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This is probably the best tree we've ever had. It was freezing cold and blowing some of the first flurries of the season. We didn't linger. I was fine with the first tree Scott held up. But, we went with the bigger 3rd option. Done. It's up. And beautiful. Oh, and we added a tree for the boys up in the loft. It's all theirs. They can decorate it however they choose. They want to get ahold of Santa to tell him to leave their presents upstairs. Funny, they think they've been good.

Caleb turns 3.

Grandma made a Train Cake

A new tackle box.

A new movie!

We will have this same dilemma for-ever.  We love to go up to the cottage on Labor Day weekend.  And, it's Caleb's birthday September 1.  So, this year we opted to just celebrate there.   We had a extra special treat this year:  Aunt Kimmy got to spend the weekend with us.  We had such a relaxing weekend doing our normal things: golf-cart rides, bonfires, dunes, fishing, and boat rides.  We are definitely blessed. 

I can't believe that 3 years ago we left this guy in the hospital for 10 extra days to recover from pneumonia.  From day one until now, Caleb's huge personality keeps us on our toes.  We love you, buddy.  Please stop growing up now.

Birthdays, Reunion, and Super Hero fun.

Scott's cousin Brooke is getting married.  Poor Ross is getting initiated into the Brooks family.

Heckling begins.

And continues...

Jake opening his bingo prize.

Cannonball!

I think he got it all.

Uncle Dave and mini Uncle Dave.

Liv being brave.

This is before he broke the infant ring.

Scuba Raegan.

Aunt Connie and Emma.

This one's for Nana.

Adorable.

He's mine.

So is he.

Showing his muscles.

What about me, Nanny?

Super Aunt Kimmy.

More cottage memories...

Nature walk.

Downtown Manistee.

Ain't no bugs on me...

I can't get enough.

Heading to parade.

Telling stories.

I kind of like Grandpa.

The whole fam heads up to the cabin!

Jake, Morg, Woody, & Trav

It's no big deal to hang a Elk head.

Morning Candyland.

Loners.  The rest of us are on the Pontoon.

Trying the paddleboard.  Great fun.

Love him.

From afar.

Love him too.

My beautiful Sister-in-Law. 

Following the Baby Shower and Backyard BBQ, we headed up to the cottage for a few nights.  Despite the heat wave, we had a great time.  I would advise not sleeping upstairs on the top bunk during record breaking temps.  Thankfully, we have plenty of places to cool off.

Trav & Morgane's Baby Shower

A long time ago we planned for Travis & Morgane to come home to celebrate my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.  A few weeks prior we pulled a 180 on them.  We twisted the Anniversary celebration into a surprise Couples Baby Shower for the parents-to-be.  We had a great time celebrating with family and friends.  One highlight was the food!  My Dad hired some guys he works with to come cook.  Smoked chicken, fajitas, grilled corn, fresh pico, etc....I bet your mouth is watering.