October Updates

We are sure enjoying fall at the Denkins. The weather has been unseasonable warm. We have had lots of sunshine and time outside.

Menu Plan Monday- September 20

I love fall. The start of fall brings out recipes I haven't used over the summer. Warm meals, apple pie, pumpkin, soups and harvest from the garden. Yum! 

Sunday: Chicken Pot Pie
Monday: Lasagna
Tuesday:  Roast, Potatoes, and Carrots
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Kids Choice
Friday: Mexican

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all."-   Stanley Horowitz

Back to School at the Denkins

The first part of September has flew by. We enjoyed one last swim in Lake Michigan over Labor Day weekend. The days now are getting shorter. It is hard to believe last month we were outside at this time. The weather has been about 60 degrees and very rainy. We had a frost on Wednesday morning, Sept. 15th. 

First Day of Kindergarten Big Bay de Noc 

The biggest news is Derek started Kindergarten. He woke up the first morning ready to go. Derek is adjusting well to school. He quickly found out why everyone enjoys  Saturday and Sunday so much.   Today, he had his first Spelling test! 

Life at home is very quiet with the two youngest. Jenna enjoys playing with her toys. We have been practicing writing her name.  Dylan loved to paint with pudding this week at playgroup. 

Dustin and I played golf on Sunday. This was the first time I had played this year. We started out the round great. Dustin had pared the first two holes. Then came the third hole and things took a "hit" for the worst. We were about 200 yards out and I hit the ball. The shot was horrible, I am still unsure how I even hit it "that bad". Needless to say Dustin was 6 feet in front of me on the cart and the ball hit into the side of his neck. It is very sore still. He is never going to let me live this one down. 

Happy September

Summer is winding down. The leaves are starting to turn colors and the days are getting shorter.
The biggest change is Dustin is back at MTU for his last semester of grad school. He will only be gone 2 days this semester.
Derek starts kindergarten in less than a week. He is very exciting and is starting to read. No more skipping pages or words in his books. Jenna loves to play dress up, talk and ride her bike. Dylan follows his siblings and feels he should be included too.
Today, the kids went to the dentist and got their teeth cleaned. It was Jenna's 1st visit.

Summer Boating Fun

We enjoyed an afternoon on the lake today on the boat. Derek and Jenna both road in the tube we pulled behind the boat. We were going maybe 4 miles per hour. They loved it. Dylan even caught a few cat naps in the boat. The weather was amazing.  After we spent some time in the boat we played in the water. Derek was swimming like a fish. He was using this really strange punching action with his arms but he got where he wanted to go. Days like this make me love living in the UP a little more.

Summer Family Trip 2010

Top 10 Great Memories from Chicago 

1. Spending time as a family. It was wonderful to spend the day enjoying each other and not worrying about all the other jobs around the house. 

2. The Kids Questions. One of my favorite questions was when we got to Chicago, Derek asked "Is this the real Chicago?"

3. Being in the City. After spending almost 7 years in the UP, I always find it a nice treat to be in the city. Dustin's great at city driving, so traffic was not a concern. 

4. The Attractions. We visited the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.  My favorite was the Shedd Aquarium. The kids loved each of them. The hands on exhibit at the museum and the planetarium were wonderful. 

5. New Experience for the Kids. The highlights included a taxi ride and seeing skyscrapers, as well as parking underground. Jenna thought that was really neat. 

6. Reading. I finished a complete novel. It was lovely not to have to do the dishes after a fun filled day and enjoy a book instead. 

7. Shopping. Trader Joes and Ikea. My husband is super. He spent 3 hours lost in Ikea with the kids. 

8. Safe and Happy Travels. Overall the kids did great on the 7 hour drive. 

9.  Eating out. Not having to cook was a nice little break from the normal routine. 

10. Memories to last a lifetime. 

Summer Fun

Summer Memories of 2010 

The weather has been perfect for the garden but has been causing us to mow a little more than normal for the time of the year. We been able to have lots of beach days. The water temperature is much warmer than normal. 

The kids have been taking swim lessons at the Y. The difference is wonderful to see. Derek and Jenna are both jumping off the side and swimming with the noodles. Next step is going under the water.

The blueberries are simply amazing this year. We have picked about 4 gallons. Blueberry picking is one of my favorite summer night activities. We have 5 small patches on the property which are great for picking berries for breakfast or for a snack. 

We had a wonderful visit with our good friends Andrew and Becky. The kids really enjoyed having company. The guys got to golf a couple rounds, we took them to Pictured Rocks and enjoyed catching up after 4 years. 

They brought there dog Dexter along for the visit. Hopefully we will be able to visit them again soon.