Happy Birthday Gramma!

worthwhile videos

Okay, I can't help myself. Toby and I have enjoyed using our new computer to watch parts of the Democratic National Convention. We're technically "independents" and I probably shouldn't use my blog to get political, but... like I said, I can't help myself! We thought this was a great speech last night by Joe Biden:

http://gallery.demconvention.com/Default.html?VideoID=535
http://gallery.demconvention.com/Default.html?VideoID=540

And here's Obama himself:
http://gallery.demconvention.com/Default.html?VideoID=584

August update

We've had a dying laptop, which forced us to invest in a new computer. Finally, we're all set up and I'm able to get back to organizing, editing, and posting some photos. Take a look at what's new...

One one of Toby's days off, we drove through the Colorado National Monument and stopped for a quick hike. This was the gorgeous view we enjoyed.

Sleepy Elise and her new "big girl bed."

Elise has been in her toddler bed for a week now. Two nights in a row we had falling out issues in the middle of the night (onto a pile of strategically placed pillows and blankets). One morning I found her under her bed with just her ankels and feet sticking out! I think she must have spent a couple of hours sleeping on the floor! This did not make her happy and almost caused me to reconstruct the crib. But thankfully, that episode made an impression, and Elise has now had three consecutive nights of staying on the mattress!

Princess Elise

Our niece Avery celebrated her 5th birthday with a Princess Tea Party. All the little girls wore pretty dress, enjoyed some castle cake, made crowns, and drank from real china tea cups. It was great. Now Elise wears her crown at some point everyday... as every princess should. :)

Michigan vacation

We just returned from three wonderful weeks in Michigan. Well, our busy intern didn't get three weeks off, of course, but he did get one week. Together we enjoyed a sunny week on Crooked Lake (boating, skiing, laughing, and eating!), and then Elise and I had two additional weeks to visit with family. Here are some photos from our trip:

Elise enjoying one of MANY boat rides!

She LOVED playing with her (3rd?) cousins, Tenille and Natasha.

Toby got his head shaved in order to fit in with the other bald Long boys. Murray did the dirty work, and Wes (and everyone else) got a good laugh.

The Bald Boys

Elise being sweet to baby Rachel.

Celebrating Grandma and Grandpa Button's 60th wedding anniversary!

A view of Crooked Lake. Notice Toby's sailboat on the water.

Elise and Heath playing a copy cat game.

Having a tea party with Gramma Kathy.

Riding a jet ski at Grandma and Grandpa Coates' cottage on Pratt Lake.

Enjoying the train ride with Papa at the Saginaw Zoo.

Jumping on the bed at Nana and Papa's cabin.

Sitting by the fire with Papa.

Riding a pony with Poppy's help.

Elise's first carnival ride at the Isabella County Fair!

Whew! It was a fun and busy three weeks. Now we're settled in back at home. Toby's in a very busy rotation right now. This week alone he'll put in about 90 hours, including two 30-hr shifts. When his hair does grow back we might be seeing some more gray!