Houghton Lake

Our good friends and neighbors across the street invited the boys and I out to their house on a lake in central Michigan for a few days. I was a little hesitant to make the trip by myself, but I am so glad that we did. We absolutely loved it! I am recommitted to owning a boat and seadoos someday. They are so much fun and a great way to spend time with friends and family. This was the first time this summer that I really felt like I was on vacation. Thomas was a wild man. He intertubed, jet skiied and swam to his heart's content. Hewitt was happy to swim and sit on the boat. He did go on the sea doo with me one time, but got nervous when I went over 20. Donny was an angel on the boat and even ventured naked into the water. Julie was the greatest teacher and even managed to pull me up skiing. Thanks so much Shelly and Julie!!!

We also enjoyed hanging out at night. Shelly cooked up the most perfectly roasted marshmellows for smores and Julie introduced me to the joys of peanut butter. Grandma enforced my kids staying in bed while we played cards and watched a movie at night. I was in heaven.

Summer Olympics

I love the Olympics and I love living on the East Coast so that I can watch the events live every night. Sorry to all of those who live in the West. Unfortunately, Steve is either gone or sleeping so I mainly watch them by myself. Most nights will include me quietly jumping up and down as well as swinging my arm in a windmill motion to make the swimmers go faster. Hopefully, they can feel my encouragement in Beijing.



This past week I had the opportunity to visit my cousin and good friend in Columbus. We decided to put on a Kid Olympics prior to the Opening Ceremony. My cousin took the idea and ran with it. She made me act as the Chinese Welcoming committee because I was the first to throw the idea out, but then she ran the show. She bought matching shirts for all of the families, painted medals, organized the events, and bought the pizza. As part of my job as China, I distributed fortune cookies welcoming the kids to the Olympics as well as made a short speech. The event was a success despite Thomas's emotional breakdown. He had just been on vacation too long and could not bring himself to compete. Like Katie Hoff's melt down four years ago, perhaps Thomas will have a chance to redeem himself in time for London. Overall, it was a great time.



I also am including pictures from some of our other adventures in Detroit. The Woodward Dream Cruise, which just happens to be the largest gathering of antique cars in the world, is going on this weekend. Thanks to everyone who cues me into what being a true Michigander is all about.