Archive for Travel

To The Lake

August 17, 2009 · Filed under Family Fun, Travel · Tagged , , , , , ,

Digging in the sand

Digging in the sand

Last week Jack and I returned from vacation in Traverse City, Michigan where several relatives have cottages on Lake Leelanau.  My mom, Greg’s mom, Doris and his sister, Lindsay came with us.  Also taking the trip was Greg’s Brother, Mike, his wife, Becky, and their 2 children Clareese (5) and Weston (3).  We had the privilege of riding in Doris’s brand new, “Cash for Clunkers” mini van.  Mike and Becky followed in their car.  The drive went much better this year than last.  Jack slept, talked, played and danced in his seat.  I think facing forward and being a year older made a big difference. 

We arrived last Monday evening

Jack, Reese, Wes

Jack, Reese, Wes

and all of the kids jumped out of the car and went straight for the beach!  They dug in the sand and waded in the water, not time for putting on bathing suits either!  It was a lot of fun to see Jack enjoy the lake, last year he wasn’t too thrilled with being wet and wasn’t too interested in the sand either.  I also enjoy bring new family and friends to the cottage and watching them experience the place I have enjoyed every summer of my life (except 2007). 

Jack & Reese

Jack & Reese

Refreshing, clear water

Refreshing, clear water

It was great to see grandma and grandpa and uncle Jimmy (my mom’s family).  I was so pleased that grandpa was doing so well.  He had his leg amputated 2 years ago and he did alright last year at the cabin but this year he looked fantastic.  His buddy Jim Gothier took him out fishing nearly every day and he was living it up!  I’m so glad he has such a loyal and giving friend.  I also visited with Aunt Gail and Cousin Ashley.  They enjoyed seeing Jack. 

so Cute

so Cute

Ready for a boat ride

Ready for a boat ride

Jack's 1st Boat Ride

Jack's 1st Boat Ride

Each day we were there I took Jack out in the lake water and we played in the sand.  He really like throwing rocks in the lake and twirling circles in his raft.  Reese and Wes seemed to enjoy it too.  Reese collected some Petoskey rocks, native to Lake Michigan for her show and tell in school. 

Gettin Dirty

Gettin Dirty

Happiness

Happiness

Reese & Jack

Reese & Jack

We had dinner each night with the whole family.  Jack and I brought veggies from our garden at home (lettuce, beets, carrots, swiss chard, cucumbers, and squash) to contribute to the meals.  Grandma cooked some yummy dishes with them and I made a mental note of some of her recipes so I can make them for Greg!  In the evenings we  either had a camp fire and smores or watched “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Got Talent”. 

Enjoying the Lake

Enjoying the Lake

Fun in the shade

Fun in the shade

We took a few trips into the towns of Leland and Suttons Bay for some shopping and to check out the marinas.  I enjoy looking at the large fishing boats.  Overall it was a great trip, except for the fact that Greg couldn’t make it.

Aunt Lindsay

Aunt Lindsay

Grandma's Cottage

Grandma's Cottage

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Hocking Hills and Homemade Salsa

June 22, 2009 · Filed under Family Fun, Food, Recipes, Canning, & More, Travel · Tagged , , , , , ,

Hocking hills was beautiful last weekend.  I was worried the weather wouldn’t be on our side, all week storms were predicted.  However it was sunny and warm with a gorgeous blue sky.  We hiked 5.5-6 miles, the OFSC staff and several patients.  It was great exercise and loved going somewhere new.  There is so much to see at Hocking Hills that I’ll have to go back.  We enjoyed lunch after the hike at a patients lakehouse.  It was relaxing and fun.

Also, recently, Greg, Jack and I checked out the Worthington Farmer’s Market.  Doted the largest in Columbus.  There were vendors lining both sides of High Street.  The food vendors had very long lines, it was definatelly a popular place.  I saw strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, peas, green beans, asparagus, lettice, apples, cheese, free range chicken and beef, and more.  I purchased a few tomtoes to make a homemade salsa.  I also picked up a few plants, 2 tomatoes, a basil and a parsley.  I know we have a huge organic garden, but those plants were very behind and I wanted a garentee abundant plant!  As you can tell, I can be a little impatient, which isn’t a good trait of a gardener.  But the plants were well priced at the market.  I was impressed with how many flower and plant vendors we saw.  They had a little bit of everything in Worthington.  It is definately worth checking out if you live in columbus and enjoy fresh produce.  It wasn’t a bad hike even from New Albany.  We were a little rushed the morning that we went so I hope to go back again.  I think the produce selection will continue to grow as we get further into the summer.

Sheryl’s Salsa

2 Tomatoes, diced

1 red onion

1 Can white corn

1 can black beans

Italian dressing

Dr. Heather’s variation:  Add the following

1 choped Mango

1/2 C choped green onion

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Portland Wrap-up

November 20, 2008 · Filed under Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, Travel · Tagged , ,

I arrived home from Portland Monday late afternoon.  So here’s a re-cap…
Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood

My pumping adventure continued on the plane – it was uneventful, then again at Cincy’s house after she picked me up from the airport.  It was a scenic 15 min. drive to her house, which she shares with 3 roommates.  I saw my first glance at Mt. Hood, which was AMAZING!!  I love the mountains.  They look so majestic and strong.  I was very grateful that Cincy was able to pick me up and share her home with me this weekend.

Cincy had to leave for work as a pharmacist shortly after she picked me up.  So I decided to spend FridayDowntown afternoon exploring downtown Portland.  I attempted to get some info online about the public transportation routs into downtown however my computer kept giving me the blue screen of death over and over again (I thought I had this thing finally fixed, it is possessed!) so I gave up and ventured outside on my own.  Cincy gave me a brief depiction of the area before she left, but due to my poor sense of direction and after walking for about 10 min and feeling lost I back tracked to the Fred Meyer’s Grocery store to ask for direction.  An employee in the store told me which Tri Met bus would take me downtown and mentioned that the Max train offers free transportation from there.  I made it downtown after entertaining the bus driver by the fact that I had never been on a city bus (except once in Columbus, OH 9 yrs ago). 

 

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

I walked around Pioneer Square (considered the 4th best public space in the world!) and went to the visitor’s center to get info on bus service to and from my seminar.  The woman at the counter was very friendly and helpful.  Downtown was nice, clean, and pedestrian friendly however, I have had an opportunity to see many great downtowns in the country but not many mountains!  So I asked woman where was the best place in town to get a great view of the mountains.  She suggested the Japanese and Rose Gardens and gave me tips on how to get there.

 starbucksI needed to pump before venturing out to the gardens so, after looking around and realizing there wasn’t a private space to sit, I decided to find a quiet table at Starbucks and that worked well.   I then grabbed a slice of pizza at Pizzicato and made my way to the Japanese garden.  After several hours, of walking, waiting, riding, and asking Portlanders to point me in the right direction I finally arrived at the Japanese Garden.  BUT, it was closed!  I didn’t even think about the hours before I headed out there.  I was able to walk around the Rose Garden and finally found a great view of Mt. Hood, what I was after all along!  I only had 20 min. before I had to hurry back to the bus stop so I wouldn’t miss the last bus of the night!  I finally made it back to Cincy’s house Friday night and I was exhausted!!  I was up at 4:30 am ET and it was 9pm PT!  I had a great day, saw Portland downtown, some gorgeous snow top mountains, and met some exceptionally friendly people who helped me find my way!   It was time to hit the sheets before my seminar in the morning.   

Mt. Hood

Rose Garden

portland-08-003My seminar, located at Western States Chiropractic College, went well.  I learned some valuable tools that will benefit many patients.  I took the bus on in the morning Saturday but Cincy was able to drive me home.  We had dinner at the Kenned School, part of the McMenamins chain.  It was a school turned into entertainment facility with several restaurants, hotel rooms, a cigar room, pool, bar, and a large space for weddings and party’s.  It was an interesting, all-in-one hot spot.  We ate in the Boiler room which was really neat!  On Sunday a woman I met at the seminar offered to pick me up on Sunday, which was wonderful!  On Sunday evening after my seminar was complete, Cincy and I went out to eat at a great Tai restaurant within walking distance.  I think it’s so nice that she can walk to the grocery, restaurants, shops and boutiques, and has access to public transportation throughout the city.  I see why Portland is one of the most Green Cities in the country.  I also learned that they don’t fluorinate their water, which is super cool!  Learn more about how Portland is a Leader in Green cities here. 

Me and Cincy, Can you tell I haden't adjusted to west coast time, my eyes are so tired here!

Me and Cincy

I definately enjoyed my trip to Portland, but I was glad to be heading home on Monday.  I missed Greg and Jack a lot!  I would love to go back to Portland some day on a family trip and spend more time exploring the nature and wildlife Portland and the nothwest has to offer!

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Pumping On The Road Again: Portland Bound

November 14, 2008 · Filed under Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, Travel · Tagged , ,

Today I left for a weekend chiropractic seminar in Portland, OR.  A lot of pumping is also in store for me with another weekend away from my nursing baby!  This should be the last separation for a while and I’m elated about that!  I miss my baby and hubby already!  I left early and stopped in Minneapolis, where I am sitting now killing time until I depart to Portland.  I’m glad Minneapolis is not my final destination… as soon as we landed I looked out and it was very gray and dreary out my window.  I do love Minnesota, the land of 10,000 Lakes, in the spring and summer but it doesn’t seem very pleasant this time of year.  As for the pumping, right now I am debating weather to pump before my flight leaves 10:25 ET or to wait and pump on the plane closer to Jack’s typical mealtime 11-noonish.

 

Here is 9-month-old Jack’s typical schedule – with typical being relative.  “Typical” can very widely from day to day.  We have been trying to move Jack a little more in the direction of having a general schedule vs. previously having no schedule at all!  It has been putting a toll on Greg and I, and I think Jack too.  Hopefully this will also help with his sleeping (still not sleeping through the night)… but that could be another blog for another day.  So back to the schedule:

 

5:00am-7:00ish – Wake up and nurse and play

 

8:00am-8:30ish – solid meal then more playing – usually plain organic yogurt with fruit, veggies, and a vitamin D drop (sun isn’t shinning much these days in the Midwest.

 

9:30am-11:00ish – down for a nap somewhere during this time – some days 30 min. some days 1 hour

 

10:30am – noon-ish – Upon waking from nap – nursing

 

About 1 hr after nursing – 2nd Solid meal, and playing, then off to our Chiropractic Office in New Albany, OH.

 

1:30-4:00ish – here’s where the “typical” gets wider and wider – down for nap #2 – usually 30-90 min., then playing

 

2:00pm-8:00pm-ish??? – Nursing 1-2 more times, playing, and heading home from the office and dinner for mom and dad – not necessarily in that order

 

8:00-9:30pm-ish  - (our new attempt at a nighttime schedule) Nursing, bath or baby massage, reading books, singing and rocking, prayers and bed.

After 9:30 - exhausted mom and dad watch some TV, read, study, blog, knit, build a fire, or more often, just go straight to bed. 

Late night – occasional nursing, but rarely will allow him to nurse after 1am.  Lately he has been doing better about not getting a late night nursing, unless we are too tired to put energy into getting him back to sleep if he wakes.

 

Back to the pumping decision… Reflecting back on my experience pumping in Vegas, which you can read more about here, it was o.k.  One thing I noticed during that trip, is the further into my trip I was, the more I had to pump.  The more I pumped the more milk I produced.  I wasn’t too worried about it then because I knew I needed a milk supply to take home with me and replace the stores Jack used for my upcoming Portland trip.  This time around I’d like to try and prevent the increased milk production beyond what Jack needs.  So I will try to space out my pumping a much as possible while still making sure I get at least 5 sessions in a day and, that I don’t get mastitis from engorgement, which I am very prone to.   I know there are pumping, working or traveling moms out there who are desperately worried about diminishing their supply.  Thankfully I don’t have that worry, but pumping isn’t without its obstacles.   Pumping on the plane to and from Vegas was a pleasant experience.  I sat next to two ladies who were very respectful and inquisitive.  They shared stories of when their children were babies and how pumps have come a long way from when they were moms.  I enjoyed talking to them and was glad that I could relax and feel comfortable with pumping in such a small and public place.

 

Sooo anyway, I decided to wait and pump on the plane.

 

Due to no free internet at the Minneapolis airport (bummer!) I’ll be posting this later.

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Pumping in Vegas

October 12, 2008 · Filed under Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, Travel · Tagged ,

I’m back at the Las Vegas airport where I access free internet!  To log on in our hotel it was going to be $14/day, or $8 for 15 min. in the business center… whatever happened to free wireless in hotels?  I think everyone really enjoyed Angie’s Bachelorette weekend get-a-way.  With my breast pump in tote I have almost made it through my first weekend away from Jack, hopefully without any mastitis.  It was a little strange carrying it around everywhere I went, and pumping in the nightclub bathroom, that was interesting, with the base booming in the background.  Everyone arrived by lunchtime Friday.  We checked out a Mexican restaurant connected to our hotel.  It was great food but pricy, but that’s Vegas.  We relaxed in the hotel for a while then went to a really cool dueling piano bar.  I’m not much of a bar person but I do enjoy the great music and entertainment at piano bars.  Saturday we enjoyed sleeping in and then hit the shops and checked out some of the casino resorts.  We had a great lunch at Caesars Palace then headed back to the room to get ready for Angie’s big night out.  When all the girls had their hair curled and heels on we kicked the night off with a riming story, “Angie’s Party in Vegas”.  We recapped night one and plotted night too, with small gifts for her to open as part of our story.  By the end of the poem she had some nice gifts and was decked out in the ultimate bachelorette attire.  We went to 2 clubs, both really cool.  We were such a great looking bunch that we got free admission and drinks at both.  I headed back early with Angie’s future mother and sister – law since I’m not the night owl that the others are, but it was a great time.  Not much gambling though, maybe next time. 

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Viva Las Vegas!!

October 10, 2008 · Filed under Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, Travel · Tagged , ,

Its 9:30 am Eastern Time and I am on the plane heading to Las Vegas for the weekend for my sister, Angie’s Bachelorette party.  This is my first time being away from Jack.  I’m a little nervous but also looking forward to a great weekend get-a-way.  Daddy will be texting me cute pictures of Jack all weekend!  As I was nursing this morning I was a little sad that I wouldn’t see him for 3 full days.  It may not sound like long to the average person but if you’re a new mom I’m sure you can relate with me when I sounds like eternity!  I have been storing up breast milk since July, waking up late at night here and there to pump.  I should have plenty now.  Jack is still nursing about 6 times a day, some days 8 times.  He’s also eating 2 solid meals, a larger breakfast and smaller lunch.  Although, this past week he’s been turning his nose up to his usual favorites.  I’m thinking maybe his gums are bothering him.  Still no teeth yet, but it can’t be too far away. 

 

I should arrive in Vegas in another 2 hours.  I will be meeting my sisters Angie and Erica, cousin Ashley, Angie’s future mother and sister in-law, and her friends Nicole and Ali.  There may be more but that’s all I can remember right now.  It should be a great weekend, hopefully not too crazy.  I’m not really the crazy type J.  I will update the blog later in my trip.  Until then, have a great weekend! 

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Weekend Update: New Albany Equestrain Event & The Olympic Chiropractor

September 28, 2008 · Filed under Family Fun, Natural Health, Chiropractic & Fitness, Travel · Tagged , , ,

My First Equestrian Show

My First Equestrian Show

Today I attended my first equestrian event with Greg and Jack, The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day.  It is held on Les Wexner’s personal horse farm.  When we first arrived I didn’t realize what a large event it was.  The day opened in the morning with many fun activities for children, which ran all day long, such as blow-up slides, trampolines, a rock climbing wall, carnival rides, face painting, petting zoo, games, food and more!  We didn’t arrive until later, just as the show jumping was about to begin.  With Jack in the Baby Bjorn we trekked across the large parking area, past all of the activities to the grand stands and found a place to sit.  I was amazed at how close we felt to the field the way the stands were set up.  It was a great view of the event.  The show field was beautifully manicured.  The jumps/fences on the course had exquisite design with gorgeous flowers.   There were 28 horses competing.  The program outlined a little bit about the sport and the rules which was helpful.  I really enjoyed watching the horses and riders.  I can remember watching horse jumping on TV as a child and I remember being fascinated by it.  It was even better in person, although it was a bit warmer than I expected and dressed for.   

 

 

Great attire

Great attire

When Jack’s attention span wore out we got up and walked around the grounds for a bit since we didn’t have an opportunity to check everything out due to arriving late.  We scoped out all of the fun activities that Jack might be able to enjoy when he is older next year.  I checked out the age and weight limits for the bunji trampoline and rock climbing wall, which I would meet.  I would like to try those out next year.  That’s the kid in me coming out!  We also decided our niece, Clareese might enjoy going next year too.  We’ll have to tell her all about it. 

 

This weekend was a busy one for me.  Prior to the New Albany Classic, on Saturday I began my first post graduate degree program.  You would think that after spending the first 27 years of my life as a student that I would have had enough of studying, tests and torture, but no.  You see, I have had this goal since before I started Chiropractic College to some day be the U.S. Olympic Team Chiropractor.  My first step was to get my Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  Next comes the CCSP (Certified Chiropractic Sports physician) which is what I started on Saturday.  It is approximately a 6 month process involving 5 live weekends and 5 online classes and a testing day in San Diego, CA.  I wasn’t planning on doing this certification so soon after graduating but it just happened to be offered in my backyard, Columbus, Ohio so I decided to take advantage of that.  Upon completing the CCSP degree program, I will go on to get a DACBSP (Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physician), followed by fulfilling a 2 week internship at the Olympic training center in Colorado, and then, if the athletes and staff like me and think I did a good job, I might, some day be considered for the position of US Olympic Chiropractor! 

I know in my heart, I will be there, some day! 

 “If you want something bad enough and work hard enough, ANYTHING is possible”

–        Heather Prenger, D.C.

 

More photos from The New Albany Classic…

   

   

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Vacation Photos

August 25, 2008 · Filed under Travel · Tagged ,

I have been wanting to post some photos to document my trip to my grandma’s cottage in Traverse City, MI with Jack, Doris, and Lindsay.  Enjoy!

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Senic Drive

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Senic Drive

2 Cute girls climbing the dunes

2 Cute girls climbing the dunes

Breathtaking

Breathtaking

Doris & Lindsay

Doris & Lindsay

Jack likes the Lake!

Jack likes the Lake!

Playin in the Sand

Playin in the Sand

Doris' 1st boat ride, 1st fishing trip & 1st catch, a Waleye!

Doris

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Escape to the Lake

August 16, 2008 · Filed under Travel · Tagged

Jack and I just returned from 5 days at the lake with my mother-in-law Doris and sister-in-law Lindsay, while Greg held down the fort at the office.  Between my grandparents and other family members we have 4 cottages on Lake Leelanau in the northwestern corner of the lower peninsula of Michigan.  The lake is nestled between majestic Lake Michigan and picturesque East and West Grand Traverse Bay.  There are 3 rustic cottages all in a row and aunt Gail’s just a 1/4 mile down the beach, each not without standard amenities of running water, bathroom facilities, shower, kitchen, television and phone.  They are each filled with a hodgepodge of furniture donated by family members, old photos and fishing decor.  It is halfway between the small fishing town of Lealand and tourist packed Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival.  Greg, Jack, and I drove up to the cabin over July 4th weekend but it just wasn’t long enough for me during this crazy, stressful time in our lives.  I was ecstatic when Greg suggested I should go back with Jack later in the summer.  I felt a little guilty leaving him at home with the office and all the stresses at home with a new business but he reassured me that it would give him time to take care of some business and he recognized how mentally tired I have been lately.  I’m very grateful that Doris and Lindsay made the 7hr trip with me.  I could not have done 7hrs in the car with a 6mo old by myself, and I always Love showing off my favorite get-away to others! 

Our trip was filled with relaxation and fun and a daily dose of the Olympics! 

Sunday- we made the 7hr drive and arrived in the early afternoon.  Jack did great in the car, he slept most of the drive, had some avocado, spent some time playing with his grandma and had a just little fussiness which  was  unavoidable.  We hit up Meijer for some groceries then back to the cabin to cook some dinner over the camp fire!

Monday- We all slept in after our long drive.  The cottage is the best place to sleep in!  The nights get pretty cool.  I was nestled under many layers of blankets.  The soothing sounds of the gentle waves on the sand just 15 yards from the cottage door and the crackling of the slowly dying campfire could lull anyone to sleep.  Jack tried mashed banana today for the first time.  He seemed to like the sweet taste.  We started our day by going into Suttons Bay, a near by town to pick up a few items we forgot at the grocery.  Once in town we couldn’t resist visiting a few of the local tourist shops and making a stop at the local ice cream shop which was severely over priced!  I took Doris and Lindsay for their first view of the largest moving sand dunes in the world – The Sleeping Bear Dunes.  We followed a scenic drive then parked to make the climb.  Jack enjoyed digging in the sand at the base of the dune.  We headed home to catch the evening Olympic show.

Tuesday- We opted for a more low-key day, once again not able to resist the temptation of sleeping in, followed by a day of lounging on the beach, swimming, searching for Petoskey rocks (exclusive to MI) and watching the Olympics!

Wednesday(My Birthday)- Another morning of sleeping in – which, when I say sleeping in now with a 6mo old it is different than my definition pre-baby!  Jack still wakes early, around 5 or 6am, but after a feeding and short awake time he wonderfully cuddled back to sleep with me!  We then went into Fishtown Lealand to check out the local shops and for lunch at The Cove where I worked as a waitress one summer.  While in town we got fishing licenses and I took Doris and Lindsay for their first fishing trips.  Doris went first while Aunt Lindsay watched Jack.  We didn’t have any hits.  After a while when went back and Lindsay came out on the lake with me.  We tried out a different fishing spot.  I had a little luck with one walleye keeper and one that got off the line before I could get it in the boat.  After it became dark we journeyed back to the cottage with a strikeout for Lindsay.  We stoked up another campfire and had some smores!  Doris is really becoming a master at starting a good campfire!

Thursday- a jam-packed day – Doris and I hit the fishing hole early and had a so-so trip.  I got 3 on the line, only one in the boat that Doris reeled in and 2 others that got away with my dad’s lures!  Later that day my cousin Kyle and his friend took us for a boat ride on their ski boat.  That thing could fly!  They gave me a trip around the lake on the tube which I’m still sore from!  Doris and I then took Jack swimming again.  He had so much fun in his little yellow tube!  He was out there for at least a half hour kicking and laughing in the water.  It was a great time.  Another new adventure was ahead for us.  We walked down to aunt Gail’s cottage and she and cousin Ashley were gracious enough to share their sea doo with us.  Gail rocked Jack on the swing while Ashley helped Doris, Lindsay and I take turns on the sea doo which was a blast!  We wound down Thursday with the Olympics of course!

Friday- We cleaned up the cottage and said good bye to the lake water… until next year.  Its hard to imagine by then Jack will be digging in the sand and running into the lake all by himself.  At noon we headed home to see daddy who we missed very much!  Jack again was a trooper in the car, doing a fabulous job!  I love that little guy soooo much! 

Thanks daddy for letting us escape to the lake!

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