Ben and I snow shoeing with Winston

I had to take this picture of the cherry trees in winter.

Ben trudging along the path with Winston running in front.

The wintery landscape-snow can be pretty.

I don't know who is having a harder time getting up the hill...me or Winston. :)

Winston enjoying his snowy walk. He is young at heart.



Ben and I enjoyed the fresh 12 inches of snow by taking Winston for a walk along the trails at the end of the peninsua. What a wonderful way to get out of the house and get some exercise.

Brett Dennan at the Opera House

Katie, Lindsey, Kate and I dancing to the music.

Brett Dennan performing.

Kate, Katie, and I enjoying the opening band in the "VIP" balcony.

Thanks to my friend Lindsay's sister and brother-in-law's company Porterhouse Productions, Traverse City has seen an influx of music for all to enjoy. Brett Dennan came to the Opera House and us girls went and enjoyed the music. We even got a shout out from the opening band and are featured on www.northernspin.com.

Valentine's Visit from my Parents.

With my mom and dad hiking at the State Hospital.
Ben can no longer use any excuse for not bowling...he bowled all strikes and spares minus 3 pins!

My mom and I at Wilderness Crossings.

The Winter Wonderfest had ice carvings all around downtown. Hopefully kissing the fish brings good luck. ;)



My parents visited us over Valentine's Day weekend. It was so good to see them. We went bowling, watched a movie at the State Theatre, walked around downtown, walked at the State Hospital, and enjoyed dinner (which I actually cooked). Thanks Mom & Dad for visiting us!

Super Bowl Sunday

Black and gold pride!

Kate, MacKenzie, and Kirsten enjoying the game, the food, and friends.

My shrine to the Steeler Man. I think it brought them good luck!

My poster of the Steelers above the TV.


On Sunday, Ben and I threw a Super Bowl. Our friends joined us for great food and lots of drinks but the highlight was the game. AFter a tumultous and emotional journey that was the game, the Steeler's came out victorious! Unfortunately, I woke up the next morning with a hoarse voice from yelling so much. A new tradition has been instilled: as long as the Steelers are in the Super Bowl: party at our house!

Basement Remodel Update

The soon to be TV room or better known to Ben as his "Man Cave."

Ben painting the basement. He did an amazing job on the drywall.

Ben covered in drywall dust. What a hard worker!


Ben has been working really hard on finishing our basement. There is still tons to do but the drywall and the painting is done. We even put new carpet in Ben's future man cave and organized all our "stuff" in a closet. We still need to put on trim, tile, and put up doors but I am so proud of Ben's progress. We'll keep you updated as we go....

Snowshoe at the State Hospital.

MacKenzie, Kate, Macare, Katie and I after our snowshoe adventure. The State Hospital is in the background.

Macare, Kate, Katie and I after our long hike up the hill.

Posing in the winter wonderland.

A snow-covered creek-taken by Katie.

Me, MacKenzie, Macare, and Kate on our snowshoes


Saturday morning I went snow hiking with some of my girl friends.
The State Hospital has many trails for snowshoeing, walking, and cross country skiing in the winter. The summer it is a great place to hike, jog, and mountain bike. It was a great way to start the weekend and a nice change to exercise away from the gym. After our hike, we had coffee and breakfast/lunch.

Snowmobiling Out West.

Ben posing on the sled.

Tara and I resting after the 20 minute ride up the mountain.

Nick, Tara, Ben, and I at the top of Corrona Bowl in our awesome snowmobile outfits.

On New Year's Day, we joined Tara and Nick on a 2 hour snowmobile ride. We each got our own sled which only went 55 mph, much to Ben and Nick's dismay, but they did have heated handles and were fun to drive. Although, at first it was pretty scary because the snowmobiles were pretty shaky and the trail was right along side the mountain-one wrong turn and down the mountain you would go. Needless to say, I went pretty slow around turns. It took us about 20 minutes to get up to Corrona Bowl/the continental divide-luckily we had a clear, sunny day we could see for miles. Up on top, Ben and Nick even got the chance to ride off the trail and do some fun tricks. All in all, I think I'll try snowmobiling again. Thanks Tara and Nick for a fun morning.