Lexington on Lake Huron...

We visited Lexington on scenic Lake Huron earlier this month. We spent a good few hours here. We walked along the breakwater and had a picnic lunch on the beach. We also browsed at a few shops in town and had a treat at a local bakery and coffee shop. It was a somewhat chilly day, but that made it less crowded and more enjoyable! 

We also drove up to Port Sanilac to see the lighthouse there, before heading back to Metro Detroit. It's great to find these little gems not too far from home. :)

There's a sheltered harbour behind the breakwater.

The skies were quite pretty this day.

Almost like the Caribbean. 

Walking along the breakwater.

Amazing clouds as we look out over Lake Huron.

A small fishing boat comes into the harbour.

Our children at the end of the breakwater.

Family selfie with Lake Huron behind.

Playing in the beautiful sand.

A lovely picnic lunch.

Looking south towards the breakwater.

Inquisitive gull hoping for an easy meal.

The Port Sanilac Light Station dates from 1886 and is a short drive north of Lexington.

School Year 2025-26

As always, here's our annual school photo. We are so thankful to be able to homeschool our children. :) You can check out last year's photo here.

Bike Cleaning...

On the afternoon of Labor Day, I spent a good few hours scrubbing grime and dirt off my bike - and being sure to clean the chain, cogs, and derailer too. It was certainly needed, since it had been several years since I put the effort into this task. Shout out to Eliza for capturing the process. :)

Labor Day Fun...

Labor Day (and yes, I'm using the American spelling today since it is an American holiday) was on Monday, 1st September. Being a public holiday, I was up early and went on an early morning cycle. Towards the end of my cycle, I met Candace and the children at Fair Lane Estate. 

After bundling my bike into our car, we headed off on a lovely hike around the lake, where we enjoyed a morning cup of hot chocolate on a bench halfway round. It was a beautiful day with a slight chill in the morning air.

Fair Lane Estate on my cycle.

The lake on a clear and calm day.

The girls found a heart made of acorns.

I love the reflections in the water...

... And the sun rays dappling the leaves with light.

Walking through the forest...

... To the large meadow, where Riaan could fly his plane. :)

I love this photo! So much joy. :)

The rose garden is beautiful at this time of year.

Such a peaceful place.

Classic MGB Roadster...

Dusty and I came across this classic MGB roadster on one of our walks recently. This vehicle dates back to around 1975. It was great to see a British-manufactured vehicle in Dearborn.

Sewing Afternoon...

It was all quiet on the main level of our house one afternoon in late August. I ventured down to the basement to discover our children helping Candace with various sewing projects. They were having so much fun learning how to sew and create beautiful crafts!

Pretty Sunset...

Another pretty late-summer sunset as seen from Detroit. :)

Detroit City FC on a Stormy Night...

As in November last year, Riaan and I joined church friends (who had extra tickets) in watching a professional soccer game in Detroit. We drove to Keyworth Stadium, located in Hamtramck, and enjoyed the atmosphere as Detroit City FC took on Tampa Bay. 

The match was 2-0 to Detroit when the game was suspended in the second half due to severe weather (heavy rain, lightning) in the area. The match was delayed an hour, and we left early to dodge the rain. But we were soaked by the time we reached the car!

Just minutes before the match was suspended. It absolutely poured!

Belle Isle Beach...

We visited the beach at Belle Isle early one overcast Saturday morning last month. It was a calm, peaceful day and it felt as if we had the whole beach to ourselves. It was simply lovely! 

As a family, we're trying to be intentional about spending time outside and making the most of the last few weeks of Michigan's summer.

The water was lovely and clear.

Sandcastle fun with Riaan.

Seagulls keep an eye out for any scraps from our picnic breakfast.

Coast Guard helicopter flies over the Detroit River.

Apple Harvest...

Our apple tree has produced four apples this summer; three of which are still on the tree. Eliza picked the first apple earlier in the month. We were so excited, and it tasted really good! Candace added it to an apple crumble that she was making with other homegrown apples that a friend gave us.

A healthy apple in Michigan!

Riaan's Lego Ringwraith Scene...

Following on from his Lego Moria scene, Riaan has made another iconic scene from The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. This time, the scene features the Black Rider, leaning over the bank searching (sniffing) for the hobbits.

He made this all from memory, having watched the film several months ago.

Go Springboks!

Eliza was all ready to support the Springboks in their first Rugby Championship game of 2025 - facing Australia's Wallabies on Saturday, 16th August. Unfortunately, despite the lovely South African flag that Eliza coloured, the Springboks still succumbed to a difficult loss. And Dusty dozed through it all, quite oblivious to such trivial matters. :)

A late morning nap is bliss. :)

Another Amazing Quilt...

 

Candace recently finished this fantastic quilt. It is one of many projects that she has done - and this one is up for sale. :) 

The back of the quilt. I'm so amazed by her intricate craftmanship.

Sourdough and Scones...

Candace has been hard at work in the kitchen recently, working on her sourdough baking skills, along with other recipes. She made a delicious sourdough brie wheel (pictured here) for a church picnic and then the next weekend she blessed us with amazing scones. We are so thankful for her talents and these yummy treats!

Always need jam and cream on a scone! :)

Warrendale's 100th Celebration...

We visited our local neighbourhood community organisation's 100th anniversary celebration a couple of weeks ago. It was a fun atmosphere with train rides, jumping castles, face painting, raffles, and even an Indycar from the Detroit Grand Prix! It was great to see the community come out and celebrate together. :)

Fun party atmosphere.

Lovely monarch butterfly bench.

Playing noughts and crosses with Eliza.

She was so excited to sit in the race car...

As was her brother!

Family photo at the anniversary celebration.