Exploring Ann Arbor (so far)

We have had so much fun this past month exploring Ann Arbor. I honestly am shocked with how quickly it has felt like home. The transition has been much smoother than I anticipated. We have quickly seen why people love Ann Arbor so much. Not only is it charming and beautiful here but the people are so nice and genuine. There is a great sense of community and everyone seems very accepting. We have already found a lot of fun things to do and are enjoying the perfect Michigan summer weather. Here are some of the things we've been up to. 

Big House Stadium tour

There is a great association for the resident and their families (RSN) that does a weekly playgroup, monthly family socials and a lot of other events. The best thing is they are all funded through the union so all the events are free (we love free) One event they did was a stadium tour of the big house. We got a personal tour of the stadium and then had a fun tailgate lunch after in the parking lot. I can't wait to go to a game there this fall! 

in the locker room 

We even got a free photo from from a professional photographer. Now if I only knew how to photoshop all the people in the background out of it 

 Dave turns 30!!!
The girls and I missed his actual Birthday because we were in California (post to come) but we celebrated with a Birthday dinner and cake when we got home.

after cake we walked to "our" park. I had to snap this pic of Dave practicing for a surgery the next day. He definitely got some strange looks. Always working those surgeons ;)

Jump City Bounce house RSN playgroup

 

Cute Cam came with us while his brother was at camp and his Mom was sadly in the hospital with pregnancy complications. His Dad is also an Ophthalmology resident and they are in our Ward. Hailey loves Cam and asked me if he could be her little brother. I wouldn't complain, he is a sweetie. 

Ann Arbor Hands on Museum RSN playgroup

 

a whole room filled with blocks. Pretty much Hailey's dream come true 

Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ann Arbor art fair is rated by many as the best art fair in the country so we couldn't miss it. Hailey and I went down one night on a mommy-daughter date.  She then insisted we take her Daddy and Nora to the "art party" so we went again. It was a lot of fun. I wish we had it in our budget to actually buy some art though....one day. 

Kinda bummed I didn't get to see this chalk version of "The Birth of Venus" finished. One of my favorites from Art History class 

thought is was pretty cool to ride the bus. 

Independence Lake

A fun lake just 20 minutes away from us. They have a beach, playground, row boats, sand volleyball courts etc. The kids were in heaven. 

Mattheai Botanical Gardens (RSN)

 with their new friend Vivian

My friend Sarah who lives about 40 minutes away was in Ann Arbor for an appointment so she came and met me at the playgroup. We went to high school together and were in Chi Omega together. It was so fun catching up with her and I am so happy to have her close by! 

Visiting Daddy at work
to whomever thought to build the Kellogg Eye Center along the river with a beautiful park in back, this resident's wife (and her kids) thank you.

New Bike for Hailey
Picked it herself. It's as girlie as it gets. Didn't surprise me at all.

Washtenaw County Fair with Ward friends

my little cheese ball! The horses were a definite favorite for this one 

 

Silver lake

Another great lake about 25 minutes away from us. We went with a friend from the ward and had a perfect afternoon. 

what the majority of the drive to the lake looks like.  Michigan, you are beautiful! 

"fishing" 

"Dexter Daze" parade

Dexter is a small town just outside of Ann Arbor. We actually considering living here when we were looking for houses. It's so charming. We had a great time at the parade with friends while our husbands played in our Stake golf tournament. They threw out massive amounts of candy so the kids were not disappointed. 

not too sure about the clowns 

Rolling Hills Water Park 

Another fun event funded by the HOA. I am not sure who had more fun the girls or their Daddy. He is like a big kid when he goes to a water park. 

Add lots of trips to amazing parks, weekly co-ed volleyball nights, twice weekly circuit training classes at the ward, story time at the Library, girls nights watching "the Bachelorette" gardening and projects for the house and that's what we've been up to. It's been a very fun and busy summer here in Michigan and there is still more to come. 

Life is good :)