Tour de Michigan 2012: The Longo Lakehouse

After a few days in Troy, we headed to the Longo Lakehouse on Lake LeAnn. We had a photo shoot with John in one of his big brother's hand-me-down's (re-monogrammed, of course). Henry wore the same outfit when he met Great Grandma Fran and Great Papa for the first time as a baby, so it was sweet to see it again.

Henry and John loved being at the lake. Henry dug in the sand, swam, kayaked, chased Charlie around, went down the slide, covered Charlie with stickers, kayaked some more, drove Papa's boat, swam in Aunt Taffy and Uncle Joe's pool, and, perhaps the highlight of our trip, caught his first fish! He was very patient as he watched and waited with Papa for the bobber to move. He was proud of his catch, and happy to throw the fish back in the water so it could go back "to his Mama."

John was perfectly happy just sitting outside, enjoying the breeze off the lake.  He also made sure to give everyone in the family one of his signature big, happy, toothless grins.  John swam in the pool too, and went under for the first time!  I can't say he loved it, but he was a good sport.

Henry worked up an appetite with all the activities. He enjoyed fried cauliflower, Aunt Taffy's homemade ravioli, Mimi's sauce and meatballs, and his first chocolate eclair. My picky eater must be growing!

I requested two activities during our trip: a bonfire and a trip to Freddie's Freeze for ice cream cones. Little did I know Henry had his own opinion of my requests. Poor Papa built a great fire only to have Henry sit in a chair for thirty seconds and proclaim, "All done fiah. Don't like it." Freddie's Freeze, on the other hand, he clearly liked.

We had a wonderful, impromptu trip to the Mitten, and all the fun we had made the traveling totally worth it!

Tour de Michigan 2012: The Troy Times

Gus had a "mancation" planned for Labor Day weekend, and I was planning on a quiet weekend home with the boys. At the last minute, I decided that I was confident (or crazy) enough to take the boys to Michigan by myself. Traveling with them on the plane was actually easier than I expected. They were on their best behavior, and the nearby passengers sang their praises.

Once we arrived in Troy, we stopped by Grandma and Papou's house for a quick visit. They were heading up north with Uncle Chris, Aunt Stacie, and George the next day, but we were happy to get in some hugs and play time. Uncle Joe stopped by, too, and Henry and John loved getting wild with their crazy uncles. Henry and John also played us a little ditty on Nonnie's old piano.

The next morning we surprised my Papa at his favorite breakfast spot, The Nip and Tuck. He has been a regular customer for years, and used to dine there often with my Grandma. Now he eats breakfast at The Nip and Tuck everyday. In fact, the owner will call him to make sure he's okay if he doesn't arrive by ten o'clock! On this particular morning, we walked in the door just as Papa was sitting down at "his" corner stool. Henry ran right up to him for hugs, and the look on Papa's face was priceless! Papa couldn't have been more proud to introduce all the regulars to his great-grandsons.

That night we took the boys down to Ford Field to watch Zia Bella perform in the Athens High School halftime show. She performed a beautiful routine, and Henry and John loved watching the flags fly in the air. Henry was even more "cited" when he spotted her face on the jumbotron!

On our last night in Troy, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Guilbault stopped by to see the boys and get some hugs. Henry loved telling them all about Thomas the Train, and John (as usual) couldn't stop smiling.

Next up, the Longo Lakehouse!