Hawaiian Girl!

Emma spotted this dress in her closet---thanks to her Uncle Eric, who sent it to her from his vacation in Hawaii last year.  It finally fits, and she loves it!  She wants to dance. 

We also had our family Thanksgiving this past weekend---thanks, Mom---where I didn't think to break out my camera, of course.  This is the last week that my doctor will let me travel, so Mom had us all over for a wonderful day of family and food. 

About 6 weeks to go!  I finally bought some newborn diapers, and I've dragged some things up from the basement that I can use.  The next couple weekends will be about organizing!  I'm so often distracted by just cleaning the house and scrubbing the floors these days.  I tell myself I just can't help but want a clean, prepared house, but having a place for the baby to sleep and clothes that are washed and ready to wear should also probably be important, too.  It's starting to seem so real....and I'm feeling like a punching bag most days!  She is so much more active then Emma ever was.  And the countdown continues..

Traverse City, MI

I went to Traverse City for a conference, so my supervisor suggested I to turn it into a mini weekend vacation with Andrew and Emma.  It was fabulous to get away before I have to be stuck close to home.  The weather was cool, and there were off and on lake effect rain showers the entire time, but it was still a beautiful area with lots of yummy places to eat.  I did get some pics between rain showers!

Moomers had really yummy ice cream that they make here!

And you can go outside Moomers and see the cows that produced the milk for the ice cream.  Andrew and Emma also enjoyed some fresh whole milk.

Wish I had taken a picture of our ice cream, but we were so busy eating it. =)

I went with the less expensive hotel option--and the only thing they had for us was a 2 bedroom suite with whirlpool and fireplace!  Emma was eager to take a bath here.

This is an old Michigan state hospital that closed in 1989.  Then around 2001 it underwent a huge renovation so now it's a shopping area and residence.

Fascinating place with pictures and history throughout the halls.  Every room was built to face & let in plenty of sunlight.

One set of pictures of the hospital from the past.

We even enjoyed watching some guys fly fishing in this shallow river---you could see the trout.  Emma loved seeing the fish.  We also found a really nice farmer's market on the other side of the trees.

A downpour cut our time in downtown Traverse City short, but I loved how close it was to the water.

We also just drove around the area to see the views and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

We ended up in a small town called Glen Arbor that's actually a national park.  It used to be you couldn't reach the place except by boat.  I think people lived there with the sole purpose of helping boats in trouble out on the lake.

 

Boat museum in Glen Arbor

 

Light from the lighthouse

 

This used to be a rescue boat that was used....seriously can't imagine getting into this out onto a rough lake.

Can't see it too well here, but there is a lighthouse on Manitou toward the left of the picture.

Another batch of rain approaching.

Well, I'm 31 weeks now and doing pretty well.  My only problem is I really need to get ready for this baby.  It seems too easy to put off getting all the baby stuff out of the basement to be ready...is it because this is the second?  And because I'm having another girl I think I assume I have most of what I need besides warm weather clothes.  I just think this pregnancy has flown by much faster than it did with Emma.  Getting past the 30 week mark just has me thinking of what I should do and then trying to find the time to do it. lol  I'm going to wish I had done more when it was easier to bend over/get up and down!