Crane Beach

After getting back to Massachusetts in August, we decided we should go to one of the beautiful beaches while the weather was still warm. So, we went to Crane Beach, about 45 min away. It was beautiful, but lots of gnats. But we found a decent spot and played in the sand for a while. It made for some great pictures of Marcus, if nothing else. :)

Traveling back to Boston

On our drive from Chicago to Boston we stopped in Michigan, of course, to see our family. It was so nice to spend time with them this summer---we loved having family close by!!

 We joined Dave's sister Rachel at a music in the park event. This is just a cute shot of Dave and Marcus playing.

 We went to icecream afterwards. Here's Marcus and Blake, patiently waiting :)

 Marcus is Dave's shadow in a lot of things, especially tennis. He loves tennis!!

 Practising his swing.

 Marcus and his cousin Ava---she is so sweet and nice to him. She was pretending to be his horse, I think :)

Marcus and his cousin Blake playing the piano together :)


We also stopped by Kirtland, Ohio on the way home. Kirtland is where the first LDS temple was built, in this dispensation. It isn't owned by the church anymore, but it is well-maintained by another organization and they offer tours. So we made a quick stop. And we stayed with our friends Lynsee and Mike that night, in Rochester. They've been so nice to host us a few times!!

We were very happy to get back to our belongings in Cambridge. We arrived back right when our sub letters were leaving. We had to wait for them (our fault, not theirs) to leave too. So we went to one of our favorite place, Bertucci's! It was where we ate the first night we moved here too :). Happy to be back!

Finishing up our summer in Chicago 2013

Okay, here goes my catch up. We'll start with finishing up in Chicago.

Dave and I really enjoyed living in Chicago for the summer. Dave liked his internship, Chicago is a really fun city with yummy food and we were close to Dave's family.

We made some good friends while there---including Mani & Richard. We tried a greek restaurant with them that was pretty good. And Mani joined Marcus and I when we went to the zoo and Ikea. She also invited us to her pool---which was right by O'Hare---so Marcus loved all the planes that flew over us in the pool!

 Mani & Richard

 Marcus ate out way too much this summer :)

We went to the Museum of Science and Industry during our last couple of days. When/if we move back to Chicago permanently we will definitely get a membership there---it's so cool! Marcus loved it too.

 Our future astronaut.

 Dave seeing what it's like to be a hamster. I think he was scolded for stepping too high :)

 Marcus loved the trains of course!

We also went to a White Socks baseball game again during our last couple weeks. Marcus is a big baseball fan now. Favorite team to be determined :)

We were able to stay in a suite that had tons of yummy food. We were so spoiled! Go White Sox!!

Daddy and Marcus enjoying the game! I think we even played the Tigers this night---so Dave loved that!!

 It was actually his third, but we didn't bother getting a certificate until then :)

We went to the top of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). I believe it is still the tallest building in the U.S. 103 floors!

 Waiting to go up the elevator.

 Marcus not so willing to pose for a picture---and my face is me telling him to smile or something. A bit embarrassing :)

  Looking down, 103 floors!

We loved Chicago! And we look forward to settling down there some day---we'll see how long that takes! Our summer was great, but we were ready to head back to Boston in the end :)

Geiger Cousin's Camp 2013

It was the first annual Geiger Cousins' Camp!! In Whitehall, MI.

Dave was able to join me for the weekend, and then I stayed a few extra days to play :)

We played in the lake, a lot of the gang went to an amusement park, and we went to Hoffmaster Beach. And between all that we played games, ate delicious food and the kids even did some archery and target shooting. So it was a success, despite the hot weather we believe!

 Marcus and Dave, at Lake Michigan.

 Marcus, Dave and Liz at Lake Michigan.

 Part of the family at Lake Michigan.

 Marcus playing with his cousins.

 He loved to throw and catch the ball.

 At the lake house, family photo!

 Kisses from Mommy & Daddy!

 Brian and Juliana!

 RD and Debbie and kids!

 Mom and Dad Geiger---the masterminds of the whole week. THANKS!!

 The Shurtleff kids :)

 Marcus and his cousin Aubree---highchair buddies :)

Just hangin' out!

4th of July 2013

We were able to spend the 4th of July weekend at Dave's parent's lakehouse in Whitehall, MI. This is the third time in a row we've gone there for the 4th, and we had a great time! Dave's sister Becky and her family were able to come too. Marcus loved playing with his cousins :)

We spent a lot of time playing in the lake while we were there. We went on a couple bike rides as well. We watched the parade in Whitehall. And we had our own fireworks, thanks to Grandpa Geiger! It was a relaxing weekend, and we were so glad to get away from busy Chicago. Driving back to Chicago was awful---because everyone else was driving back at the same time. But we made it home safely. Thanks for the fun family weekend Geiger family!

 Watching the parade!

 We went to the park and Marcus enjoyed the slide :)

 Here I go!!

 Marcus and Mom---he is so handsome.

 Drinking some water with Dad's sunglasses, so cool.

Being pushed around in the Batmobile with Grandpa and Daddy is sooo much fun!

Nauvoo

In June we took a weekend trip to Nauvoo, IL. We left and arrived late on Friday night, then spent Saturday and Sunday morning looking at LDS Church History sites.

 We arrived at night and drove past the temple before going to our B&B.

 The next day we went to the visitor center and watched a band concert by the performing missionaires. Marcus loved it!!

 Here is Marcus enjoying the band.

 Marcus in front of the Nauvoo Temple.

 Statue of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith. This is them leaving for Carthage.

While Marcus took his afternoon nap I was able to go do a session at the temple. It was so beautiful and much needed.

 We went on a wagon ride to see all the different historic places in Nauvoo. I'm glad we went since we didn't have time to walk around to see everything. Next time we'll see more.

 This is a ferry like the ones they used to cross the Mississippi River when heading west.

 The Mississippi River.

 Dave and Marcus by the horses that pulled our wagon.

We were in Nauvoo on Father's Day! This is Marcus helping Daddy open his present. What a wonderful father he is!!

 Dave and Marcus on Temple steps.

 Dave and Marcus walking toward the temple.

I just thought Marcus looked so handsome in this picture---and it looks like he's posing, so cute!

 Marcus and I at the temple.

 Giving Marcus a shoulder ride, but he wanted to look at my face.

 At the Carthage jail, Sunday morning.