Money Dresses

I was so excited to come home for a visit this summer just so I could give Megan and Kaitlyn a little surprise.  In Doha, a few teachers had talked about these very cute belly dancing outfits for children.  As soon as I heard that, I thought it would be a perfect idea for my cousin's two little girls.

As soon as they put them on, they realized that the outfits had little coins all over them.  Their names quickly changed to money dresses.  Rumor has it that their mom, Colleen has been vacuuming up money and beads ever since!  Again,  I have to give credit to Kathleen for the very cute pictures...

Megan and Kaitlyn in the money dresses...
Also, Happy birthday to Megan!  She turned 5 today!

Is she not the cutest?!?!

Playing outside with the money dresses.

Shake it, shake it...

Makenna Elizabeth

Welcome Makenna Elizabeth! 

Another great aspect of summer is being able to visit family.  I was lucky enough to be able to meet my dear cousin Colleen's newest addition to her ever so beautiful family.  Makenna Elizabeth was born on June 25, 2011 weighing in at 8 pounds and 14 ounces and she was 20 inches long.  She has two big sisters that are a great help and so excited to have a new baby sister!

Shawn, Colleen, Megan, Kaitlyn and Makenna!

Katie and Makenna!  What a lucky girl I am!

 I have always looked up to my older cousin Colleen!  Growing up, my family spent a lot of time with my aunt's family and we have many great memories.  Not having any sisters, Colleen and her sisters are the closest thing I have!  Congratulations to the Carrie family!  

*Disclaimer:  I did some stealing of pictures from my other cousin, Ms. Kathleen Buchanan!  

Deadliest Catch Lake Michigan Style

"Oh, de fish, he hard to hook,

But taste so good eenyway 'e cook.

Fried, baked, broiled or stew.

Wid coleslaw an' hushpuppy, too!"

 Needless to say, Deadliest Catch Lake Michigan Style was not very deadly.  However, it was fun!  My dad, brother and I enjoyed a nice morning out fishing on Lake Michigan.  It was my first time on the big lake this summer and I was lucky enough to help bring in two big salmon!  Well, Alex had to help me with the last one!

Alex and I having some fun...even after having to wake up at 4 AM!

Alex doing work before the sun comes up...

The pirate and his claw hand.

Bringing in the big one!

Basking in 80 feet of water..

Fleas that live in the water.  They are an invasive species to the Great Lakes.  They have come in on ships through the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Lake Michigan...that is all fresh water folks!

Kayaking

As a I enjoyed a quiet and peaceful day on the river with my mom, a quote that I heard from my cousin popped into my mind:  "I can never find words to describe happiness.  Maybe it was designed that way, so that instead of sitting around writing about being happy we're out enjoying it while we have it."

I have really been able to enjoy the wonders of a Michigan summer.  The greenery is breathtaking to me.  I have loved the rain and all the wonderful sounds that nature has to offer.

I would say that is exactly what my mom and did a few weeks ago on the Muskegon River...we were out enjoying happiness...

A huge osprey nest near the power lines.

The Muskegon River.

Paddling around in the kayak.

A fly fisherman enjoying the quiet day on the river.

Enjoying a snack break in the shade.

More of the sandy banks of the Muskegon River.

My mom speeding ahead of me!

I forgot how pretty it was...

My mom and Amy enjoying the water and the shade.

So clear and fresh...

"May today there be peace within.  May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.  May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.  May you be content with yourself just the way you are.  Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.  It is there for each and every one of us."

Whitecaps Baseball

 Just this past weekend, I was lucky enough to be able to see quite a few people from the Houston side of my family.  We all attended a Whitecaps baseball game in Grand Rapids, MI.  Here are few snap shots from our fun and very warm and humid evening at the ballpark!

My cousin Rob giving his best effort at eating the 5/3 Burger.  Apparently it was on the show Man vs. Food.  He actually almost ate the entire 4 pounds of meat. 

Max and Mac enjoying an evening at the ballpark.  Mac decided to borrow Liz's sun hat for the moment.

Mac and his favorite sister. :)

Grandma Houston and I.  She came to stay with us for a few days this week!

Mom, Max, and Katie! 

Some more of the Houston cousins:  Mac, Rob, and Amber.

The Whitecaps won the game in the last inning and they we were able to enjoy a really nice fireworks show!

Mackenzie and I playing around before leaving the park.

Ben & KK's Wedding

I am back to blogging as I finally sit in my parent's house with high speed internet!  On July 15, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the wedding of Katelyn Kearney and Ben Regan.  It was a wonderful day in Holland, MI and it was spent with some great friends from Doha.   There were six of us who attended the ceremony from the ASD.  In between the wedding and the reception, we had a few fun adventures.

The Doha clan at the start of the reception.  Ben and KK are actually moving to Shanghai, China.  We wish them all the best!

My dear friend Ann has known Ben and KK since they both started at ASD.  It was great to be able to spend the evening with her!

Our friend Aaron also attended the wedding in Michigan. 

After the ceremony the Doha clan headed to the local brewery in Holland.

We also went to the Peanut Store.  Ann worked here throughout her college years while attending Hope College.  What a fun place.  Rumor has it that the rest of the clan went back for a second visit...

We all lived in the same apartment building in Doha.  We call it The Bin.  I live on the 3rd floor and the rest of the bunch was on the 6th floor.

For their guest book, Ben and KK had people write a message on a whiteboard and take a photo.  We decided to help remind the happy couple of how much they will be missed in the Middle East!

The breathtaking bride and I.

Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day!  Best of luck to you both and I will be seeing you in Shanghai! :)

Coming Home

I know the lyrics to this song do not describe my situation, but I think the title is quite fitting because I am coming home after almost a year!  This song brings back some great memories with some great family and friends.  I am very excited to be flying back to Michigan on the 14th.  This probably means another grand blogging hiatus...

I will probably post this song again in another three months when I've had enough of home and will be ready to get back to my home in Doha! :)