Time for One More Trip

The weather this year was kind of all over the place, so it was hard to predict how late in the season we could squeeze in another camping trip.  But we timed it just right because it was nice during the day and chilly at night, perfect for cozying up next to the camp fire.  We all contributed to the meals, and even made out to the tail end of sunset.  It was a lovely way to wrap up the summer season.

Pittsburgh Trifecta

August seems a bit early for football, but this is when things just start heating up.  The Pittsburgh Steelers training camp happens to take place about an hour outside of Pittsburgh and about 10 minutes from a really nice state park.  So we decided to save on the hotel costs and camp out this year.  So Keystone State Park provided the backdrop for our long weekend in West Pennsylvania.  Since we were going to be in the Pittsburgh area so early in the football season, we were able to catch a Pirates game before their season wrapped up.  And they won it for us.  How thoughtful!

Great seats.

I think I'm a legitimate Pirates fan now.  It was so fun to be there!

We got to spend the last day of Training Camp checking out the Steelers and hoping as many of them as possible would stop and say hi and maybe sign Eric's football.  But it was a rainy last day, and the players were probably as uncomfortable and cold as we were, so though a few good sports stopped by, we didn't get to see everybody.  But it was still cool to see them that close.

Troy came out and autographed a few things, but he did not stop and sign anything for us.  Still cool to see him that close.

Ryan Clark spent more time with the crowd than anyone else on the team.  He gave away tons of his stuff and entertained everyone while he was waiting for practice to begin.

Lamarr Woodley showed off to the crowds during practice.

We got lucky and saw Ike Taylor while we were on our way out to our car.  He was so sweet.  Not quite the same guy we see on the field.

Because our trip got cut short last October, we had some free tickets to Kennywood.  And the Zuzeks couldn't let a free deal go unredeemed, so it was off to Kennywood to act like kids again.

Breaking the rules on the Turtle.

And of course, we took in a Steelers preseason football game as well.  It was a productive, busy weekend in West PA, and we can't wait for our next trip again in December!

Chicago Style

The ladies on Jackie's stoop

The boys have found the beer.

It has become a bit of a ritual now to head to Chicago some time in August and hang out with my beloved RKD peeps.  This August was no exception.  Hanging out at Jackie & Joffrey's for a classic BBQ before heading to Navy Pier for an obligatory touristy viewing of the fireworks.  It ain't where you are, but who you're with.  And when you're with Arcadia friends, you're in good company.

Interlovin

The Fourth of July was on a Wednesday this year, as you may know, and I just don't have enough vacation time to afford to take that whole week off and go camping.  Someday!  So we did the next best thing, we took the weekend after the 4th off, and headed North to get away from the sweltering heat of West Michigan.

Here's a tip for you...if you buy a car in the winter or early spring when it's too cold to worry about the air conditioner, check it anyway.  We didn't check it out and it turns out that ours didn't work.  And the previous owner conveniently didn't remember to tell us that.  So on a day when the temperature gauge read 101 degrees F, we rolled the windows down and headed out on the open road.

Luckily for us, the temperature did drop as the weekend progressed and we had great weather for our camping trip.  We went swimming, checked out the Traverse City Cherry Festival, and took in a show at the Interlochen Fine Arts Camp.

Bingo at the Cherry Festival.  I don't know how many games we played, but we never won.

Prairie Home Companion Live at Interlochen.  It was a lot of fun to see everything that you can't see on radio.

It was a successful camping trip in the end.  But whenever I plan them, they usually are.  :)

Campfire dinner - Hobo Packets.  Because yes, I'm awesome at planning camp dinners.

Shower in the Forecast

Melissa is getting married in October out in Phoenix, so it's not easy for us Michigan girls to help her plan out her wedding, but she was able to make it back to Michigan for a visit and we were able to participate in a shower that her mom threw for her.  We started with dinner out at a local restaurant then back to the house for games and dessert.  Then I made sure to recruit all of the various groups for some pictures.

The Garrett girls

Melissa and a few of her bridesmaids

Consider these Walls Wrecked

Year 10!  They just keep getting bigger and better.  This year I had a group of eleven kids.  So there was a lot of energy and a lot of chatter.  Made my job easier at times, and sometimes a little stressful.

As always, Travis helped create a great lesson plan for the week, revolving around the theme of "Wrecking the Walls" that separate us from our God.

My squeaky clean group, behaving themselves for a short while so I could get a nice group picture.  They were great kids who didn't need much help from me to have a great time.

The counselor group evolves every year, but Ike and I have managed to stick with it for ten years together.  I hope I can continue to return for this week every year because it's always fun and inspiring.

Please Don't Go

We had to say goodbye to the Ann Arbor Oxenders...they were wrapping up and celebrating their move to Vermont with a good old backyard BBQ to say goodbye to everyone.  Monique got a job out there and the family was moving out later in June.  It was nice to have some quality family time before they headed out East.  I've been told it's only a 14 hour drive to their house.  I've also been told they have a guest room and a hot tub.  Hopefully we can make that trip happen some time soon.

A chance for a few photo ops after the non-relatives left...