Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping

We spent a few days at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park with our friends, the Kerns.  It rained off and on, but we found pockets of dry weather to enjoy the beauty of Northern Michigan.

Hannah had a blast racing up the dunes.  She beat daddy and me!

Playing at a park right on Lake Michigan.  Absolutely beautiful!

We went on a scenic drive and stopped along the recommended locations to view the lake.  Caleb got inspired to venture down the biggest dune I've ever seen to put his foot in the water.  The kids and I watched from a viewing deck as I overheard comments about the man before him taking an hour and a half to climb back up.  Good thing I packed snacks for the kids!  Just kidding :)  Caleb made it back up in about 20 minutes. 

On our last day we drove up the finger (I don't know what it's officially called) in Traverse City.  The weather was crummy, but the scenery was gorgeous nonetheless.  There was a "lighthouse" at the tip.  We high-tailed it to the inside of the small building because it was pouring buckets outside...and the wind was very strong!  It would be fun to go back and venture out to the water on a nicer day.

Mommy created a "cage" for Timmy in one of the wings of our pop-up camper.  I was so proud of myself, but it didn't hold long.  Timmy always likes to be where he shouldn't and it was no different in the camper. :)

We always enjoy going to the Traverse City area and will look forward to returning for Caleb's mountain biking race the first weekend in November.

Hannah's 4th Birthday

 We celebrated Hannah's 4th Birthday on September 15th.  She was excited to go to Red Robin and have the waiters sing to her.  We also enjoyed a Baskin Robins ice cream cake when we got home (Deibel tradition!) It was yummy!!

 The following Saturday we celebrated with friends at a local park.  It was a beautiful day and the kids had a lot of fun!

  Timmy enjoyed his first time swinging!

 I just can't believe it's been FOUR years already.  My little girl is growing up way too fast and I just can't accept the fact that she will be in kindergarten next year!  A daily reminder to savor every moment we have left at home together!

HOT, HOT, HOT in St. Louis

Hannah, Timmy, and I spent a HOT two weeks in St. Louis while Caleb was on a test trip for work out West. Fortunately, Caleb was able to help me drive the kids down to the Lou and back. I don't think I could have done it by myself!We drove halfway, to Indianapolis, the first night. Timmy enjoyed sitting in a high chair for the first time while he devoured Puffs and Hannah had a blast in the swimming pool with Daddy.

Caleb flew out on a Saturday and the kids and I got settled in. It looked like Babies 'R' Us threw up in my parent's house!

On Sunday, we took Hannah to mini-golf for her first time. She absolutely loved it! After a few pointers from Grandpa Pete...
she managed to get a hole-in-one!
Although it was incredibly hot out while we were there (100 degrees!), we managed to do a few exciting things. On Tuesday, we visited the Butterfly House. Last time, Hannah was terrified when a butterfly landed on her and this time she sat on a bench, pouting, that they didn't. Overall, she enjoyed looking at the colored beauties and finding them on her "map."
On Wednesday, Aunt Lauren took Hannah to the Magic House for an early birthday present. It was a win-win as mommy enjoyed some time to work on her church curriculum and Hannah soaked up the one-on-one attention at the most exciting place in St. Louis for an almost 4-yr-old.The next day, I reconnected with my friend Debbie with whom I taught with in Grand Rapids. It was wonderful to see her smiling face again!

On Friday, we went to Grant's Farm to see the animals. Hannah loved giving the goats bottles of milk.
We also spent some time relaxing at home. I remember Hannah asking Grandma how doggies laugh and Timmy enjoying all of the attention from Grandpa Pete. He taught him how to wave "hello."
Aunt Lauren and Grandpa Pete were spending time with Timmy for the first time ever. I think it was love at first sight on all accounts.We welcomed Daddy home on the 1st of September and managed to squeak in a fun night with the Koziateks and also a date night!It was a long visit and my family tolerated the chaos well :) Thanks for all of your help and love!