Month: May 2004
Pistons Championship Run 2004
The Pistons were battling the Lakers for the NBA Championship and we went downtown to snap some pics, then took James to the Dearborn Heights festival for a little summer fun. The Pistons would go on to stun the Los Angeles Lakers in what we call a 5 game sweep (Coby made a miracle 3 pointer in game two to force overtime which the Lakers won). The Lakers were not only considered the best team in the NBA, they were being considered as the best team of all time with hall of famers at every position. The Pistons were heavy underdogs, even Jim Rome flat out stated “Detroit is not going to win this” before the series started.
The Pistons surprised a lot of people this year.
Dearborn Heights Festival 2004
While we were at a neighbors graduation party they told us what a great time they had at the Dearborn Heights Festival which was going on simultaneously with the graduation party. We were not aware of it and after the graduation party went to the North side of town and saw a pretty decent festival going on. James is still very small and cannot ride on any of the rides, but he enjoys the atmosphere and the sounds and each day is a new adventure for him so in that perspective it was worth while.
My mother used to tell me that Dearborn Heights was shaped like a barbell with the North and South sides connected by one road (Gulley). The North side is about twice the size of the south side so it would be an uneven barbell at best but still a decent analogy.
Sea Shell City 2004
We stopped at Sea Shell City to do some shopping. Its becoming a habit to stop here either on the way up to kick off our vacation or on the way down to extend our vacation. We consider this part of the Mackinaw experience even though it is technically located in Cheboygan. We do the same with St Ignace, its all part of the Mackinaw experience.
James spent a little time eye balling the pirate ship outside of the store. It was almost like the kid was saying “I will be playing here soon and one day even running this ship”.
Inside the shop we had the usual selection of items. Mary bought a t shirt and I bought a bottle holder for the bar. A fun experience for everyone at Sea Shell City this year.
Fort Mackinaw (Mackinaw Island) 2004
James, Mary and I visited Fort Mackinaw on both the city side and the island side. I personally liked the city one better although the island one was much better built as forts go. The Fort at Mackinaw City is primarily made of wood while the one on the hill at Mackinaw Island is made of stones with the wood on top.
That evening we got to see a great fire work display that went on over the water. There is so much to do nowadays in Mackinaw that you really can’t see everything in just one weekend. The island alone would take that much time. I would say 5 days would be perfect, however we usually only stay for 3 or 4 but at least we never get bored.
We saw the cannons shoot off at both forts and that is pretty cool in any century.
Mackinaw Island State Park 2004
The thing I remember most about this trip was getting up super early and arriving at the island before 7am. On our way up to the State park we met Governor Granholm on her way down.
We went to Mackinaw Island for our Honeymoon and several other times, but this was our first visit with James. We took him for a nice long walk through the state park then let him play in one of the many playgrounds on the island. Hopefully we can make this an annual event for James.
Lots of first’s for James here, first time on a boat, first vacation, first time crossing the Mackinaw Bridge, first time in the Upper Peninsula. He did really well for us in the car which is about a 4-5 hour trip so hopefully we can do many more of these trips.
Fort Mackinaw (Mackinaw City) 2004
Visiting this fort is always much fun. There are two major historic forts on the Mackinaw straits. The one on the Mackinaw City side of the pond and the one on the hill on Mackinaw Island. Both were occupied at various times by England and France as they battled for control of the straits. The one we toured today was the one on the Mackinaw City side located nearly underneath the bridge.
Dad remembers going on the tour as a child and there was a skeleton in one of the lookouts. The first thing Dad checked out was to see if that skeleton was still there and sure enough it was.
The tour is mostly a self tour with mini tours going on from time to time. They shoot off the cannon which is pretty cool and very loud. Bring your earplugs for that.
Mackinaw City 2004
James first trip to Mackinaw became an annual excursion for the family. We think its a great way to start the summer off so we try to go before Memorial Day if we can. The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day all the hotel rates double and suddenly we have an expensive vacation. Fortunately James has not yet started school so we can take advantage of taking him to Mackinaw during the off season.
This year there was still a chill in the air. The month of May might be considered part of summer, especially toward the end of the month, but in Mackinaw with the strong winds and northern location it was still early spring.
Caesarland 2004
James first visit to Caesarland was a big success. All the lights going on and off, all the strange noises, and all the people must have provided him with a fascinating experience. Peg joined us and we had fun with James who was pretty good for the trip. Peg joined us and made sure that James had fun by strolling him around to all the neat things in the place. James was completely fascinated by the visit.
For those who don’t know, Caesarland is by Little Caesars Pizza and is like a Chucky Cheese type thing where kids can celebrate their birthday and play arcade games or go on the indoor playsets.
Mothers Day at Sterling Park 2004
We spent the day at Sterling Park, it was a bright and sunny day and James looked like he was ready to do something more than play in his playpen. James got to play in beach sand for the first time and had much fun playing in the grass as well. Mary had gotten me a new 35mm camera and I was very anxious to try it out, so these are the first pics with the camera. Lots of first today!
Sterling Park is located in Monroe MI and is the same park that I had my going away party when I went in the service so it has special memories for me as well.
Stagecoach Stop Museum & Wild West Show 2004
Stagecoach Stop – Irish Hills Michigan, a fun place to bring the family for a day.
Its been a long and rough winter and we wanted to get out and get some good fresh spring air, so we went to the Irish Hills which is only about an hour drive away. James had no problem with the ride, in fact he seems to enjoy riding in the car.
We let James play in the play area for a bit, then explored the old west town. They have a great collection of antiques on the wall and plenty for a family to do. We watched a very entertaining re-enactment of a bank heist that even got a smile out of James.
Continue reading “Stagecoach Stop Museum & Wild West Show 2004”
