Macinaw Island State Park 2010

Each year we travel through the State Park and always find something new along with old reliable sites (like the arch rock). This year there were several first’s. James went for the first time without a wagon so he had to do all the walking by himself. Another first was going up a stairway we found in the woods that took you to the highest elevation point on the island, the pictures really don’t do it justice.

We stopped at the little rest area which is North of the Grand Hotel as we were exiting the State Park. James always gets an ice cream and Mary has a chance to check out some of the souvenir shops there. In the center is the collection of horse drawn vehicles including the hearse (which they still use when someone dies).

The key to a successful day at Mackinaw Island is to get there early, before the crowds. This year we did very well at avoiding the crowds and the weather held off for us till we were finished. The boat ride home is when the weather made a turn for the worse but our day was already complete by then.
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Edited: September 4th, 2010

James Sunday Visits

Just because Peg is recuperating and in therapy does not mean that Jame’s Sundays have changed that much. This last Sunday he went to Peg’s to help dad pick up her mail, cane, and some stamps. Then we went to Pegs who gave James a cookie for his trouble (james carried in the cane without hitting anyone, an impressive feat). Afterwards we stopped at a park where James got to play. The park was empty (most are around here probably due to video games and computers) but James and Dad made the best of it. We even had a foot race.

The park was unique because of the dinosaur slide which drew us in. Pretty cool and was the first thing James went to play on.

After the park James went home and made “pretzel alphabet words” which he later ate. If you would like to see pics click on the link coming up (more…)

Edited: August 23rd, 2010

Madison Park

Aunt Peg was admitted into the hospital for trouble with her leg, but James and I still managed to have some fun at a local park which had 3 different sets of playgrounds for him. The park is at Madison in Dearborn so its not too far away to walk to.

The primary elections were going on but hardly anyone was going into the school to vote. Guess that must be a sign of the times.

One thing that I liked about this park was that it had a musical section at one of the playgrounds where the kids could play different music on different instruments. Strange we were the only ones using the park, perhaps the kids in the area need to take more of a break from video games (including James). James currently is playing Toy Story 3 video game on Wii, but thats another story. All in all, we both had a really good time at the park.

To see the pics click on “read more”
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Edited: August 19th, 2010

Oakwood Park 2008

Most weekends in the summer we make a visit to Aunt Pegs and visit the park next to her complex. James has been playing here since he was in a stroller. There is a huge soccer field there also which comes in handy if we want to kick a football or shoot one of James rockets off. They have a swimming pool in the summer but we never go to it, I think you have to live in the city for that. However we seldom see anyone using the pool anyway so why bother.
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Edited: May 30th, 2008

Comerica Park 2007

We got some great seats to a Detroit Tiger game vs Mets from our neighbors and James had a blast there with the merry go round and ferris wheel. The Tigers put on a good show and won the game handily, lots of scoring on both sides. One thing I will never forget about this trip was James eating peanuts, I had assumed that Mary bought them for him, while she assumed that I had bought them for him. As it turned out they were the people sitting behind us, James simply turned around and started eating their peanuts. Both parties laughed and we got them another bag of peanuts. They were from NY and were here to see the new stadium and their beloved Mets.
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Edited: June 10th, 2007

Champagne Park 2005

Peg wanted to take James to Champagne Park so we went up there one Sunday and had a blast with James in the playground. We get together most Sundays and when its nice out we take James to a park. When its crappy weather we usually go shopping. This day was perfect.

James liked the park because it was shaded better than others we have gone to, and this was a pretty hot day so it was a good choice in parks with playgrounds.
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Edited: August 1st, 2005

Hines Park Picnic 2005

The day began with a potty mishap, then we were on our way to The Knights of Columbus annual picnic at Hines park. This was the first time many at the council met James. James did a little dancing on the floor, then enjoyed some barbecue hot dogs and potato salad.

On the way home 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. Somehow I don’t think the Lions will be playing in it but you never know…well, actually I do know.
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Edited: June 17th, 2005

Bush Rally 2004

James got to see the president this day, his first time being searched by security as well.

The funniest part of the whole event was when they introduced Bo Schembechler. The crowd roared then got all quiet and the only sound you could hear was Mary asking “Who the hell is Bo Schembechler”?
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Edited: August 30th, 2004

Elizabeth Park

Elizabeth Park is one of the prettiest parks around and we were hoping for a nice day before the end of the year to take James to it. Unfortunately, his response to the park was the same as Greenfield Village as he slept most of the walk.

Lots of fond memories of Elizabeth Park. We used to have family reunions here and later when I would go fishing with my friends we would launch the boat from Elizabeth Park (then usually travel downriver to Portofino’s and drink beer). I rode my first horse here and I would imagine that james will ride his first horse here too.
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Edited: October 3rd, 2003