Up North

We recently went Up North for probably the most perfect day of skiing ever.  It started with some tall boys, and ended with car bombs... but in between we had sunny skies, warm temps and not super crowded conditions.

 There was ski racing involving a photo finish.

 And Jim skied this bowl...

 Only to come out the other side like this:

 Then, we headed to Lake Michigan, because why wouldn't you?  It was cold, windy, frozen and awesome.

We walked on the pier, where you shouldn't walk... I personally went with the crab walk.

Jim climbed on things you shouldn't climb on.

 

And we got some great pictures of epic Lake Michigan.

Winter in the City

 

Jim and I went to South Haven's annual Ice Breaker Festival. It was a great festival.  Seventeen businesses in downtown South Haven open their doors to the chili tasters.  We even tasted chili ice cream.

 

We enjoyed tasting it all and checking out some businesses we'd never been to, enjoying their outdoor fire areas and meeting people.

 

We enjoyed checking out the ice carvings too.

 

We've really been enjoying hiking to the Lake this winter.

 This particular hike was really difficult as we had over a foot of fresh snow.  However, it was totally worth it when we reached the top of the dune and had this great view to take in.

Windy

Doggy Bday Party

 Hunter went to his friend Bodie's first birthday party, he brought us as his guests.

Curling

We had some friends in from out of town this weekend.  We wanted to do a "winter activity." First, we thought skiing, then ice skating. Finally, we settled on curling.

The local ice rink just started offering curling on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  I called ahead for Saturday, and we happened to be the only ones there, so we got plenty of attention from our teacher. 

Though we mocked it a bit during the Olympics, curling was a real challenge.  I am surprisingly sore from all my falls on the ice.  It sure was fun though! We will soon be going again!

Comfort Food

It has been very cold.

This helped a bit.

Baked potato soup, from scratch, by yours truly.  Come on over... I'll make you some.

My First Attempt at Skijor

This picture really says it all.

A New Family Activity

As anyone who has met me knows... I am obsessed with our puppy Hunter. So, when Jim proposed a winter activity we could all do together, I was game.



Enter SKIJOR. It's very simple; strap on some cross country skis, strap the dog to your waist and get mushing!



Today was our first go at it, next time will be my turn to get pulled by the pup! Based on Hunter's current exhaustion, I see a lot of skijoring in our future. :)

North Point

We recently visited a new (to us) park with Hunter, which is located right here in South Haven. It consists of trails working their way over the dunes and down to the beach. Obviously, we all loved it.

These two scurried down the dune MUCH quicker than me.

Hunter loves the water.




Save the bandanna, Hunter looks like he is one with nature.

Cheers to 2011

In 2009, when we got married, we registered for a souffle dish. I vowed I would make a souffle that year. I did not. I told myself I'd do it in 2010. On December 31st I realized I still had not made a souffle. So I did.



Julia Child had me so scared not to over beat my egg whites, I think I under beat them. Next time, I will beat them longer to get more rise out of my souffle. Jim gave it rave reviews, personally, I found it just okay- but I am not that big on eggs lately. Next up... CHOCOLATE souffle.

New Years Eve sure was an epic day of eating for us. After the souffle, we ventured to the Village Market and bought ourselves a live lobster. Hunter was very intrigued by the creature in the box.
We steamed the lobster in a boiling pot of onion, celery, parsley and some seasonings. Then, we dipped every last bite in butter.


However, before the butter dipping... Jim had to get the meat out. What a mess!


I play with my food... so what?


We started the New Year with mimosas, with fresh squeezed OJ. Cheers!



In 2011, I hope to continue to have fun with my friends and family and continue to venture outside my comfort zone, in all aspects of my life. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We've Been Busy...

I've let Life on Lee Street go untouched for nearly two months. My apologies. Here are just some of the things we've been up to...

I forced the boys to go out in the crazy cold wind to take our annual Christmas picture. A keeper, I think.


Jim got a toboggan


We went to the Kertmarkt in Holland and got a wreath.


AND, saw sled dogs!


Hunter helped us decorate for Christmas.


I made, and we decorated, LOTS of sugar cookies.


Festivus was celebrated!



Our pack dressed well.



And I made lots of tasty food...





Hunter and I went to Detroit for Christmas... Hunter saw Cooper.


I schooled the fam in a Christmas day game of Scrabble.


And Hunter did not destroy any ornaments!