Leland 2012 -Part 1

Two years ago, I spent July 4th in Leland worrying that I would never get pregnant and having a baby may not happen for us. Last year, I spent July 4th in Leland over 7 months pregnant and planning the move from Chicago to Indy. We also spent some time at the Traverse City hospital as I was dealing with early contractions - yikes! This year, I get to spend July 4th in Leland with my sweet Avery. It's been a long journey but one that was 100% worth it.

I am lucky enough to have a flexible job where I can work remotely, so Avery and I get to spend 2 weeks in Leland this year with my mom. Hung, Du and Chuck will be joining us for the 2nd week. I am working this week while my mom is taking care of Avery. We left Friday night and stayed with Aunt Maddie in Grand Rapids. It took us almost 6 hours to get to Grand Rapids due to the storm and power outages as well as Avery having a couple breakdowns in the car and needing to stop 3 times - we were very glad we did not try to do the trip in one day. We arrived at the cottage on Saturday afternoon and had a wonderful dinner at Sally's house to welcome us to Leland. On Sunday it was Gram's birthday and we celebrated by going to the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast in Glen Arbor where Avery got to try cherry pancakes and explore a fire truck. Avery also got to go to the beach for the first time - although a little tentative at first she started to really like it after she got more comfortable. We sat on the beach and let the waves wash onto our laps and she enjoyed splashing around and digging her hands and feet into the wet sand. And she, shockingly, didn't try to eat it. Avery also enjoyed sitting on the beach blanket and people-watching. And her watermelon suit was a big hit - we got lots of compliments!

Our friends Mike and Poonam were in Traverse City for vacation and headed to Leland for dinner with their daughter Savera. We went to the Blue Bird and both girls did great - although the carpets did not fair as well and were covered in scraps of food when we left. When they were getting ready to leave both girls were patting each other and trying to hold hands - It was very sweet!

It's been a great start to our vacation - Looking forward to a fun week with just us girls and we are excited for the boys to arrive on Friday. There really is nothing like Northern Michigan in the summer - so happy we have arrived!

 Trying pancakes with her crooked hair bow - still not quite enough hair :)

 Checking out the Fire Truck

 Playing at Van's Beach with Mom and Grams

 Not wanting to keep her hat on! We somehow managed to keep her in it, though.

Hanging with Savera - It took us many shots to get them both to stop moving and look up at the camera

 Playing on the front lawn before getting ready for bed

 Thinking about eating some grass.....