Here are just a few highlights of our amazing summer:
We...
... remodeled part of our lake home, taking in the porch and making it a piano room for Harry. One of the best things we ever did. It opened up the dining room and made a great music room for Harry's piano;
... (I) took my granddaughter, Daisy, to Disney World - just Daisy and me, and we had a blast!
...saw my best friend get married with Harry officiating their wedding ceremony;
... spent time with ALL our grandchildren in San Antonio (my most fun part of the year);
... went to visit my mom in Rhode Island and had a wonderful time! She even made a special New England clam boil for Harry and me. She's doing well and we loved spending time with her;
... celebrated out 14th wedding anniversary;
... had both my sons' families visit us on the lake and a good time was had by all!
... celebrated Harry and his family of origin's 60th anniversary of emigrating to the United States. We had a family reunion at our home for 50+ of the original Smith family (9 of them) and their descendants. A fun but crazy party;
... began working with an architect on plans to build a new house in San Antonio;
... (I) spent many happy hours cooking once a week with Harry's three great nieces. We made everything from Ham and Cheddar Grits with Shrimp to Homemade Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese to Blueberry Macaroons;
the girls + Daisy
... spent a wonderful weekend with great friends "Up North" at the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery on Little Traverse Bay;
... spent many happy hours on the boat on the lake, just toodling around, enjoying the beautiful scenery;
... hosted my mom for her annual visit to the lake and had a wonderful time. We spent a day in South Haven and went for sailboat ride on Lake Michigan on a perfect sailing day!
... (I) bought myself a new lake toy, a new paddle board, which I intend to master (hopefully?) next summer;
... took a last, lovely boat ride around the lake before taking the boat out. The weather was perfect and we wanted to get a good look at the foliage around the lake. And it was stunning!
... welcomed a new grandson into the family :)
And now we find that summer has come to an end. But in writing this post, I am reminded once again that Harry and I live a very blessed life by being able to spend time in two states we love: Texas, our home state, and Michigan, our adopted state.
We will be packing up shortly to leave Michigan to return to Texas for the winter; always a difficult time for me. But we have a lot going on in San Antonio and it will be good to spend time with our family in Texas and all our friends.
So once again, we say goodbye to our Michigan family and our beautiful lake home, but we know it won't be long until we return for yet another fun summer on the lake.
