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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.
Arch Bridge Construction 2005
We took a couple pictures of the arch bridge which is going to be the “Gateway to Detroit” for the 2006 Superbowl (which is only about 6 months away) will be the exit and on ramps between Telegraph and I-94. The idea is that when people get off their plane and head to Detroit they will pass this structure and think how great we are.
Somehow I don’t think the Lions will be playing in it but you never know…well, actually I do know.
They have been working on this for quite some times. Sometimes in the summer with the windows open you can hear the sounds of the construction from our home even though we are about a mile away (as the crow flies at least). In the past when you exited for telegraph you had to get in the left lane which is unusual so maybe that’s another reason for building this bridge.
Knights of Columbus Hines Park Party 2005
This was the first time many at the Knights of Columbus met James. James did a little dancing on the floor, then enjoyed some barbecue hot dogs and potato salad.
Lots of Grand Knights and Past Grand Knights were at this well attended event. There was a small fundraiser and remembrance for 911, all sorts of games, and great grilled cooking. I never saw a hockey game that was played on grass but I have now.
Hines Park is pretty famous as parks go in Michigan, probably the most famous of all not counting sports parks. I remember coming down here as a teenager and playing frisbee at Nolars Bend. In the winter time they set up a gigantic Christmas display that you drive through in your car.
Continue reading “Knights of Columbus Hines Park Party 2005”
Trenton Festival 2005
We try to get to the Trenton festival each year, usually its right around the same time as the Wyandotte festival. We always take a stroll down by the river there, if for no other reason to get a break from the crowd.
The booths are well stocked with all sorts of gems including personalized storied so we ordered a personalized story for James which they had finished before we left for the day.
They have also have an area of games for the kids which James enjoyed and he always falls asleep with a helium balloon by days end.
James Backyard Playground 2005
James loves playing on his swing set, it has a couple slides, places to crawl and places to climb. Now that the cement is in and the back yard is level with new grass, the place is alot funner (and safer) to play. I felt so sorry for the toddler running in the back, only to fall down because the ground was so unlevel. Now he can play to his little hearts content and believe me, he has.
We almost bought a wooden set but I think the plastic one will serve us better and last longer. I see alot of these at garage sales so it must mean they outlast the kids childhood. I never see the wooden or metal ones at a garage sale which means they are probably scrapped. Right now, if he had a favorite, it would have to be the slide and after that the swing.
