From the Big City to the Michigan Lake

What do you say when your husband asks you if you would like to join him on a business trip to New York? "Of course, I will go" was my response. Another plus to the trip is that we had the opportunity to visit Billy's grandparents on Long Island. We took off Wednesday evening, and we were able to spend all day Thursday on Long Island while Billy worked remotely.

 

 I don't think I will ever get tired of Central Park. While Billy was at his meeting, I sat in the park. When I wasn't people watching I read with my handy, dandy Kindle.

 After the work day was done, Billy and I ventured downtown to check out the 9-11 Memorial. It was quite moving to see never-ending pools and the sheer amount of names listed along the memorials. 

 One of the 9-11 Memorial pools. Beautiful. 

 I think it is pretty clear to those who know me that the High Line is one of my favorite places in New York. This was our first time walking along the High Line during sunset. 

 Our night was very Billy-centric. We ate dinner at Bill's Bar & Burgers. We ended our evening at Billy's Bakery. If I were to open a bakery, I would want it to look just like Billy's. 

 On Saturday, our travels took us to Michigan. We met up with Sara, David and Mia in the Detroit airport. Some of our good friends' family have a lake house in northern Michigan. We took them up on their invitation to join them, especially since we would be celebrating two special little girls' 1st birthdays. Thanks Christina & Jacob!

 Here I am about to embark on my first water skiing lesson. I was not able to get up during this trip, but I had loads of fun trying and drinking lots of lake water. 

 Yay, Billy! It took him a couple of tries, but Billy was able to ski for a bit. It must have been all of that practice at Boy Scout camp.

 My handsome hubby!

 One of my favorite pictures from the weekend. 

 Billy took in some wakeboarding on our last night at the lake. 

 After a weekend of fun, Sara and Billy were back to work in the great state of Michigan. I decided to tag a long for the ride throughout the state since I had nothing better to do besides watch tons of trashy TV and lay on the couch.

Sara loves Ann Arbor, MI, so we decided to check it out and eat dinner there. We took a quick drive around the University of Michigan football stadium, and then noshed on some tasty food. 

All in all I have to say my first trip to Michigan was a success. Now I'm able to check another state off the list. I'm thankful for such wonderful friends and family. Until next time.

Mexico....Beach, that is

My mom rented a beach house in Mexico Beach, Florida. She loves the idea of having the family come down to spend the week together at the beach. It works better for some families than others. I was a little skeptical about going to the panhandle of Florida when my mom invited me down last year. My mind immediately went back to memories of Panama City Beach from my teenage years. It just didn't seem like a place that I wanted to be at this point in my life. Well, Mexico Beach is the opposite of PCB, and that's why I love it.  It is a small (that's an overstatement) beach town east of Panama City with loads of beach houses and a handful of motels. It provides much more of a family feel that other beaches along the panhandle.

 This is the life. 

 My mom enjoying the sunset.

 My nieces have arrived. Niece #1 diving right in with out changing and discovering things around the beach.

 Niece #2 looking concerned. She is going through her terrible twos.

 An amazing sunset in Mexico Beach. 

 Who's ready for putt-putt? Niece #1 has a creative strategy ~ she hits the ball as many times as she needs to get it in the hole, and then reports that she got in one or two strokes. Mind you, she does know how to count correctly. 

 Niece #1 is showing us how stylish golfers can be. I have to agree! 

 My mom and I had a girls day in Apalachicola. There are lots of antique and junk stores which are fun to look around. 

 We ate lunch at Up the Creek, and this was our view. It started to pour as we were leaving. Thank goodness for shelter. 

 Celebrating Mom's birthday with a great looking cake thanks to Niece #1 and me. 

On our last day in the Sunshine State, we took a drive out to Cape San Blas. We ate lunch at Cone Heads, and then search for this little lighthouse. 

I have to say this was a pretty good way to start the summer! Until next time.