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Detroit Zoo 2005
The Detroit Zoo was a popular date for Mary and myself so we figured James would have to like it. He did, but had a little trouble seeing some of the animals because he was so small, so we lifted him up when we could. What James liked best was the Amphibian exhibit, not because of the animals but because of the fountains outside where amphibian frogs would squirt water into the air on and off. James laughed each time this happened and enjoyed it alot. A close second would have to be his playtime at the park, since he got out of his stroller and got a chance to play and burn up a little energy.
All in all a fantastic day at the zoo, and it was nice to take James somewhere that I used to visit and enjoy as a kid.
Meijer Garden 2005
We visited Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids Michigan for a day. Truly amazing flowers and gardens, even predatory flowers could be found there. This is the same Meijer who operate the Meijer super centers throughout Michigan and the midwest.
On the way home, James got sick and we had to stop in at Criss’s doctors office to make sure the little guy was ok. We were already on our way there anyhow but we did not expect James to be sick. When he got into the Doctors office he threw up. Poor kid, and poor Aunt Criss, she doesn’t get to see James that often and when she does he throws up at her work.
However James was fine at Meijer Gardens and enjoyed the play area there.
James Meets Ronald McDonald 2005
While we were walking around the Dream Cruise on Telegraph, James got to meet Ronald McDonald at our local McDonalds restaurant and had a good time with the famous clown.
Telegraph Dream Cruise 2005
James went with us to watch the antique cars at the Telegraph Dream Cruise. It was pretty hot that day so we didn’t stay long in the sun. Mary stuck it out because she enjoys cars and she wants to support this new dream cruise.
Mary used to live in Ferndale and during the Woodward Dream Cruise we would have front row seats, so we are hoping the Telegraph dream cruise will eventually be as big. We only live a few blocks from Telegraph so its only a 5 minute walk for us, where as a drive to Ferndale and parking during the Dream Cruise is a nightmare.
Only time will tell where this dream cruise will lead to.
James Sandbox 2005
J
ames enjoys playing in his sandbox and its relatively maintenance free, however once you fill the thing with sand it “ain’t going nowhere”. We got the sandbox and sand from Toys R Us. I guess they use a specially treated sand in these things, probably similar to what you get at the beach. The lid is to keep animals out of it (I guess they think its a glorified kitty litter box).
Many of Jame’s missing toys have been found submerged in the depth of the sand so its trouble free so to say (maintenance free and trouble free are two different things. With the exception of his little dolphin pool and the swing set slide, this is his favorite and he can spend hours playing in it (well maybe quarter hours playing in it). Its in a shaded area so he does not have issues with the sun with it.
Dolphin Swimming Pool 2005
I really thought this thing looked cool in the store and after about an hour of figuring out where to blow everything up I think even more that it looks cool, just a pain to put up. James certainly enjoys it and when he wasn’t at the St Albert Festival this weekend he was enjoying the swimming pool (or the sand box depending on the time of day).
The highlight of the pool is the two dolphins balancing a beach ball between them. By some miracle this thing does not leak air, at least not yet, and considering all the different ports and such that had to be filled with air that is definitely saying something.
Pontiac Jambalaya 2005
Mary wanted to see one of the Blues performers really bad, so we made the trek up to Pontiac and enjoyed a wonderful day of festive recreation. Koko Taylor was performing and Mary is a big blues fan so this was an extra treat for us. In addition, it marked the first time that James was able to pick out his own duck at the duck pond and won his first prize.
Tony Stewart won the Nascar race that day, I remember we were listening to it on the car radio and waited till it was over before we left the parking complex. Tony is Mary’s favorite Nashcar driver (I think everyone probably knows that by now, one of her Nascar friends called right after to make sure she heard the news) so it was a double great day for her.
Lake George Pontoon Parade 2005
These are pictures of the annual Lake George Pontoon Parade which happens each 4th of July. Creative designs such as an automobile ship, live band ship, and pirate ship are among the contestants today. My sisters German Shepard Minshee is watching all the events take place.
My sisters neighbors have an awesome fireworks show, along with other people who live on the lake, and its an awesome display seeing all those fireworks going off on different parts of the lake. So if you are ever looking for something different to do on the 4th, check out a lake town.
St Albert Festival 2005
I used to go to this school as a child, so did my sister Criss so its only natural that we would support our local church, especially when they are celebrating their 50th anniversary. This year we went to the festival two days in a row. On the second day James took a break and played in his new kiddie swimming pool, complete with dolphins, then later we went back to the Saint Albert festival for a second day of festivities.
They opened up the school so that people could go through and see past pictures from some of the past classes, saw a lot of my St Albert Alumni friends in there.
A great summer day for sure, who could ask for more. The weather was perfect, the rides were great, and the atmosphere was great. Below is a video of James before the festival started playing in the St Albert playground.
Lyle Lovett Concert 2005
Mary really enjoys Lyle Lovett and when he came to do an outdoor concert in Michigan we decided to go and sit outside the pavilion. James was far enough away from any loud noises and was able to play in the grass, but Mary was close enough to enjoy the concert.
This was James first concert and looked pretty bored throughout, however he enjoyed going for strolls in the field, probably because it was unusual for him to be outside after dark.
I am not sure but I think this facility is the old Pine Knob facility where we use to attend concerts as kids
In the end, everyone had a great time.
