that night's prizes as well as the overall prizes.

Enjoying a snack before it's time to head home.

Washing Dishes is FUN!

2011-11-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

Skylar and Claudia stayed the night after VBS day 3. The next afternoon as we were gearing up for VBS they all thought it was fun to wash the dishes.

And yes we use our dishwasher as a giant drying rack since it does not work properly.

VBS Night 3

2011-11-28T07:17:00.000-05:00

The girls won the offering contest again the third night of VBS.

The plot thickened during the skit time.

The kids made hats during their craft time. Then headed to their lesson time.

Games were interesting. They were competing K4-2 boys against the girls to see who could fill their bucket the fullest. They had to carry a cup of water on their head around the circle and fill the bucket.

The boys won. But all the kids had fun.

Message time was next such a blessing to hear wonderful, praiseful music.

Handing out the awards for day 3.

Showing off their hats after VBS was over.

VBS Night 2

2011-11-27T12:08:00.011-05:00

Night 2 started with the offering again; only this time the girls won.

Then it was time for the skit.

Next was crafts. The younger boys made cardboard hatchets.

During the craft I snuck out to take pictures of some of the older kids. Here are the 3rd and 4th grade kids playing games and the 1st and 2nd grade girls in their storytime.

K4 & 5 games (I only got the boys here.)

Then snack time. Yummm . . . Cookies!

Back inside for the message.

And just before time to go home.

VBS Night 1

2011-10-23T23:10:00.001-04:00

This summer marked the first time for my boys to attend Vacation Bible School. Aunt Jenny called and invited us to come and join the fun at their church. Asa and Eli seemed to really enjoy it; although, Asa didn't really like the skit part a whole lot.

Here they are at the opening of the evening. They started with the offering.

The boys won so Miss Mikayla ended up with a pie in her face.

Then it was time for the skit.

Next was craft time. This night they made magnets.

After craft time it was time for their Bible story.

Then outside to play some games.

Here we are enjoying a quick snack.

Then back inside for a short devotional and end of the evening activities. Nicholas won the prize for the most visitors brought the first evening.

Pizza Fun with our Cousins

2011-10-23T09:16:00.001-04:00

Skylar and Claudia stayed the night and we had fun making homemade pizzas.

Pool Party at Aunt 'Chelle's

2011-10-22T20:41:00.004-04:00

The Second to Last Soccer Game for S. & C.

2011-10-04T23:01:00.010-04:00

We finally made it out to watch my nieces play soccer. It was a hot sticky day. Their team had just enough players to play. They were exhausted by the end of the game but they played their hearts out and did a great job.

MI Family Reunion - Part 3

2011-10-04T09:36:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Faces!!!!!!!!!

MI Family Reunion - Part 2

2011-10-03T23:45:00.000-04:00

Before and after the meal, we had different activities set up for the kids and grown-ups alike.

One of the favorite events was the water balloon hot potato game. The kids and a few of the adults enjoyed getting wet.

And to really cool things down, a couple of the guys dumped buckets of water on the kids.

Then onto some more fun, hula-hooping and frisbee.

MI Family Reunion - Part 1

2011-10-03T11:28:00.001-04:00

What is a family get together with out lots of food!

Then we had family group shots done.

My Aunt Goes Skydiving!

2011-10-02T20:17:00.015-04:00

So my aunt decided that she wanted to go skydiving for her 50th birthday. The opportunity arose a few months early when she and her friend were able to jump. She called and asked if I'd be willing to tag along and take pictures of her, I willingly agreed. Here is a survey of the land. The tiny little airport and the plane they were going up in.

They were given a little instructional before signing their lives away.

Her friend went first. Exciting to watch and gave me opportunity to practice shooting before my aunt actually jumped.

Now it was my aunt's turn. (she'd probably kill me to know I posted these pics but I love them.)

While the chute was being repacked my aunt's friend's little girl was given a tour of the cockpit.

Time to go!

And she's off the ground!

First we heard screaming and then we could see the plane overhead!

She loved it! Afterwards we went to lunch and had a real nice time!

7-11 Day

2011-10-02T07:11:00.003-04:00

Did you get your free Slurpee?

We did! Actually we get two. We stopped by the one closest to home and then stopped by another one out where we were going.

Asa still thinks he can get one for free when we pass by 7-11. We have to explain that it was just a special day and we can't get them everyday!