A Snowbird in Paradise

There was so much going on the days the grands and their parents were with us in Florida for Easter that a collage seemed the best choice.

It is always sad when they leave but we are usually only 2 weeks or so behind them coming home.

This year we had one more round of company before we headed for home.  "He" has been friends with this couple since high school; me, only 35 years or so. We are so close to beaches that most of our company ends up there at least once while with us.

 One of the highlights as we head home is spending a day or two with his daughter in St. Augustine.  I could be happy spending the rest of my life drinking tea, coffee, wine, in her gorgeous walled garden with pond and waterfall.  It is the mental happy place I go when I need to.
 We arrived home just in time for Mothers' Day.  My son discovered Detroit's Eastern Market and I benefited with this great Mandevilla planter, a flat of herbs, and a hanging basket.  My daughter had planted my porch planter boxes and another pot for the front porch.  What a blessing!!!

Once back home, the fellas went to work upgrading the hot rod.  I predict lots of car shows this summer.  Another one of His high school buddies works with them on some of the stickier adjustments.  Darn that thing sounds good when they start it. 
Towards the end of the school year things get a little jammed-up for the family, what with 2 students and 2 teachers finalizing the end-of-year duties.  The girls were on vacation almost a week before their parents so Grandma had them around.  Daddy took us to dinner at a local restaurant and things got a little silly.

The pool was used here at the very beginning of summer, but they go to their lakehouse for a lot of the summer, now, and the pool gets lonely.
The big deal at the Lakehouse this summer is this huge blow-up Tahitian Island raft.  There is kids time on it and later, adult time.  Lots of friends visit them at the lake.

The last weekend of the school year, Abby and her scout/brownie troop went to camp.  They had a lot of rain, but managed to have a wonderful time anyway. 
I live half a block from Lake Erie.  What do the ducks want with my pool???
We celebrated Gabby's birthday with a family dinner at the local restaurant, and then treats at the newly opened Elizabeth Perk Coffee and Ice Cream.  She has to wait until after The Grand week to get her laptop from me and she was anxious.
 Awwww, Abby!  The store replaced it.

On Father's Day I THOUGHT the family was at the Lakehouse, but they surprised us at our back yard barbecue. The girls had made a big poster using real candy bars of appropriate titles to send a sweet (LOL) message for Grandpa and me.
The evening was spent with friends and family and a bonfire.
Fourth of July week they always spend the time with their other grandma and family at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  Lucky little girls and lucky parents!