The Carlson Family

Monday, August 20, 2012

Couples Retreat 2012

Aron and I returned home last night after a wonderful road trip to West Virginia with our best friends Heidi, Steve, Allison, and Gregg. Last year we began a tradition to meet every summer for a long weekend to celebrate our friendships and enjoy some time together as couples without our children tagging along. Aron and I organized last year's trip to Mackinac Island so this year it was Gregg and Allison's turn to plan. Since they live in Nashville, Gregg thought it would be fun to find a place equal driving distance for everyone that no one has been to before. So...Welcome to Stonewall Jackson Resort in the beautiful state of West Virginia! What a glorious weekend!!! While Aron and I were basking in the sun, Russell and Sloane were being spoiled rotten at Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn's. We can NOT thank them enough for taking such good care of the kids! Russell and Sloane both told me several times that they wanted to stay there forever! Not only did they get lots of attention from Tom and Marilyn, but they also had attention from cousins Katie, Travis, and Ellie. Not only are Aron and I looking forward to our next "Couples Retreat," but Sloane and Russell are already begging to go back to Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn's. So, Steve and Heidi better start planning!!!

We rented a boat on Saturday to explore the beautiful lake.

We were surrounded by natural beauty.

The ladies enjoying the boat.

The guys enjoying the lake (and drinks).

We spent lots of time poolside.

Learning to paddle board.

I ran two mornings and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty surrounding me.

Our last night out.

The girls overlooking the mountains.

All six of us! We closed down the restaurant that night!

Monday, August 13, 2012

More Fun!

Summer may be winding down, but our fun is not! Aron and Russell spent Friday evening with some friends at Ford Field enjoying a Lion's preseason game. Although our home team did not win, the boys still had a great time. While the boys were out, Sloane and I headed to the nail spa for her first mani and pedi. What a kick!!! Sloane's been asking for months to do this and I finally caved. What a special night for us. On Sunday, we spent the day with my family at our annual Wilcox Family Reunion. Russell spent most of the day in the pool. His swimming skills have amazed me! Sloane enjoyed the attention from her relatives and of course the sweet treats that were served. Memories, memories, memories!!!

Hot dogs at the game. A friend took more pictures that I will post soon.

"Mom, I like this. Mom, can we do this again sometime?"

What a girl!

After the spa, we headed to dinner ending with one awesome dessert to share!

Swimming fun at the reunion.

Sloane cheers for Aron as he tries to win the corn hole championship.

Aron ended up taking 2nd place.

Sloane with her favorite cousin Katie.

Altadena Olympics

After a rain cancellation, our neighborhood was able to pull together an Olympic games for the little Olympians on our street. The kids had a BLAST despite the chilly, wet weather and the parents enjoyed the chance to get together. It's been so fun watching the kids enjoy the Olympic games this year. We are now looking forward to RIO 2016!!! And of course... Altadena 2016!

Torch making and opening ceremony.

Entrance into the games.

Discus

I made signs for each of our 10 games. Due to weather, we could only play 8.

Javelin throw.

Soccer Shootout.

Long Jump

Relay Race

Field Hockey

Popsicles and Medals.

Russell shouted, "I am Michael Phelps!"

Monday, August 6, 2012

Enjoying the Small Stuff

We have been home for over a week now and are enjoying the simple things that summer has to offer us right here in Royal Oak. This past week we enjoyed visiting a few of our local favorites including Jungle Java, The Detroit Zoo, The Royal Oak Library, Red Oaks Water Park, and the movie theatre to see Brave! I find the best way to entertain the kids and to prevent sibling rivalry is to keep them busy, busy, busy!!! We have also been keeping up on the Olympic games - thanks to our DVR system. The kids both enjoy watching swimming and love screaming for Michael Phelps. Sloane also enjoys the "gymnastic girls." She has become Gabby's biggest fan. I am in awe of all of it, but shed the most tears watching Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher finish the marathon. Simply amazing!

Last weekend we visited Aron's mom in St. Joe and enjoyed two beautiful days on Lake Michigan.

Russell enjoyed Saturday's monster waves.

Sloane chased sea gulls away.

On Sunday, the kids took off as soon as their feet hit the sand. They are water bugs!

We enjoyed a visit to the Detroit Zoo for the Wild Summer Nights Concert Series. Sloane loves the new carousel!

It was a HOT afternoon/evening so the kids had fun playing in the cooling stations and then snacking on Dippin Dots and cotton candy.

Some of our Royal Oak friends met us there. The kids LOVED having their buddies there to hang with.

Adorable girls - I can not believe all three will be heading to kindergarten in a few weeks!

Friday, July 27, 2012

A Month to Remember!

What a month!!! No words can express the emotions I felt over the last 4 weeks. I grew up spending every summer at the BEST little cottage on a lake surrounded by family and spending my days soaking up everything the season has to offer. I am so blessed to have a career that allows me to take my children away from the city for a month and let them experience the same joys I had as a child. I have a few snap shots from our month at the cottage. I am already looking forward to next year!