1200 Miles West

We’re 99% done.

Just a little bit more work needs to be done on the pathway and we’ll be enjoying the rest of the Summer in our newly landscaped backyard.

Here are some pics of our new patio and walkway.  We’re still a few days away from the rest of the landscaping being installed, but we’re close…real close!

Each year for Father’s Day, I design and build a birdhouse for my Dad.  This year in conjunction with the Denver Botanic Garden’s Birdhaus Bash I designed two birdhouses and one traveled back with us to Michigan.

The above picture shows the birdhouse after it was placed in the wooded area behind my parent’s house.

Here’s a look at their absolutely beautiful backyard.  Lots of time goes into keep the backyard in tip-top shape, but it’s worth it!

For those of you who aren’t from Michigan, when Mike and I go to AA were in Ann Arbor not at a meeting with 12 steps.  Although after we leave AA we may want to attend a meeting…

Lunch was great as we were joined by ex-CareerSite friends at Grizzly Peak.  While we only spent an hour catching up, it was good to see everyone.

Later in the day, we met up with more friends at the Pub next to Grizzly Peak.  Here are my favorite pics from the night.

David snapped this picture of Mike and I early in the night.

In return, I snapped one of him and Emily.  In August, their family is moving to Indy as Emily took a teaching position at a university down there.  Indy’s not too far from Ann Arbor, so there’s a chance we may see them next time we’re in town.  Otherwise, they need to head out to CO with the kids to go hiking and camping with us.

The boys of CareerSite - Shaun, David, Mike, Eric and Chris.

I’m not sure who snapped this one, but Emily and I were chillin’ while the guys played pool at the Monkey Bar.

I’m not sure what to say about this one…other than the fact that I have a hunky husband!

Note from Mom today:

You got mail here yesterday from: United States Marine Corps, Inspector-Instructor, Engineer Support Company, Battle Creek, MI. To: Interested Officers. Subject: Command Opportunities in Battle Creek, Michigan. They are looking for a few good Company Grade Officers. There is currently an “officer Affiliation Bonus available for qualified Officers. “My intent in mailing this letter is not necessarily to sell or recruit you in the SMCR, it is simply to inform you of the need for your services and the opportunity to meet this need in the capacity of a Commanding Officer.”

Good to know if this flash in the pan technology thing doesn’t work out that I might have another future in the USMC.

Things must be getting desperate if they are looking for fat, old guys.

It’s time for bed, but I will continue updating the blog with pics and stories from Michigan in the next day or two. 

Stay tuned…

On Sunday, we headed out to the cottage and enjoyed a day in the sun.  The weather was wonderful and we were able to get the boat in the water. 

It was great to see my Grandma who was happy to have everyone together.  Mike also enjoyed riding the jet skis.  It’s funny how much you miss the water living in Colorado.  Don’t get me wrong as the mountains are beautiful, but there’s something about hanging out at the lake.

Dad’s birthday is June 13th, but we celebrated it early as we were in town.  He has to be one of the best dressed guys in town as Michael gave him a new Polo and hat and Mike and I got him a short-sleeve Columbia button down and a t-shirt.

On Saturday Laurie-Anne and Dave had a deck party and while we only spent about half of the time on the deck (hot and muggy in Michigan!) it was great to catch up with some old CareerSite and PowerOne co-workers.

I traveled 1200 miles from CO to Michigan, but Kristen also gets kudos as she drove in from Chicago to hang out with us.

Towards the end of the night we broke out the Wii and I am disappointed to say that while I was able to beat Maya (Laurie-Anne’s daughter) I was no match for Kristen who knocked me out in round 2!  I guess this means that I need to stay on her good side, otherwise I may be in trouble.

After arriving home on Friday and spending some time with my parents, I headed up to Gaines to hang out with two of my best friends - Todd and Monica.

Ethan (who turns 2 on June 13th) and Addison (9 1/2 months) were excited to see me.  Ethan took his time checking me out, but after a few minutes he was on my lap and we were reading books together.   Addison is already pulling herself up and will no doubt be walking soon.  Where does the time go?

Hugs to the Ackers…can’t wait to see you again soon!

Received this in an email today:

Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Master of Business Administration at the Business School, University of Colorado at Denver, Graduate Programs, for the Fall 2008 semester.

Should be fun.