Dan's Birthday and Valentines Day

For Dan's birthday this year we decided to go to Frankenmuth. We usually make a trip at some point in the year ans thought with Valentines Day as part of the weekend it would be a great way to celebrate. It was a very cold weekend but no crowds :) Once we got into town we ate at a local pizza place before enjoying cake and presents back at the hotel.

Dan with his cake :)

Close up of the cake

New PJ pants I made for him

Close up of the material

Dan with his new books, baseball cards, and movie

The morning of Valentines day we headed to Bronner's. I always love seeing their displays and shop without a lot of other people.

Calling Santa

 Before heading to lunch we got a few pictures outside. 

We spent the rest of the day at an aquarium about an hour south of town. (Blog post to follow) On Sunday we went to church at St. Lorenz. Here are a few pictures from inside the church.

It is a beautiful church. It had been a while since we had attended, it was nice being back.  

Baby Quilt

We had friends who had a baby and I wanted to make a quilt for their baby gift.

Before adding the binding

With the tag 

Close up of the binding

The full quilt

I would have had it done shortly after she was born but I was finishing it up the week I got sick in December, which put everything on hold. But I was excited to get it done.

Trying new things

I decided to try a couple new things this year. The first one was turning our hangers around in the closet to see which clothing items we wear and which ones we don't so we can clean out our clothes at the end of the year.

The second thing I wanted to try was making my own deodorant. My sister gave me a recipe and I figure I don't have anything to loose. It was easy to make and even though it has to stay below 72 degrees to store it, I am finding that I really like it. I added Jasmine Essential oils to give it a nice smell.

Camping Show

The last Saturday in January they had an RV show in town. Dan and I decided we wanted to go and Dan has never gotten to tour trailers before so I was excited to experience it with him. At the shows they usually bring new models and perks that they are adding. The show did not disappoint :) We also had a chance to get information on tons of different camp grounds and register to win free camping.

I took pictures of a few of my favorite and cool features we saw. In a 5th wheel they had a fireplace and center island for the kitchen. And Dan and I could both stand in the bathroom comfortably.

Fire place

Island

 We also saw this on multiple trailers, some had a sink or TV but we thought over all it was a great idea for cooking outside.

Exterior of the trailer

 We then got to see a couple Motor homes that were between 250,000 and 500,000 dollars. One even had a powder room

Tile back splash

Fireplace and tile floors

Small island/counter area in kitchen

 We also saw a trailer with a top bunk area which is behind  the railing in the next picture.

The trailers we liked the best were the little Retro ones. The first one was just a sleeping space and in the back you could set up your kitchen.

The next few pictures are the trailer we fell in love with. Bed on one side, kitchen in the middle with a combo toilet and shower, and the table on the other side.

Left side of trailer

Right side of trailer

Out side of the trailer

We are really excited to go camping this year :)

Ice Sculpture

As we were leaving the Botanical Gardens we went out onto their exterior terrace and watched as they had two guys make an ice sculpture. It was fun to watch and crazy how they use wood working tools to make the design.

Block of Ice

 Making the first cuts

Hauling off the extra chunks

Half way done

 Adding details

Buffing it down

Details for the water

All done!

They were heading to the library  next to do a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. We headed to lunch before my parents had to leave so we didn't have time to watch them do another sculpture.

Botanical Gardens

Last Saturday my parents were in town and we took them to the Botanical Gardens. Dan was the only one who had been there before so I was excited to go. We got there early and got to enjoy the Gardens with out too many other people around. In the first room they had an exhibit of sea life made out of plastic objects from around the house. It was really cool to see all the things they made and what they used.

Lobby Area

Dolphins

Orchids

 Hanging Sea Weed, Arch, and "Jelly Fish"

More Orchids

 In the second room they had a water fall and Koi pond. It was nice being in a warm room and seeing all the foliage and flowers.

My parents

Dan :)

Enjoying the look out point

Top of the waterfall

Bird of Paradise Flowers

Huge leaves :)

Koi Pond

 In the last room they had it set up like a Desert. It was weird to feel the temperature different but cool to see all the cactus and desert flowers.

On our way out

We had a great time and realized as we were leaving we found out the city was sponsoring a Winter Festival day. So we hung around as they set up and did an ice sculpture.