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First Snow of 2015
The first snowfall of the year came during the Lions playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately the Lions lost despite leading until about 2 minutes to go, but we finally got to see how our snowmen display looks before being put away for the season. James helped with the snow and shoveled about half of the sidewalk while Dad took these pictures. It’s suppose to snow a few more times this week but hopefully they will be light like it was today (everyone still remembers the harshness of last winter). While it wasn’t a white Christmas we can’t say we didn’t get any snow this Holiday season.
Unfortunately it was the Lions out of the playoffs that signified the end of the Christmas/New Year Holiday (24-20), its back to school for James and back to work for everyone else.
New Year 2015
James continued his New Year countdown tradtion as only he can, using his Ipad synced with the television the whole family welcomed in 2015. Mom and Dad shared some champagne while James got some Mountain Dew soda pop. After the countdown fireworks were going off outside and James watched those for a while, then we all settled in and watched some of the entertainment on tv, including a special performance by Elton John. All in all, a long day and night but an enjoyable one.
The next day was spent watching football, good games by Big Ten Teams Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State set the pace. The Michigan State game was very memorable due to coming back with three touchdowns in the 4th quarter to overcome a 20 point deficit.
Christmas 2014
James and family had a simply awesome Christmas Holiday. James visited both Grandma and Aunt Peg (who both gave him gifts), then got a special delivery from JC Penny from his Aunt Criss and Uncle Ken and this was just Christmas eve. That night we continued our tradition of watching movies on Christmas Eve and Christmas, our number one Christmas movie is “Dead End” (a spooky story about a family driving on Christmas eve to celebrate Christmas with their family). Next is Holiday Inn (not White Christmas), after that comes our two X File shows, Post Modern Prometheus (Moms Choice) and The Ghosts who Stole Christmas (Dads Choice), finally rounded out with Mothman Prophecies.
Christmas Day centered around James and his desk. He had been ordering desk items with his Christmas money and gift certs from Grandma, Aunt Peg, and Aunt Criss/Uncle Ken and was not disappointed when he woke up with a new desk in his room. His friend “Dynamike” got him a printer and sims game so it was probably not the best kept secret that he was getting a new desk, but still a surprise.
Other gifts include a Monopoly game, National Geographics (James collects these), bathrobe, and a cd rom set with all the National Geographics on it. Mom got a new vacuum and Dad got a “Barnyard Butcher” and Detroit Lion Zombie figure. All in all a very fun Christmas.
Santa’s Magical Forest 2014
James returned to Santa’s Magic Forest for the second year now and got to meet up with several of his VIP camp friends. This was one of the few times we were able to surprise James as he had no idea where he was going a 6pm this night (James was under the weather the past two days and we wanted to make sure he was ok before taking him which aided in us keeping it a secret). Unfortunately Mom is now under the weather and she could not make it to the festivities. The decorations were awesome as usual and James simply had a blast this day (I would say winter blast but the temperature was in the low 50’s and high 40’s most of the day). Big thanks to the VIP campers for making this event happen.
Stevens Birthday Party 2014
James was invited to a party from his friend Steven at school and had an absolute blast visiting with many of the kids he goes to school with. It was a first time meeting several of the families for us as well since James has six different classes during his school day which means many new faces. The party was at Pump It Up in Taylor on Northline road and James made sure he was there right when it opened so he did not miss a minute of playtime. After playing on the inflatables for about an hour and a half, the kids moved into the dining room where they were treated to pizza and treats.
Thanksgiving 2014
James picked out the turkey this year and Mom did her usual great job of cooking it up with stuffing and such. Devil eggs kept James happy while the turkey cooked as the family watched the Detroit parade which was immediately proceeded by the Detroit Lion game. We were pleasantly surprised when the Lions won their second consecutive Thanksgiving game which certainly added to the festivities. After the Lions game we began setting up Christmas decorations and by the end of the weekend, our Holiday decorating was complete. James also managed to make one of the first snowmen of the season, although he was limited by lack of snow (lets hope this continues).
Trick or Treat 2014
Trick or Treat finally arrived for a very anxious James who only had a half a day of school this day and by the time 6pm came he was ready to go.
James went down Tulane to Dartmouth, then Vassar to Annapolis and back before making his first candy deposit. He then went down Tulane to Annapolis and back for his second deposit, and finally Parker and into Dearborn for his third.
For the third year in a row the weather did not cooperate and we could not put up the inflatables. Always a bummer until Trick or Treat ends then you are glad you don’t have to mess with them at 9pm.
James did a cute pumpkin that was angry birds on one side and pig king on the other. A great day despite the weather (and yes, there were a few white flakes).
Halloween at Greenfield Village 2014
After a thrilling Lion victory in England, we decided to celebrate by going to Greenfield Village and enjoying another beautiful autumn day. For the second straight day the temperatures were in the mid sixties and it was bright and sunny.
Greenfield Village was lined with pumpkins and various Halloween decorations, perhaps the best example of this was the band stand and a graveyard by the Church. There were plenty of witch items and even a creepy woods for visitors to enjoy as they passed through various creepy things. James played a bit in the new playground and enjoyed visiting the lake with all the ducks. He also met one of his teachers from Hoover Elementary while he was at the Village, a small world indeed.
Halloween at Frankenmuth 2014
In what many expect to be the last really nice weekend of the year, we decided to visit Frankenmuth during the heart of the Halloween season and see what its like. James was able to participate in some very unique Halloween activities including pumpkin bowling (he threw a spare), exploring through a hay maze, and a pumpkin catapult. We then ate dinner at the Bavarian Inn and then explored Bronners. We finished up the day at a couple antique stores where we picked up a couple Halloween cookie jars at less than half price (which we added to our Halloween cookie jar shelf in the basement) and a Halloween blow mold of a ghost coming out of a pumpkin which we added to our Halloween display.
What a great atmosphere they have in Frankenmuth, so much to do and best of all most of the really fun stuff is free or very inexpensive. Very creative in this city, their chamber of commerce should be proud at how well all the businesses work together to put on a great show. All in all a great “summerish” day in late October.
Halloween at Manuels Taco Hut 2014
For the third year now we made it to Manuels Taco Hut for their Halloween event. I do not know how many years in a row it takes before its considered an annual event but it certainly is well on its way for this family. They have the entire restaurant decorated for Halloween in black with glow in the dark spider webs on the ceiling and ultraviolet lights everywhere. Halloween music fills the air and several of the decorations came to life and performed for us while we were there.James enjoyed the event as always and its a great way for us to get back into the Halloween spirit especially after a weekend of Halloween at James party. Located at 16806 Ecorse Road in Allen Park, Manuels Taco Hut seats 48 in a cozy dining room atmosphere that is perfect for Halloween. The place is usually packed so its best to arrive between lunch and dinner or you may experience a long wait.
