Autumn Cycles...

I've enjoyed a couple of cycle rides in the past few weeks, taking in the changing colours in beautiful sunny weather.

There's something so special about watching the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red - as if they're coming alive before the chill of winter takes hold. 

And watching these changes while on my bike is so great!

The morning sun breaks through the trees over the Rouge River.

Spectacular red colour in this large tree.

Looking down at the Rouge River again, but this time in the golden hour before sunset.

Mercy Ships Reunion at Kensington Metropark...

We had a small informal Mercy Ships reunion with our friends Noel and Justin and their children at the end of September. Another Mercy Ships friend Dan and his daughter Hannah joined us, and we had a great afternoon exploring the farm. 

While we see Dan and his family quite regularly, it was the first time in nearly four years that we had seen Noel and Justin. They were on their way from northern Michigan to their home outside of Cincinnati, and passed close to Metro Detroit. It was great to see them again!

Massive (and probably ancient) snapping turtle.

Its shell was covered in moss.

The pretty lake outside the Nature Centre.

I put Cape Town, South Africa, on the map! :)

Riaan's Lego Moria Battle...

"They have a cave troll." 

Another day, another The Lord of the Rings scene from Riaan. 

This time, the battle that takes place next to Balin's tomb is recreated in Lego, along with a brick-built cave troll. :)

He even built Balin's tomb and the infamous well - where Pippin knocked down a skeleton, precipitating the "drums in the deep."

Spooky Skies...

The hauntingly beautiful night skies above Detroit.

Riaan's Lego Mount Doom...

Hot on the heels of his "Bridge of Khazad-dum" scene, comes another amazing The Lord of The Rings creation from our son. This time, Riaan has built the iconic scene depicting the destruction of the One Ring at Mount Doom in Mordor. 

The scene depicts Sam reaching for Frodo, while Gollum and the One Ring sink into the fiery lava below.

SA Drink Holder...

Candace made the most amazing new cozy for my drinks. My iced coffee no longer makes my hand cold with this awesome South African flag cozy!

And I can keep the memory alive of our trip to Baltimore to see the Springboks face the All Blacks. :)

School Year 2026-27

Here's our new school photo. Our children have already hit the ground running with their studies, and Candace is an excellent teacher. We're thankful for another school year. Check out last year's photo here.