Touch-A-Truck...

We took our children to a Touch-A-Truck event at a local church earlier in August. There were construction vehicles, large semi-trucks, a logging truck, a tow truck, and emergency vehicles. The children loved exploring all these interesting trucks - as well as making the hooters/horns sound on each vehicle! :)

Riaan in a construction vehicle.

Riaan and Eliza explore a bulldozer.

Eliza takes charge!

Large semi-truck.

Dearborn Police cruiser.

Heavy-duty tow truck.

Logging truck - displaying its pneumatic crane.

There was even face painting. Riaan is a triceratops!

Date Cycles...

Friends of ours have been kind enough to watch our children for a couple of hours here and there, so that Candace and I can have some much-needed dates. One activity we love is to go for a cycle together. This past Saturday we even popped by a local coffee shop. :)

Coffee shop stop on our cycle. :)

Sunday Afternoon at Port Huron...

We visited beautiful Lighthouse Beach, Port Huron, on a very windy Sunday in August. There were rough waves on this southern portion of Lake Huron - so all we did was paddle and walk along the beach. Despite the conditions, it is always worthwhile visiting the lake shore. :)

We both love the coast. :)

Looking for pretty pebbles.

Riaan and Eliza paddling in the waves.

The lighthouse at Port Huron.

A tanker waiting out the rough weather in the safety of open water.

A cargo vessel far out in the lake.

Gull hovering above the waves.

Canadian police helicopter doing exercises above the channel...

In partnership with this police patrol boat.

Rough waves pound the Canadian side of the channel.

Warren Gateway: Joe Louis Greenway...

We discovered a new park a few weeks ago - the Warren Gateway Playground on the Joe Louis Greenway. This green belt, once completed, will encompass a 27.5 mile (44 kms) trail that encircles much of Detroit! We walked for a short part of the trail and the children loved the amazing new playground. :) We are truly blessed with lots of amazing outdoor play areas.

The view from the top of the play tower.

Looking out over the green belt and multi-use trail.

Storm clouds in the distance as night approaches.

A lovely early evening walk.

Beautiful art murals celebrating diversity.

There are also lots of information boards along the route.

Eliza and Riaan cross through the rope tunnel near the top of the tower.

Mint Lemonade...

Mint lemonade is a delightfully refreshing drink that I first enjoyed in Lebanon last June. I don't know why I waited so long to introduce Candace to it, but let's just say we're both hooked!

This drink is amazingly simple to make - enjoy this taste of the Middle East today. :)

Walk Home from Fair Lane...

One Sunday after church, the girls were going to visit some thrift stores and charity shops. Riaan and I decided to be dropped off at the old home of Henry Ford - and we walked all the way home on the lovely walking trails that abound in these scenic neighbourhoods. It was a total of 6.5 kms (4 miles) and we had a lovely time making memories together as we walked home. :)

The picturesque lake at Fair Lane.

Riaan holds up an old stone bridge along the trail. :)

The community organic garden at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Prairie rehabilitation on the walk home. Lots of pollinator-friendly flowers here. 

Chipmunk perched atop this stump.

A selfie not far from home. :)