Clarks Crossing the Country

  Today was a stormy day for most of the day.  We were headed in to Detroit for a Tiger's game in the evening, so we decided to head to see where my dad's side of the family grew up in Taylor.  The house was in great shape and the current owner was happy to tell us all about the updates he has made.   My dad's elementary school was turned in to a canine training facility since the last time I was here about 20 years ago.  I got out to take a picture and at first they were not happy about it.  I explained what I was doing (just taking a picture of my dad's old school) and then they allowed a photo, but I had to be careful to not include any police officers.   We then visited the Henry Ford Museum.  There were so many amazing things to see.  This engine was massive, one of the largest I think I have ever stood next to.   This museum is filled with many artifacts of significance.  Above is the actual chair that ...

  These pictures are evidence of the fun we've been having.  He woke up, came downstairs, found himself a blanket, and went back to sleep.  He continued to sleep after everyone else was up and eating breakfast! Today we visited the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing.  It was a beautiful building designed by the same architect as the Texas and Colorado capitol buildings.  The architect and builders were very proud of the minimalistic budget used to build the building.  Most of the decorations in this capitol building are painted.  The walls are covered with painted details, as opposed to some of the more ornate features of other buildings.   One unique feature of this capitol building is the glass floor you can see in the above picture.  The glass is only 5/8 inches thick!  This is the first floor of the rotunda and truly has a beautiful effect.   After the capitol building, we went to Bron...

  Being farther north, we are experiencing what it's like to have the sun stay out much later!  The kids have been going to bed much later than at home, but yay for summer!  We're also sleeping in much more than we usually do.  Today we went to the "Jiffy" factory with Mandy and the girls for a factory tour.  In Southern CA we have "Jiffy" corn muffins, but I had no idea that they had so many other products!  We were given lovely hair nets to protect the products during the tour :)   Joey and Carly are kindred spirits.   They both have so many stories to share and had so much drawing pictures together.   Making friendship bracelets!   The boys have thoroughly enjoyed getting to play video games! They said it requires team work.   Making Jiffy brownies!  They were very yummy!