Comings and Goings....

We have had a lovely warm yet busy Summer here in Michigan. In mid-July Maria arrived from Dubai via New Zealand for 3 weeks, then at the beginning of August Jac jetted in from London with Hugh joining her for the last 2 weeks followed by Mother & Dad for a very short visit last week. All of a sudden it is October and the leaves are turning and the nights are getting chilly.... where did the Summer go???? Here are some of the things we have been up to....

On July 21st I had the final step of my 5-year journey through bureaucracy - the ceremony in which I got my US Citizenship! (now, no nasty comments from kiwis please like someone made when I did the Michigan quiz on Facebook.... you really don't have to worry, I don't have to forfeit my NZ citizenship or hand in the passport).
Usually the ceremony takes place in a courthouse, but once a year (starting last year) they randomly select people to 'take the oath' at a baseball game!! The news report is here, the photos are here.... We had an official picture taken on our way out of the stadium when the game was almost over - I think I look relieved, Jamie looks extremely happy and Cooper looks tired! For those sporting buffs, it was cool that the Detroit Tigers actually beat the Seattle Mariners that night!


The next day Maria of Arabia arrived and we greeted her with bran muffins and hot chocolate. The following evening was the 2nd Annual River Cruise raising funds for the Cancer Society. Funnily enough Maria was present for last years cruise as well! We took our neighbours with us as well and here are some pics.....


I booked tickets for 'A day out with Thomas' when Jac was here. Cooper took the day VERY seriously (check out his face in most of the photos!).

These are the cool flowers that arrived from Jac after she left....

We had a very short visit from Mother & Dad - Dad was only here about 3 days! Cooper was especially happy to see them again! We had yet another cool BBQ on the patio on the Sunday night they were here. (Thanks to Mother for the photo!)