Zinser getaway to Detroit

Grandma and Papa took the Weatherwax and Nichols kids to Detroit for a few days.

First stop was Greenfield Village.  The kids helped the engineer use the train turntable.  

They took a train ride around the 80+ acre museum which even includes a working farm.

 Next stop was the Henry Ford Museum.  On display - memorabilia from The Magical Mystery Tour.  Hmmm....No wonder why Papa wanted to go to Detroit!

They also attended a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica where they are known for their famous tiger carousel...

and Ferris wheel.

 It was quite a warm day, so they climbed up top to seek some shade!

Of course, swimming with your cousins is the best!

Thank you Grandma and Papa!

As I think about where my kiddos have traveled this summer - North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Michigan - how blessed are they to have these wonderful opportunities to experience culture in other states.  I have to admit, having a quiet house all to myself was pretty darn nice.  Perfect opportunity to clean out our crawl spaces and closets!

Norris Lake, TN with the Mallue Family

We spent a beautiful long weekend with our friends down at Norris Lake in their family lake house.  This lake is breathtaking.   

Everyone tried water sports.  Emma, Kate and Sage attempted to ski, but they weren't able to get up...maybe next time.  John and I skied and tubed - so much fun, but man does it leave your body sore the next day!

I love this pic of the kiddos having lunch - and check out the stunning color of the water.

 Monica snapped a selfie of all of us!

Cute picture of Sage.  His favorite part of the weekend was playing with the ropes at the dock.  He would use the rope to fill up gas for the girls on their kayak's.  We called him "Mr.Roper" all weekend long.  

Thank you Chip, Monica, Charlotte and Margaret for a memorable weekend!

Kings Island

We braved the heat (90+ degrees) and headed to Kings Island for the day.  Fortunately, a slight chance of rain and extreme heat helped to keep the crowds low. 

 The kids waiting in line for the log flume ride - it helped cool us down a little bit without soaking us!

 Sagie enjoyed Planet Snoopy which is the kiddie area.

We headed to Soak City later in the afternoon for relief from the heat.  

Weatherwax getaway to New Orleans

Grandma and Grandpa took Emma, Kate and Sage to visit their cousins in New Orleans.  The kids had an early morning for a 6am flight! Thank you to the McWhirt and Kenter families for their hospitality!

The eldest cousins - Caroline and Emma.

According to Kate, it was "smokin' hot" in New Orleans. They spent time cooling off in the pool.

 They went to an alligator farm where everyone held an alligator.  

This is a great picture of the whole gang.  

Emma, Caroline, Sage, Kate, Marcie and Reese. 

This picture was taken right after their talent show!

 They also went to a trampoline park.

The resemblance is amazing between Sage and Reese!

And I have to share this fabulous pic that Mom W snapped.  The "play by the rules" Emma is checking out the safety card before takeoff while our "free spirit" Kate was checking out the beverage card and commented that Grandma should get a glass of wine because it was only $5.  Lord help us!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for a fun get away!!

Trip to Lake Erie!

As you may know, our trip to Lake Erie with the Spicer Family is one of the most anticipated weekends of the year!  Luke and Emma enjoyed showing off their "floaty pants."  We had amazing weather and the kiddos always look forward to spending time together.  

 Ahoy Mates!

 We boated to J.F. Walleye's on Middlebass Island.  It's a lake front restaurant with a pool.

We also spent time at Kelly's Island and East Harbor.

 The adults enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Catawba Island Club while the kiddos went to a "Dive In" movie at the pool.  

 Kids enjoyed flipping around on a Maui mat - the new toy of the year!

I had to include this pic of Kate - she is always dancing, especially on the boat!

My Goddaughter Rachel and I floating around.

Happy 4th of July!

The weather wasn't so great this year for the holiday.  Despite the rain (very steady at times) we headed to the pool with some friends!  

 Fun Friend Pyramid

After our day at the pool - we celebrated with an all American dinner at Hofbrauhaus!  Ha!

Zinser Family Vacation - Corrolla - Outer Banks, NC

Zinser Family vacation took us to Corrolla, NC.  The Outer Banks is a great place to relax and unwind.  We enjoyed the sunshine and not operating on a schedule! Kate turned 7, Kim and Jim and my parents celebrated their wedding anniversary on the trip (12th and 42nd, respectfully). 

Grandma Z brought crafts - edible ocean graham crackers!

Edible art!

The whole fam on the dock.

 We spent more time at the beach this year compared to any other year.  We played bucketball and the kids jumped and rode in on the waves. 

 They brought their shoves to the beach to build sand castles.

Our Fam

Grandma and Papa with the grandkids

I love this "Coppertone baby" picture of Kate.  She always gets the best tan!

Another great family vacation - Thanks Grandma and Papa!