Endings...and new beginnings

Have you ever gotten so busy that it feels like you'll never get anything done?  That's how I've felt over the last few weeks.  Work, family, volunteering, a Memorial Day weekend adventure, and everyday life along with just trying to make sure to keep the girls happy...Boy have things been crazy! Thankfully, this weekend was a bit quieter, and while still busy, I was able to spend some time at home catching up on life.  So today I thought I'd share a quick overview of how we've been spending our time over the last couple of weeks.

On Mother's Day, sadly my uncle Terry passed away.  He was 52 years old. Terry was born with Downs Syndrome in June of 1966.  That was not an easy time to be born with a "disability," but my grandparents made sure that he lived a really great life.  Terry was just 4 years old when I was born, and growing up with Terry taught me a lot.   He was kind and happy and loving.  He especially loved his nieces and nephews.  We who were lucky enough to be one of them...well, we were really lucky.  No family gathering will be quite the same without him.  It's hard to imagine a family dinner starting off with out Terry starting the prayer.  He will be missed.

On May 18, the Ingham County Animal Shelter Fund held their 10th Annual Woofer Walk and 5k and of course we weren't going to miss it.  It is always a fun event and this was going to be our 8th year joining the walk.  Due to my uncle Terry's funeral, we weren't able to make it to the actual Woofer Walk, but we weren't going to let that stop us from completing our commitment.  We had registered and collected donations, and we were going to do the walk!  So Friday night, armed with a map of the route on my phone, the girls and I headed out to the MSU campus to hold to our commitment.  I wasn't sure Maddie would make the entire 5k, but she was a trooper and was able to complete the entire walk!  

On Saturday, after Terry's funeral, the family all headed to my Grandparents farm to spend some time.  It was strange being at the house with Grandma, Grandpa, and Terry all gone.  But the cows and calves are still there.  Strange to think that we won't ever hold another family gathering or holiday there.  I can't imagine life without regular trips to that house and farm. 

On Sunday, May 19, I was excited to help the National Brittany Rescue on one leg of a transport.  Having grown up with a Brittany, I have a special place in my heart for them.  This was a pretty exciting transport because Dixie and Dexter were on their way from their foster home in Canada to their new adoptive home in Wisconsin.  What a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday.

I was also lucky that during the following week, some work travel allowed me the opportunity to have dinner with my friend, Kim, and that meant I got to meet her new puppy, Baxter.  Baxter is a 4 month old Bernedoodle and he is absolutely adorable!  I am looking forward to spending more time with him over the years!

Finally, we arrived at Memorial Day weekend.  The girls and I were excited to be joined by our friend Vanessa for a 4 day weekend adventure to Copper Harbor.  It was Vanessa's first trip to the Harbor and we were excited to show here around, but first we had a couple of other stops along the way.  Our first stop, as always, was at the Mackinac Bridge for a quick trip to the water and a short walk on the North Country Trail.  The Mayflies were horrible, so I didn't spend any time taking pictures, but we got in a quick mile on the trail before getting back in the Jeep to continue our journey.

Our next stop was Fayette State Park.  It is a pretty place for a walk and has an interesting history. 

Peaches was most interested in the pigeons that called this old furnace building home.  They were driving her crazy!

A nice walk with some pretty views, a little history, and even a little geocaching, and then we were back in the Jeep to continue on our way.

We arrived in Munising for the night, and Maddie was happy to snuggle right in for a good nap.

Peaches preferred to get some love from her auntie Nessa! 

Saturday, we continued our journey toward Copper Harbor.  On the way, we stopped in Calumet for a walking tour of town that was part of the "Experience the Keweenaw" event that was going on all weekend.  It was the perfect walk for Maddie because it was slow, short, and had lots of stops.  Peaches did a great job...I guess all of that time I've spent working on her patience is starting to pay off, maybe.

We spent the rest of the late afternoon and early evening just settling in and walking around Copper Harbor.  We were thrilled to catch quiet an amazing sunset in town.  It had been a beautiful day!

We had big plans for our Sunday in the Harbor.  I had arranged for Vanessa and I to meet up with a couple of my favorite Copper Harbor locals for some unique experiences.  But first, Peaches had to check the weather 

As is the case with most mornings in Copper Harbor, our first stop of the morning was Jamsen's for a turnover and a great view.  Our last trip to Jamsen's was in July, and as is always the case, I knew that they would ask about my girls...and this is my first trip to Jamsen's since Imke has been gone.  It's nice to know that she is thought of and her presence is missed by others.  So after a short discussion of her and life without her, I headed back out to share my turnover with two really happy girls.   

Then it was off for a hike to Manganese Falls.  Peaches was having the best time!  By the time we got here, I think Maddie was just ready for a nap.

Lucky for Maddie, our next adventure didn't require as much walking.  Vanessa was excited to go on a search for agates, and I knew just the person to shows us around for that .  So we met up with my friend, Tom and headed out to the beach. 

While Tom and Vanessa looked for agates and other gems, Peaches and I did some rock climbing, and Maddie took a nap in the sun. I think we all enjoyed our time out at the beach, but we had more to see and do so we were off to town to grab lunch and then meet up with Scott for a behind-the-scenes tour of Central Mine.

I was excited for the opportunity to get a tour inside the church and we were even lucky enough to get to climb up into the bell tour.  And the most exciting part of the church tour was getting to ring the over 150 year old bell.  What an honor!

We then took a nice walk around the mine site to several other buildings while Scott shared the history and his passion for this little mining town.  It was an amazing experience that I won't forget. 
I am so blessed to know such amazing people!

After touring Central Mine, we headed to the Fitz in Eagle River for dinner where there was way too much good food, some good drinks, and great conversation.  And the girls were lucky enough to get to share in some of the leftovers.

As we headed back to the Harbor, we made a quick stop at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse so the dogs could get out and stretch their legs, and then we were back in the Jeep for a trip up Brockway Mountain before heading to our room for the night.  It had been a busy day, but what a great experience!

Sadly, Monday arrived and it was time to depart the Harbor and make the long drive home.  We made one last stop at Jamsen's and then a quick stop at Hunters Point Park to walk around before leaving town.  

It was a rainy day of travel so we didn't stop much along the way, but I had to make sure Vanessa got a good shot of the lift bridge before leaving Houghton.  It had been an amazing trip to the Keweenaw and I can't wait to get back again soon!

Finally, on Wednesday, May 29, Maddie celebrated her 13th birthday.  It was busy day because I had a work meeting all day, but one of my favorite people-my co-worker Dave, was in town from Minneapolis, so he spent the evening with me at the shelter on our dog walk and then with me walking my girls around downtown.  Maddie was happy to make a new friend, got lots of special treats, extra car rides, and lots of love on her special day.  Overall, I think she had a great birthday!

Also, we had a big week at the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter as we leave our old building behind and move into our brand new building.  I will share more about that next time!  It's time for me to get out with the girls for some fun.