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Summer Fun :: {DIY Salt-Water-Color!}

Are you looking for simple + easy to clean-up projects to do with little ones this summer?!  If you are anything like me you look for project ideas that are simple + cheap.  I prefer using things I already have on hand or that can be recycled from everyday things.  Like using this egg carton to hold + make salt-water-color.  I will definitely be using this idea again + again.  It will be perfect on one of the few relaxing days when the kids are happily playing outside yet looking for a project to do.  You can probably relate to a time when you didn’t want to make a fuss about ANYTHING but they wanted EVERYTHING!  We can do this project on the back patio and it is easy enough to not worry about a major clean-up after +plus+ they have a piece of art work to be proud at the end of the day.  In my book that is a win-win!

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Salt Water-color

This was fun, and simple, and it didn’t cost me anything!  All of the supplies were on hand.

All you need is paper, brushes, water, water container {I used a recycled plastic egg carton}, salt + food coloring.

I mixed about 2 tbs. of salt with 2 cups of warm water {to dissolve it a little}, poured the water into the little egg cups, added a few drops of food coloring + mixed the colors.  The boys were studying Australia’s Great Barrier Reef so we tried to paint sea creatures + coral.  They did GREAT!  It was fun, safe, easy + easy to clean up!

Check out their work!

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The watercolor dries and the salt crystallizes!  Creating a little sparkly masterpiece!  Your toddler + baby could enjoy this sensory project!

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Doodie Doodie Doodie!

When we bought our home, one of the perks of living in this subdivision was the community swim club. For a nominal HOA each year, we are able to use the two pools and tennis courts all summer long.

Now that we are in full swing of summer, we have been going down to the swim club for an evening dip. The first dip of the summer occurred last week after dinner.

I look back to last summer when Alexandra had just turned 1 year old and how much she loved being in the water. Now, a year later, she forgot how much she liked the pool and was petrified to put her toes in. After a little bit of coaxing from Dad, she held open her arms for him and went in. She looked so cute in her one shoulder pink leopard bathing suit gripping onto her daddy as if her life depended on it. She wanted nothing to do with the tube I bought her. Just wanted her daddy.

After some time and when I noticed her toes and fingers were all wrinkled, it was time to get out and dry off. I stripped off her suit only to find my worst nightmare has come true.

How many of us remember the classic 80s movie Caddyshack? The scene at the public pool where the kids are swimming and one kid spots a long poop floating in the pool? Only to find out it was a candy bar after the whole pool was drained?

It came true for me.

She pooped. In her swim diaper. IN THE POOL.

At first, I didn’t know what I was looking at. After I peeled her suit off halfway is when I noticed the corn on her back. How did corn get on her back?? Then I went to peel off the diaper and my question was answered.

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! This cannot be happening to me right now.

 

I wanted to scream. I prayed that no one saw me. There was a life guard on her stand about 10 feet away. A mother and her book in the other direction. I glanced at the pool – are there pieces floating?

 

THE HORROR!!!

 

I picked up Alexandra and walked (steadily) to the girl’s bathroom. Stripped her down and turned on the shower. Then I remember – she’s deathly afraid of the shower! No mommy, no shower. No mommy.

All I can say is I am so happy I grabbed that small box of wipes before I walked out the door.

I cleaned her up as best I could, rinsed her suit off and told Dan – Let’s Go. We ran down the street to our house and I put her little shriveled body in the bathtub. A few minutes later she was all wrapped up in warm dry pajamas and was happy as a bug.

A few nights later, we attempted at the pool again. Dan asked me where her swim diapers so I yelled up the stairs “in her closet”. Once again, Alexandra wanted to wear her kitty suit and off we went. This time, we went before dinner. And of course, I brought extra diapers, wipes and dry clothes.

This time, I went in the water with her. It felt so good to be in the warm heated pool. Alexandra was a little more excited and actually played on the steps and railing without me holding her. She still wanted nothing to do with her arm floaties. Maybe one day!

I am swooshing around in the water and I noticed Alexandra’s diaper was really swollen with water. I pulled her suit back and my mouth drops. A PULL UP! That isn’t a swim diaper!

Dan! I yelled to him. You put a PULL UP on her! (Note to “Dad’s” the swim diaper bag is clearing labeled!!!!!!!!)

The other mom in the pool was listening to me. I swear, I saw her slowly shake her head back and forth.

Mortified again, we got Alexandra out of the pool and stripped her down. The swollen diaper was so full of water, it explodes around her before we can even get it off of her. Once again, we are running out of the pool and down the street for the bathtub.

This is going to be a long summer!!!!! What’s next?? Hopefully, we can make our third (maybe) upcoming visit to the pool with no mishaps!

Weekend Happenings {June 20th – June 22nd}

Weekend happenings

About the middle of the week I find myself wondering what I’m going to do over the weekend with my family. I usually always come up with an exceptionally great list of ALL the things I want to do but somehow I only seem to accomplish one or two of them. This summer I’ve decided to do something out of the ordinary and worry less about the everyday things {dishes + laundry + cleaning bathrooms} that need to get done. I have realized that I need to spend more time enjoying my kids when they’re little and taking the time to reconnect with my husband {this is so important in a marriage}!! I’ve complied a list of some of the things happening in + around Detroit this weekend. Grab your family or just your husband! Just remember to take the time and eNjOy every minute of it!!!

Weekend Happenings {June 20th – June 22nd}

Wizard of Oz

at the Detroit Opera House

{Date}

June 17, 2014 – June 29, 2014

{Times}

Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Matinee at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday Matinee at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday Evenings at 6:30 p.m.

{Location}
Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

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Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

Come and kick off the first day of summer (Saturday, June 21st) by having a “boatload” of fun!! Enjoy Thursday night Fishfly fireworks, pizza + pie + watermelon eating contest, carnival rides, petting zoo, parade, etc.

{Date}

June 18 – 22, 2014

{Location}
Downtown New Baltimore

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Birmingham Summer Movie Nights

at Booth Park

Grab a blanket + popcorn and enjoy a free movie under the stars!

{Date + Time}

June 20, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

{Location}
Booth Park
Harmon and North Old Woodward
Birmingham, MI 48009

{Movie}

Frozen

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Detroit Summer Beer Fest

Come celebrate Craft Beer Month with over 60 breweries from around the world, across the state and down the street. This is the perfect opportunity to discover and taste new brews + special “limited release” beers and ales.

{Date}

June 20, 2014 – June 21, 2014

{Location}
Campus Martius Park
800 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226

Check the website for prices and hours.

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GM River Days

River Days is a celebration of Detroit’s RiverWalk with activities on land and water. The RiverWalk offers everything from the tall ships, jet-ski demos, riverboat tours to live music, kids activities, sand sculptures, delicious eats and much more.

{Date}

June 20, 2014 – June 22, 201

{Admission}

Admission is $3 during the day and $5 after 5 p.m.

{Location}
Detroit Riverfront
1340 E. Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207

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Strawberry Sunday at the Birmingham Farmer’s Market

Come enjoy all things strawberry!! Michigan-grown strawberries are known to be exceptionally fresh and sweet.

{Date + Time}

June 22, 2014

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

{Location}
Birmingham Farmer’s Market

Public Parking Lot 6 on the east side of N. Old Woodward (across from Salvatore Scallopini Restaurant and Booth Park)

Momma Said!

If you’re a mom or dad then you’ve been there! That moment at the grocery store when your usually insanely good toddler screams at the top of her lungs “look mommy a truck” (except instead she yelled a 4 letter word rhyming with truck) and you’re left standing there beet faced promising she really ISN’T cursing out the elderly woman at the end if the aisle.

Or when your chunky monkey and best babywearing baby on the block has “butt popped” yet again in the “R2D2” back carry you worked hours to perfect in the middle of Ikea and now you have to run across the store with toddler in those “easy-to-stear-but-they-go-every-which-way” shopping carts all while hanging on to your back dangling baby. Or that moment you are in circle time at playgroup and your text alert goes off revealing you (err Siri) sent an offensive message to a customer, thank goodness it was also a very good friend!

We’ve all had THOSE moments as parents we wish we were an ostrich and could just hide our head in the sand! But you know what, we’ve all been there!! And actually each one of my “examples” are true, and are among the endless list of embarrassing parent moments in my short 5 years as a mom!

When asked to open with a funny/sad/happy/embarrassing/emotional parenting moment for me it HAD to be embarrassing!! I have SOO many! I am kinda “that” mom! I try, really hard, sometimes TOO hard, but my intentions are there! I am conservative in most aspects but super Crunchy when it comes to my kiddos! So I’ve had to learn from my mistakes and take the path less taken.  It’s been a very bumpy ride, but it’s been fun thus far!

I have 2 wonderful kiddos and I really believe my daughter, Babycakes, was placed in this earth to teach me lesson after lesson after lesson!  Little miss BC is the best, and worst, parts of both my hubby and I and that’s an unstable mix!! She’s adventurous, determined, persistent and passionate! So when she makes up her mind… Watch out world!

She had to be only 2 1/2 when this happened and my little man, Laddie, just a baby maybe 6 months old. It was a beautiful summer morning and she was bound and determined to play outside. I told her after lunch and naps it was outside time. She was not having it… One bit! Well it was almost lunch time so I put on Disney Jr. And Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was on so I was free for a good 20 minutes!! Or so I thought.

Off to the potty I went! 5 minutes of peace… Ya right! It was quiet… You know that TOO QUIET sound! I jumped up pulling my pants up yelling for her… Nothing. I looked around and mini man rolled himself in a corner, so into the bouncer he went as my search continued.

Now we live in an upper unit condo that’s only about 1200 sq/ft… She couldn’t be far, or so I thought! Speeding thru the house yelling her name, I froze as I got to the top of the stairs… There were all her clothes and the front door was open… I HAVE A STREAKER :0/

Now I live in the Ann Arbor area so the naked mile is a known phenomenon around town. But that’s college students, not 2 1/2 year old little girls!

I ran down stairs and out the front door my head spinning as if it were a teacup at Disney world. Then I spotted her… Picking flowers at the far end of our building in the commons area. Just as happy as a pig in poop she was singing and twirling with her flowers wearing nothing but a smile and a Tiara! That’s my girl! Skinned knees and dirty face all while wearing a tutu and tiara! She’s such a wild child, but with the innocence of an angel.

At the end of the day I looked back at what this taught me… And I came up with 2 (main) things.

1) remember to live in the moment, stop to smell the roses, be carefree and open!
But most importantly,
2) Never trust a 2 1/2 year old with standard deadbolt and handle locks… They are Houdinin’s I tell ya!!!
brandi momma said 2

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Idea

I am a last minute mom, always.  Better late than never is my motto!  Besides, I work harder and faster under pressure.  I spent a little time looking at Pinterest boards.  There were many cute Father’s Day gift ideas.  I went through my supplies and came up with this idea, handprints and a poem for Dad’s office!

It is cute, it is simple and I got it done in no time!  Just grab an old or new frame, some scrap paper, print a poem {use my 8.5 x 11 print! Fathers day printable}, some paint, double sided tape or glue, and scissors!

Cut the paper to fit the frame, print the poem + trim the paper, tape it down.

Next step is a little messy, but easy clean up!  Use a paper plate or any old plate, spread the paint around and help the kiddos make a hand print!

I added a little quote the boys gave me, I just asked them what do they love about dad? Nothing fancy, it is just handwritten by me.

Once it is dry, assemble.

I found some cute chip board pieces and ribbon to add a little more but it’s perfect even without the little details!

That’s it!  You have a great Father’s Day gift your kids will LOVE giving.  And he will be able to proudly display it on his desk at work!

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Surviving Dad’s Work Trips

surviving dad's work trips

“You know I am leaving for a few days next week.  You boys better be good for your mom while I am gone.  Don’t give her a hard time.”  Dad reminds the boys that another work trip is quickly approaching.  They usually respond with a sincere look and understanding, and they give him a simple little nod, “we will be good.”  But we BOTH know the boys will be good and things will remain semi normal for about…well, a day.  Then we await the inevitable, the moment when their emotions run a little bit higher and they start to say, “I miss dad, do you miss dad?!” On top of missing dad, the boys start to become annoyed with mom’s stress levels…{if I’m not managing it properly, which is about 90% of the time, yep, I can be quite annoying!}.

Once the conversation begins, it is a reminder to start preparing myself for the days that lie ahead.  When dad leaves for a work trip, it’s usually a bittersweet occasion.  On one hand, a little distance never hurts, and on the other hand, I have to deal with “everything” on my own.  I don’t get any breaks.  My day job  soon becomes my morning, my day, and my night job….24 hours of kids {constantly} demanding my love and attention!  I literally become a single mom. I praise you ladies who rock at this!  When it’s just me I have to become the fearless optimistic mom who can handle anything thrown my way.  I am the leader. If I’m scared, they are scared. If I’m stressed, they are stressed. If I am sad, they are sad.  I have to stay positive and upbeat to keep everyone uplifted.

When I think back to when I was working outside of the home, I am still amazed at what I could accomplish. It’s even exhausting to think about! I have a wonderful family.  My mom took care of our kids. Almost every day after pick up, I would wish for dinner plans at mom’s. Often times, I would give them a bath before we headed home. This was to help make bedtime easier so I could get ready for the next day and catch some zzzzz ‘s!

As dad’s return is near, we anxiously wait. He has, on occasion, surprised us. Only to appear out of nowhere unexpectedly-the kids dig that move! Finally when he does walk through the door we feel full of LOVE + happiness knowing he’s back home! Every trip we miss him dearly and realize what an important role he plays in our family.  He helps make our life enjoyable and he makes my life…well, easier and I am so grateful for everything he does do as their dad and my husband.

annette dads work trip
A HUGE hug after a work trip….

I have compiled a little list of things that I do to help us survive while he is away!

1. CATCH UP ON WEEKLY CHORES::I like to catch up on the mundane weekly tasks before he leaves so that I don’t have to worry too much about falling behind on them. Especially the laundry, because I have learned the hard way that I am just not going to be able to get everything done.

2. LOTS OF EXTRA HUGS AND KISSES::I try to hug and squeeze and kiss them a million times in dad’s absence because I know dad’s hugs are greatly missed.

3. DANCE PARTY IN OUR LIVING ROOM::De-stress. Yes, I LOVE dancing foolishly around the house.  It does help us decompress the built up emotions, stress and anxiety, PLUS we have a ton of fun letting loose!  The boys also love being the DJ.  Long walks or visits to the park also help.

4. A LITTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION::If the stress level is just too high, we sometimes have to try a little yoga and some breathing exercises.  I turn on some calming music and ask them to sit with me, breathe and talk about what is bothering them.

5. DESSERT FOR BREAKFAST {not really}::I do like to add a few extra treats like chocolate chips and marshmallows somewhere in the mix! They love little surprises. I hide certain snacks away just for this occasion.

6. LEARN TO SAY “NO”::I try to keep our schedule simple. Over booking us just leads to unnecessary stress.  Learning to let go in life is something I work on every day, especially when I am playing the single mom role.

7. BE HAPPY + OPTIMISTIC::I aim to teach them through example; I have to be happy and optimistic so that they are also happy and optimistic.  There is always sadness built around dad’s work trips, as well as a little optimism…  Let me explain.  I love my family unit.  We are a team!  The 4 of us work together to create a life full of love, trust and compassion for one another.  When something is off, it affects the whole unit, but a little distance is not going to hurt us-it will only help us grow and be stronger!

8. AVOID TALKING TO DAD ON THE PHONE::It is so easy for me to make him feel guilty for not being at home..helping! He knows, he really does, he gets it, and it is COMPLETELY out of his control and there really isn’t anything he can do from a distance. What is the point of starting a text message war or ending a conversation on a bad note? It also makes the kids even more sad when they talk to dad.

9. KEEP LIFE SIMPLE::I do things like boil a dozen eggs, make instant oatmeal, and wash and dry fruit (so it is ready to eat anytime).  We eat leftovers, go through the freezer for anything easy hiding in there or make breakfast for dinner {eggs and toast or pancakes are always a hit!}! Keeping bedtime routine simple also helps. I am usually completely exhausted.  When we are ready for bed, I take my laptop with me, set up camp and let them watch television until we all fall asleep!

10. PLAY DATES + FAMILY VISITS::Setting up fun play dates with friends and little visits with family help too!  It keeps the kids occupied and not asking, “when is dad coming home?!”  This also helps me-it gives me a little break from, well, them!  They keep busy, have fun and stay happy!

A Dad’s Perspective::Pink Bows + Tampons

To Whom It May Concern:

I was once a single man living in Metro Detroit, I had free reign to do as I pleased and my home was decorated as any man would have it… sparse! There is a song by Kenny Chesney called “Don’t Blink”, the premise is that if you blink life keeps moving. Well, I blinked.   When I opened my eyes I had lost the counter space in my bathroom to hair brushes and makeup, pink had become a color that was used frequently to paint walls and apparently I will never understand certain things in life that only the fairer sex does. Things such as why feminine products have to command so much space under the counter, why Justin Bieber calls himself an “artist” and why emotions trump logic!! It was a long blink!!

I love my girls, of which I have three, a beautiful wife and two amazing daughters! One is 13 and the other almost 2. They are my life and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. However, there is so much estrogen (attitude) in my home that even my “man” spots ooze pink and ribbons and sass! When I ask why, I feel like Jon Snow from GOT (Game of Thrones) being told “you know nothing” . Well I am learning… let the women have their pink walls and teeny pop music and understand that you shouldn’t blink cause life will pass you by and you won’t get the chance to fight for that last little bit of counter space for your toothbrush!!

 

Sincerely,

Husband “X”

beth tea party

Introducing the DMB’s of Regina…..

Regina+DayleDownWithDetroit

{Down with Detroit}

I was born and raised in the Metro- Detroit Area. I grew up in White Lake, a small town about an hour outside of the city. Detroit was always something of an enigma to me when I was growing up. We only went downtown on very special occasions. I can count the number of trips to Detroit from my childhood on one hand, and I think that is one of the main reasons for my obsession with the city now. Going to Downtown Detroit is amazing. Despite what you hear on the news, people are welcoming, the architecture is stunning and there are plenty of things to do and see. The Tigers, Lions and Red Wings all make their home there. Going to Greek town to sample delicious treats at the Astoria Pastry Shop is a must (and I highly recommend their pecan pie!). Picking a side when it comes to The Coney Dog rivalry can make or break relationships. Photography tours of the city will open your eyes and give you a whole new perspective on our extraordinary downtown gem.

regina and liam kiss edit Regina Dayle+Liam

{My Life}

I love taking care of people, so it was just a natural thing that I started working in the Healthcare Industry when I was 16. I currently work for The Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital on the west side of Detroit. When I’m not working and taking care of people, I love to cook. I love finding new recipes and tweaking them to make them my own. My husband is a courageous man and lets me use him as a taste tester. My best friend, my sister, lives in Florida. I get to spend a lot of time in the sunshine state spending time with her & her little family. With that, comes the bonus of going to Walt Disney World – quite possibly our most favorite place on Earth. We go there as often as we can, or should I say, as often as we can afford to go. I love the feeling you get walking through the front gates – it always makes me feel like a kid again. I can’t wait to take our son there for the first time.

Regina and LiamDick

{Babies and Beyond}

My husband and I married in October of 1999 and after four years of marriage we decided it was time to expand our little family. What followed was month after month of heart-break; the waiting, the hoping, the letdown. This went on for well over a year. We had been checked out by our doctors and everything was normal. We tried for another year; still no luck. At that point we were looking into options to help us achieve our dream when suddenly, I became sick. Sick is such a strange word to use for what I was diagnosed with. I was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia. It’s not life-threatening, but very much annoying. The medication that they used to control it was not something I could take and carry a child at the same time, so our family plans were put on the back-burner for the time being. I very much wanted OFF the medication, so I opted to try a cardiac ablation to fix the problem. The ablation would burn the “extra wire” causing the problem in my heart and I’d be able to get off the medication. Well, things didn’t go as planned, but that’s a long story for another time. All that really matters is that I still have the arrhythmia and am still on a medication to help control it.

A few months after the failed attempt to fix my heart, I started getting other symptoms. Pain, fever, fatigue and joint swelling that would only go away after a round of prednisone, which is another medication you cannot take while pregnant. None of the doctors I consulted at the time could tell me what it was. It was a mystery illness and yet another roadblock to parenthood.

What we thought was a road block was actually a starting point. It helped us to look into other options to make our dream of becoming a family a reality. We initially looked into adoption through the State of Michigan. The agency was not the easiest to work with and we ended up abandoning that route. It was then that our very good friend, Shannon, volunteered to be a surrogate for us. We were beyond excited about taking her up on her offer!

We had started investigating how exactly to go about surrogacy in Michigan when I received another call; this time from one of our very best friends, Jen. Her niece, Courtney, had just discovered that she was pregnant. She was not ready to become a mother and she did not want to terminate the pregnancy. She was looking into adoption. She wanted to talk to me.

We met for dinner one night last September and things went well. We were on the same page, so to speak, in regards to the adoption – we all wanted an open adoption. She was OK with us attending check-up appointments and ultrasounds throughout her pregnancy. We could keep in touch via phone and Facebook in-between appointments. We could develop a relationship, which we’ve done over these last eight months, and we have all come to love and respect one another. On May 29th 2014, our courageous, beautiful and selfless birth mother gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy, our son, Liam Isaac. He was 7 pounds, 14 ounces, 20 ¼ inches long and is the most gorgeous baby I have ever laid my eyes on…although I may be a little biased. He is everything we hoped and wished for over the last decade. He is our dream come true.

Weekend Happenings {June 13th – 15th} ~Father’s Day Weekend!

weekend happenings 6-13 thru 6-15 2014

The other night during dinner, Dan (my lovely husband) brought up a good question. Every year, weeks and weeks in advance, families make reservations at a nice country club or restaurant for a big “all you can eat” Mother’s Day Brunch. But where are all of the Father’s Day brunches? Why do the guys get left out?

I asked him, do you really want to spend your day eating eggs benedicts and sliced ham? Good point – he said. Rather – this should be a day in which the wives/mommies let the husbands/daddies do WHATEVER they want! Such things as: Go play golf, go fishing, go to their friend’s house and drink all day, go to the lake (more beer), stay home alone and watch sports center in peace and quiet.

Well, dear Daddy, this year I am going to give you what you want. I will take the kids away from the house in the afternoon so that you can have it all to yourself. And while you have no kids to feed or diapers to change, this “freedom” will allow you to have time to finish the half started brick patio project in the backyard.

OR, you can pick from the list below of one of the many events Metro Detroit has to offer for the “Best Daddy in the World” weekend!

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June 12, 20014 – June 14, 2014

Canton Michigan Weekend Event: Canton Liberty Fest 2014

3 Day festival featuring carnival rides, games, a Family Zone, Saturday night fireworks, live entertainment & more. Fireworks are on Saturday night at dusk!

{Hours}

Thursday, June 12: 1-11 pm Friday, June 13: 1-11 pm Saturday, June 14 10 am – 11 pm

{Prices}

Admission is free.

Advance Purchase Tickets available through the Website

Wristbands & Individual tickets available for purchase on site

{Location}

Heritage Park 46202 Heritage Park Rd, Canton, MI 48188

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Friday June 13 – Sunday June 15

Holly, Michigan Weekend Event: Oakland County Parks Camping Weekend

Father’s Day fun for all with a candy scramble, bubble blast, sand & sun art, paddle boat races, face painting, crazy hair, scavenger hunt, sport games, hayrides, DJ dance and a band. For more information/ times/ schedules click here.

{Hours}

Friday 10am through Sunday 1pm

{Location}

Groveland Oaks County Park (14555 Dixie Highway, Holly, Michigan 48442)

Addison Oaks Park (1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard, Michigan 48367)

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Saturday June 14

Berkley Art Bash 2013

Amazing art, fabulous food, live music & kid activities! More than 100 artists, authors and cottage food creators will fill four blocks on 12 Mile Road in the downtown area.

{Hours}

10a – 6p

{Prices}

Admission is free

{Location}

Along 12 mile road in Downtown Berkley

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Saturday June 14

Father’s Day Bow Wow

Enjoy a pet adoption event with food trucks, vendors, raffles, bounce houses, face painting, AND dogs and cats available for adoption. Come for the fun and (hopefully) take advantage of the half-priced pet adoptions at the event.

{Hours}

10a – 4p

{Prices}

Admission is free

{Location}

Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills

1700 Brown Road, Auburn Hills

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Saturday June 14

Free Movies on Battle Alley

Refreshments and concessions will be available for purchase. The summer outdoor movies begin at dusk. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and don’t forget the popcorn!

Saturday’s movie – Frozen!

{Hours}

6:30p

{Prices}

Admission is free

{Location}

Downtown Holly, MI

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Saturday June 14

11th Annual Michigan First Summer in the Village Art Fair

Juried fine art show with 30+ artists. Fabulous food court and music in the gazebo.

{Hours}

11a – 7p

{Prices}

Admission is free

{Location}

Lathrup Village Municipal Park, 27400 Southfield Road between 11 & 12 Mile

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Saturday June 14 – Sunday June 15

18th Annual Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show

Great pottery and that ever increasingly popular collectable glass 125 Artists

{Hours}

Saturday, 11a – 7p

Sunday, 12p – 5p

{Prices}

Admission is free

{Location}

Downtown Royal Oak Washington Ave & Fifth Street

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FREE SUMMER CONCERTS Friday June 13 @ 7pm

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of these FREE family friendly concerts!

graphic fathers day

Riverside Park in Downtown Auburn Hills {Auburn Rd @ Squirrel Road}

Terrie Lea & The Mustangs (Country)

graphic fathers day

Shain Park {Downtown Birmingham}

Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition Youth Action Board’s Battle of the Bands

graphic fathers day

Depot Park {5856 S Main St, Clarkston}

Outer Vibe (80s Music)

graphic fathers day

McHattie Park {400 Dorothy Street, South Lyon}

Toppermost (Beatles Tribute)

graphic fathers day

Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park in Farmington {Grand River Ave @ Grove Street}

Allie Shermetaro with the Incredibles

graphic fathers day

Town Square in Downtown Northville

Bluescasters (Blues)

 

 

Introducing the DMB’s of Robyn…..

{Down With Detroit}

I’ve got kind of a weird thing going on with my living situation. I live in Beverly Hills for part of the year and then, during the summer, I live up north. My husband owns an overnight camp for kids and it‘s located in Kalkaska, Michigan which is not far from Traverse City, Boyne, Petoskey and Charlevoix. I love being up there in the summer. I love it. But I always love coming home too.

I went to college and lived in Columbus, Ohio for 8 years, (Go Buckeyes!–Sorry.) but other than that, I have always lived in Michigan—and I have always been happy here. I especially love that our city is making a comeback because there are no better days than the days we spend with our kids downtown. Plus, Eminem is here and even though he doesn’t know or care that I’m here too, I still like to be where he is, and so do my kids.

{My Life}

I am a parent, above all else, but that is funny to me because I probably have no business being in charge of anyone. It’s not unusual for me to tell my kids to do something and then start cracking up because, as far as they’re concerned, I’m their parent so they have to do what I say.

Besides the whole parent thing (seriously, though, that is enough) I have a job in promotional marketing and I have my camp life.

Outside of the kids and counselors, camp was not a natural fit for me; I am ANYTHING but earthy. I still get teased about the first time I went up for a visit and I asked if someone was going to come get my bags. I have no idea how I ended up there, in that life, but I show up every summer with wedge flip flops and tiaras for my kids and I love it. We all do.

I write a blog called Dim Sum and Doughnuts. I wrote another one before that one called FuLan-Mania: A Blog of Chinese Adoption and Clueless Parents. The blogs, they are for my girls, so they have them one day. That way, they will not only have some preserved memories, but they will also know that their mommy was totally off-the-wall crazy while she loved them with every fiber of her being.

Also, (side note) I love cake (like sheet cake, not fancy cake), “Miami Vice” (the first 2 seasons) and Henri Bendel. In case you were wondering.

{Babies and Beyond}

I have a husband, Mark Coden (Cody).We met in 2002 (I was 31 years old) when I wasn’t paying attention. I had on a baseball cap and work-out clothes but he fell for me anyway. I thought Cody was the coolest guy ever, and I still do.

Robyn husband cody

Cody and I have a daughter, Frankie, whom (I think it’s “whom”) we adopted from Chongqing, China in March of 2008. She was 11 months old when we got her. We had absolutely no idea what the hell we were doing as parents, especially to a kid who was adopted. I made a lot of mistakes and there were days that I second guessed why anyone would give me a child, but Frankie seems to be adjusting JUST FINE. She is 1/4 an amazing big sister, 1/4 the sweetest kid, 1/4 the most fun, and 1/4 “OMG, you are driving me crazy!” (Wait…can we make that last one a little more than 1/4?)

Robyn daughter 1

Cody and I have a daughter, Frankie, whom (I think it’s “whom”) we adopted from Chongqing, China in March of 2008. She was 11 months old when we got her. We had absolutely no idea what the hell we were doing as parents, especially to a kid who was adopted. I made a lot of mistakes and there were days that I second guessed why anyone would give me a child, but Frankie seems to be adjusting JUST FINE. She is 1/4 an amazing big sister, 1/4 the sweetest kid, 1/4 the most fun, and 1/4 “OMG, you are driving me crazy!” (Wait…can we make that last one a little more than 1/4?)

Robyn daughter 3

Robyn Daughters

Our life and our family is pretty unconventional, but we make it work.

(At least I think we do. I really have no idea…I’m just happy that I made it through another day and both of my kids are home, in their beds and alive.)

I hope you come check us out…

{Facebook}

{Twitter}  (Come find me! I’m finally getting the hang of it!!)

And I’m on {Instagram} too, but I don’t really understand it.

 

 

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