Flounder

John Deere Day

We flew the kids (minus Jacob, who couldn't get time off work) up to Michigan for the weekend (courtesy of Last Minute Deals!) for Dann &
Lisa's annual Ham Jam.


We had some time to kill before heading over to Parma, so we dropped by Faist Farms to check out Andy's collection of vintage John Deere tractors. Cory's been here before, but this was Daniel's first trip. Needless to say, he was like a kid in a candy shop. Big time.

As you can see from the pictures, after a quick lesson from Andy, the boys - and their Dad - were off and running.

Even Ella got her turn behind the big green wheel!

Kim Jones would be proud.

Ham Jam '08

Some scenes from Dann & Lisa Wollet's annual summer fest.

I didn't take nearly as many pictures this year because I was on Ella duty. I learned that a two-year-old needs a lot more attention than her Granddad does - especially around the fish pond and the fire pit! Lisa helped her feed the fish.

I managed to get a crowd shot with Daniel, Cory, and Shawn in the song circle. And I even found a few minutes to catch up with my sisters. Judy flew in from California for the weekend, and Lorenda & Suzi came from Pleasant Lake and East Lansing respectively.

It was nice to have everyone in the same place for a few hours. That we were in a place with abundant good food and good music was a bonus!

Andrew Faist for Henrietta Township Trustee

Shawn's Latest Project

What a difference a few shutters make!

Our house is slowly becoming a home.

Perspective

Shawn gets artsy on the water.

Small Town Parade

Nothing says small town better than the annual Eastern Shore Volunteer Fire Department Parade. Our house is in the heart of the parade route!

Shawn at Tangier Lighthouse

Home Improvement

In case you've been wondering what I've been up to lately!

Oh the joys of old homeownership....

It's All His Fault

Our realtor, Paul Buckmaster, did a great job for us when we were buying the house. He likes to fish almost as much as Shawn does, which may be one of the reasons he took such good care of us.

I don't really blame him for the collapsed ceiling. At least not very much!

Ouch!

I got home from work last night and was surprised to find a pile of plaster on the floor in front of the front door. The ceiling had collapsed!

I am amazed after all the home inspections and everything that we went through to buy the house that no one noticed (or thought to tell us) that there had been water in the ceiling (the bathroom is right above the damaged area). Shawn couldn't find any evidence that the leak was recent (yea - no plumbers!), so set to work to repair the damage.

He did a great job patching the rotted boards and sheetrocking (no plaster for us!) over the hole. And I thought I was done painting!