"Get Rid of Mandi" Day!

So on Saturday (Aug 16) we moved our Mandi up to her college campus. First chick to leave the nest - at least temporarily. I think we were all a little surprised with the ultra-functional dorm rooms. Cinder block walls, linoleum floors in every room, and not even a lid on the toilet. As Mandi said, "It needs some major color!" This week it is just Mandi and one other roommate, Beth, moving in since they are taking part in the Leadership Safari. On Aug 21st everyone else is moving in because classes start on Aug 25th. That's when they get to meet their other two roommates, Erin and Haley. By the time we left, the room wasn't looking quite so grim since Beth had brought a futon, beanbag chair, and bought a big purple rug, and Mandi had brought a chair and a lamp from her bedroom here. The bedroom was looking better too once the girls made their beds - lots of color there. Mandi will be coming home over Labor Day and at that point will know what kind of posters and furnishings will be needed yet. A lot hinges on what the other two girls bring.

So far Mandi and I have exchanged a few emails and talked on the phone a couple times (love My Circle), but it does feel empty around here without her. Reinhard and I agreed that it feels the same as that one time we went to Germany without the kids - have an ache like something is missing from us. Suppose it will get better with time. Joey is making an effort to be more sociable to make up for Mandi not being here, I think. Or maybe he just feels I have more time to talk to him now. :-) Do seem to be chatting more with him, and he's actually coming down from the cave in the evenings to watch some movies with us.

I guess adjustments are being made by all of us.

More pictures can be seen in our Picasa Web Album (link over on the side) ==>

Mandi's Birthday

Celebrated Mandi's 18th birthday this past Sunday (Aug 3rd). I know, her birthday is actually on July 28th, but nobody has time to get together during the week. She was very happy with those that attended. Had Uncle Billy and Aunt Kathy with their troop (cousins Kim, Jenny, and Jonny), Uncle Jerry and Aunt Heather, plus her friends Becca, Rick, Texas and Kyle came. We lucked out with beautiful weather. Got one of those funky cakes made from 24 cupcakes held together with LOTS of frosting. Funny point was when Uncle Jerry's teeth turned blue from the frosting and he had to be going to a baseball game from here. Hope the blue wore off by the time you got there, Jerry!! :-)

1st Posting - EVER!

So, I figured that this is the now thing (blogging) so maybe I'll give it a shot. Changes are happening in the family so this is one way to keep us all up to date.

We had our family vacation by Mackinaw City MI this year. When we asked Mandi and Joey what they thought of going to Mackinaw they said "Finally - all our friends have already been there!". I had to remind them that we take them to Europe every other year so things like Mackinaw get squeezed in when they can. We really wanted to head out to the East Coast for vacation this year, but have you noticed gas prices?! The diesel prices are even worst and we wanted to take the 5th wheel. So we stay closer to home.

Still had a really nice time. Spent a day on Mackinaw Island doing the carriage tour, exploring Fort Mackinaw, the Grand Hotel, and the town. Also went up to the U P (Upper Peninsula for you non-Michiganders) for a day and saw the Tahquamenon Falls (2nd largest falls east of the Mississippi), Lake Superior and Whitefish Bay. It's also always neat to drive over the Mackinaw Bridge. The campsite that we had had a beautiful view of the bridge and Mackinaw Island. To round off the trip we took a drive and spent a day in Traverse City and also a day in Cheboygan. Nice vacation all in all. On the way home we stopped by Greg and Darlene's place in White Cloud for a couple days since it was the Fourth of July and on July 5 it was Greg's birthday. Had a really great time together. I think with all the traveling we do we have learned to get along and have fun with each other very nicely.