On Top of Look Out Peak

More Summer Happenings...

At the end of July, the Mr. and I went to Phoenix, Arizona to visit his parents, his sister, brother-in-law, and our nephew (a.k.a. the Khatir's). Mama and Papa Shep had lots planned for us to do. The Mr. went hiking with Papa Shep and his sister.

They went way too early for out of shape me, so I sent the Mr. with the camera. They had a great time, but came home tired and ready to swim. We did a lot of swimming and a lot of eating out. Our Persian brother-in-law treated us to lunch at the Persian Room. It was sooooo good!!! Mama and Papa Shep also treated us to their favorite burger joint and took us to lots of places like The Town Dump. It wasn't really a dump, but rather a place where they sold antiques, pottery, and stuff made from "junk". It was really neat. Below is a picture of us at The Town Dump, with one of the many Saguaro Cacti in Arizona. The Saguaro Cactus is like an Evergreen here in Michigan. They are everywhere and they are huge! On a different day Mama Shep, Mrs. Khatir, and I went to get pedicures. It was wonderful!

One of the nights we were there, the Mr. and I went on a little date. We went to the California Pizza Kitchen at this enormous outdoor mall. After eating we walked around a little bit, until it began to rain (we happened to be there during the rainy and humid season...so we could not experience this supposed "dry" heat we have heard so much about). On our last day there we went swimming and played games. The Mr. lost playing pool basketball to our brother-in-law, who was able to beat all those he played except his wife. Then we all lost to the Khatir's playing Cranium. We believe them to have cheated, but they have pleaded the 5th. :)

That same day/night we said our good-bye's to the Khatir's, which included our adorable nephew who has the cutest little belly laugh ever. It was tough leaving him just after we got him to warm up to us, but we managed knowing we'd get to see him again. Over all we had a really great time and getting to and from could not have gone smoother. We are looking forward to our next visit, but are looking more forward to family coming to visit us here in Michigan!!

Summer Happenings...

The Mr. and I joined a Small Group through our church. We have met some really great people that love to have fun just about as much as we do. To kick off the summer we all got together and grilled on Bryan and Katie's new patio. Everything was very tasty! After dinner we played some yard games and enjoyed each other's company. Samus got to come too and she had fun playing with Lucy.

For the 4th of July weekend we went to a friend's private cottage in a gated community on Lake Michigan. This trip has become a Shep Jr. tradition. Normally we spend the night, but the 4th ended up in the middle of the week and we both had to work...plus the friends we hang out with had to leave to go back home 5 hours away and wouldn't even be there on the 4th of July. Anyway the Mr. and I had lots of fun with Drakes and everyone else at the cottage. It was a little chilly, but very beautiful as always.

Samus really enjoyed her first time at the "BIG" lake. She loved running in the sand, but wasn't too sure about the the big waves Lake Michigan had to offer. I think that she had a great time though and she slept really good on the way home...Bonus!