Last weekend of summer

I've been meaning to post the Labor Day pictures for some time and keep forgetting. Now, what could be a better opportunity to think about a gorgeous weekend at a cottage in Aus Gres, Michigan than during this weekend - when the entire country's getting pummelled with rain from the impact of Ike hitting Texas.

For the first time in several years, we had an opportunity to head to my sister-in-law's family's cottage in Michigan. Brian always went in the summers when he was growing up and I've been with him several times. This was our first time with Liz.

The cottage is absolutely perfect with gorgeous views of Saginaw Bay, right near the area where it meets Lake Huron. You can hear the waves crashing ashore.

Here's some of those sunny pics.

If you've read this blog even once before, you'll know we just can't resist a good shot of Lizzy's back. She's scrambling to collect all of the rocks she can get her hands on.



Here's a nice shot of Daddy and Lizzy walking on the beach.



Lizzy's off to build a sandcastle or maybe a sand-rocket ship. You never know with this one.



And here she is molding that "masterpiece" right now.



It doesn't take a lot to make you happy on the beach, sun, sand, warm water and of course the green watering can.



Ah, beautiful scenery - compared to the pouring rain we're facing right now. This is more like it.



Liz and I are checking out the "animal" park at nearby Tawas, where all of the swings and objects to play on are shaped like animals.



A perfect pose.



That's our happy girl.



Amazing how quickly that smile changes to a more serious pondering or reflective look.



Rather than going inside the animal, I opted for the more grownup, albeit slightly more boring photo standing beside it.



There's Brian at one end of the same park looking out on Lake Huron.



Priceless.