Winter beauty

It's been a few decades since I've seen this much snow (without being out west or in the Alps!). Yes, it's tough to drive around; yes, it's cold. But my is it pretty. The most amazing part to me is the silence right after a big blizzard. Seeing snow softly speckle the sky without a sound is the epitome of peace. Dad, Linda, Scott, the girls and I took a long hike from our house to Wexford Park and then on to Stricker's Pond -- through snow drifts, up hills, through the woods and even across the ice on the pond. I bet we walked 2 miles (and Scott probably carried MJ an entire mile!) Around every corner was a new surprise, like the tree we found in the middle of a woods decorated with sparkly ornaments. The kids were tired and, by the end, whining about sore legs. But what a blessing to have such a beautiful day together. And, back at home, hot cocoa never tasted better! (Oh, and P.S., God Bless those people driving the city plows!)

Put-in-Bay

Ya know, I've been to various points of the globe, as has my sis, but we both agreed that our vacation together with dad and Linda to Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie was way up on the list of favorites. Why? First because we were all together and enjoyed each other's company from sun-up to sun-down. We stayed at a super sweet B&B with lovely hosts and mouth-watering breakfasts taken under a gazebo in the yard. The weather was picture perfect. Watching the cousins -- Anna, MJ and Charlotte -- made everyone smile. Swimming and boating in Lake Erie; finding smooth, shiny beach glass; riding bikes around the island; eating fried perch and fattening desserts every night; watching the sun set over the bay; learning about island history at the museum, Perry's monument and the underground caves; getting silly drinking at the winery and then biking home ... And we relished thoughts of Grandma Sue and all the good times we spent with her boating and island hopping years ago.

If you're hungry for more, see Heather's sweet blog about our vaca at http://www.themalcomsons.blogspot.com/.

Thanks, Dad and Linda for a memorable end to the summer.

In front of Anchor Inn, our B&B.

Me lookin' like a granny drinking coffee in the gazebo at Anchor Inn.

Cousin love.

In front of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

On TOP of Perry's -- MJ was a brave girl to climb up with Daddy.

View of the Bay from the top of Perry's.

Boat ride home from Cedar Point holding the monkey I won for her. The winning of this monkey was the worst part of the trip. I played a game where one of those teeny boppers guessed my age. They had to come within 2 years to win, and the kid guessed that I was 39!!!! 39!!!! It was pretty devastating but I got over it ... sort of ...

On Middle Bass Island collecting sea glass.

Rowdy group at Heineman's Winery on South Bass Island.

Char's first swing ride!

Beech Buoy anchored off Middle Bass.