Barron of Blog » travel http://mike.shannonandmike.net Wife, Kids, and the Pursuit of Happiness Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:01:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Epic Trip to Chicago http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/12/epic-trip-to-chicago/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/12/epic-trip-to-chicago/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:15:35 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6382 Here are the pictures, as promised, from our Chicago weekend. A very special thanks to the Hunt and Glynn families for meeting us at Two Toots! Wish we could have spent more time visiting than we did.

On to the pictures!
The perfect spot to watch the air show (in the shade) Libby and Henry goofing off Cooper's reaction every time he sees or hears a plane in the sky Libby approves of the pilot's acrobatic skills Watching the air show - those planes were LOUD! We were caught in a rainstorm, so all of us ducked into the lobby of the Rain Forest Cafe for a spell Shannon, Libby, Henry, and Emily enjoying walking in the city next to the "L" Trying to take a family picture in the reflection of the "bean" Love this picture - reminds me of that post-WWII picture in Times Square Shannon and Cooper in front of the "Bean" (he was in a better mood than he looks in this picture) Cooper in a reflecting pool at Millenium park Henry and Libby fascinated by the inside of the 'bean' Tim and Henry on our big train ride out to the suburbs The Beckman boys on a train The kids enjoying the smooth train ride Libby and Cooper riding a pony Cooper, Libby, Henry, and Sam in front of Two Toots! Getting the "wiggles" out before the long car ride home. Thanks Hunt family!

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/12/epic-trip-to-chicago/feed/ 0 Air Show Pics are Coming… http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/06/air-show-pics-are-coming/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/06/air-show-pics-are-coming/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:37:32 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6371 For now, here's one of Libby watching the planes zoom by. She was impressed:

Make sure to check out our friend's pictures of this air show weekend, 'cause they are more on-the-ball than I am.

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/09/06/air-show-pics-are-coming/feed/ 1 The Cousins http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/29/the-cousins-2/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/29/the-cousins-2/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:17:59 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6355 Annual picture of all the cousins:

Each year since 2007 we have taken the same picture with all the cousins. It's amazing to watch the group (and individuals) grow:
2011: Calvin, Micah, Asher, Sam, Emma, Kaia, Cooper, Libby 2010:Calvin, Micah, Asher, Sam, Emma, Kaia, Libby 2009: Calvin, Micah, Sam, Emma, Kaia, Libby 2008: Calvin, Micah, Sam, Emma, Libby 2007: Calvin, Micah, Sam, Emma, Libby

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/29/the-cousins-2/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Hiking Around the Cabin http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/23/east-coast-trip-hiking-around-the-cabin/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/23/east-coast-trip-hiking-around-the-cabin/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 04:01:56 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6331 Our family of four took a hike around the woods near the cabin. Lots of pine trees, small wildflowers, and blueberries:
Cooper and me departing for the hike Libby found a sign for one of our neighbours The long gravel road we walked along An excellent self-taken family portrait Libby took this picture of all our shoes (except Cooper's) Into the woods! We made sure to clap to scare away bears. Emerging from the woods - Cooper was such a trooper Libby was tired by the end, so Shannon gave her a piggy back ride

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/23/east-coast-trip-hiking-around-the-cabin/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Golfing http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/22/east-coast-trip-golfing/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/22/east-coast-trip-golfing/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:53:27 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6321 We had our annual early morning Maine golf day (2010, 2009). It was foggy and fun:
It was very foggy for the first two hours of play Usually you can see the ocean and an island, but it was all fog Dan and Will practicing their swings Dan, Will, Jack, Tim, and Me

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/22/east-coast-trip-golfing/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Talking and Eating http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/16/east-coast-trip-talking-and-eating/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/16/east-coast-trip-talking-and-eating/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:43:04 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6299 My favorite part of our Maine trips, by far, is the time we spend eating and talking. There is nothing better than sitting around with family and shooting the breeze while munching on goodies:
Breakfast time with bright sun through the windows Making s'mores on a grill (second time this trip!) Liby still loving the s'mores The kids get their own eating time since there are so many of them Night time chatting with everybody Relaxing in Will and Shelley's cabin after grilling out

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/16/east-coast-trip-talking-and-eating/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Coastal Exploring http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/15/east-coast-trip-coastal-exploring/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/15/east-coast-trip-coastal-exploring/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:24:17 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6288 A lot of the fun to be found in Maine is along the shore. Tidal pools, piles of seaweed, big rocks, and lots a small sea creatures make for a great environment for adults and kids alike to explore:
Shannon and Libby next to a tidal pool A happy couple, on the rocks Gorgeous clear day with sunshine through the trees One of many baby crabs that we found among the rocks and seaweed Libby showing off her periwinkle collection Cooper, our Maine Man

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/15/east-coast-trip-coastal-exploring/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Maine (finally!) http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/12/east-coast-trip-maine-finally/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/12/east-coast-trip-maine-finally/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:36:56 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6282 A rainbow, as seen from our "beach" (aka pile of rocks and seaweed), welcomed us to Maine:

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/12/east-coast-trip-maine-finally/feed/ 0 East Coast Trip: Red’s Eats Lobster Shack http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/10/east-coast-trip-reds-eats-lobster-shack/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/10/east-coast-trip-reds-eats-lobster-shack/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:52:31 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6269 On our drive up through Maine we stopped at Red's Eats, a delicious lobster shack in Wiscasset. They pile the lobster so high you can't see the grilled bun. The monster pile of meat is direct from the lobster - both butter and mayonnaise is served on the side, so you can mix as you see fit.
Two delicious lobster rolls Red's Eats - the best damn lobster rolls I have ever had Self-taken family portrait while we waited in line Our second order - another lobster roll and fried full-belly clams

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/10/east-coast-trip-reds-eats-lobster-shack/feed/ 1 East Coast Trip: Debbie and Peter’s House http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/07/east-coast-trip-debbie-and-peters-house/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/07/east-coast-trip-debbie-and-peters-house/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:56:56 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6258 Every year we invade the welcoming home of Debbie and Peter. They are always such wonderful hosts, making sure everyone is well fed and entertained.
Welcome to House of Cooper - what can I get you? Libby discovered - and LOVED - climbing trees this vacation Making s'mores on the outdoor grill (they were great!)

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/08/07/east-coast-trip-debbie-and-peters-house/feed/ 0 Road Trip! http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/06/05/road-trip/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/06/05/road-trip/#comments Sun, 05 Jun 2011 04:39:27 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=6062 Over the long Memorial Day weekend we packed up the kids and drove (yes, DROVE) to the east coast. We visited my sister in North Carolina and Shannon's brother in Virginia. Overall it was a very good trip.

Unfortunately we forgot our camera. More specifically, we remembered our camera but forgot the camera's SD card. Oh well. Here are a few pictures from the other cameras that were there:
Jackson, Libby, and Avery in a centipede floater Shannon and Cooper floating in the pool Libby all ready to jump into the pool

Obviously there was a pool at Shannon's brother's house, and we put it to very good use. Libby loves the water (though she still is not close to swimming on her own).

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/06/05/road-trip/feed/ 0 Back from Panama http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/02/22/back-from-panama/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/02/22/back-from-panama/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:50:00 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=5772 Sorry about the lack of posts. Just got back from an epic trip to Panama to celebrate a good friend's wedding. Select pictures might eventually be shared, but for now enjoy this scene from the hotel pool:

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2011/02/22/back-from-panama/feed/ 0 On the Road from Maine http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/20/on-the-road-from-maine/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/20/on-the-road-from-maine/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:30:18 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=5088 About halfway on our drive between Rhode Island and Maine are the outlet stores of Freeport. We typically stop here to stretch our legs and possibly find a good bargain. We always stop at the L.L.Bean outlet store because they have live fish and stuff to do:
Libby loved this giant stuffed bear Inside the fish tank (filled with salmon) The scene at LL Bean

We lucked out on the drive back from Maine - L.L. Bean was having some sort of celebration so they were giving away free ice cream cookie sandwiches!!!

Dan, Me, and Libby enjoying our free ice cream cookie sandwiches

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/20/on-the-road-from-maine/feed/ 0 Maine: Schoodic Point http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/19/maine-scoodic-point/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/19/maine-scoodic-point/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:07:48 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=5073 Libby and I took a trip with my older brother's family to Schoodic. You used to be able to feed the gulls on these rocks, which meant the birds would swarm around and eat from your hand. Unfortunately the park service banned the feeding of birds. Luckily the gigantic geometric rock formations make for a fun afternoon of climbing, even without the constant threat of seagulls launching an air raid.
Calvin and Libby look out to sea Amy and Libby enjoy the warm sun Jeff and Calvin exploring a crevasse Posing on the rocks Found the perfect spot for an afternoon snack (except for the mosquitoes) Reading all about the rocks and how they formed

]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/19/maine-scoodic-point/feed/ 0 More Random Pics from Maine http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/18/more-random-pics-from-maine/ http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/18/more-random-pics-from-maine/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:07:50 +0000 Mike B. http://mike.shannonandmike.net/?p=5052 Some cousins climbing on cannons The kids table at the Finback Alehouse The adult's table at the Finback Alehouse Goofing off with my hat My dad and Kaia Posing after a mid-afternoon snack Wading out into the cool water of Bar Harbor Eating pizza and watching a movie - does it get better than this? SEAWEED! Libby loved "exploring" on the rocks A short hike Annual picture of all the cousins Army men on the deck during a cookout at Linda's The boys and the "boats" they built The men try to build steps into the rocky waterfront A partially finished walkway to the shore ]]> http://mike.shannonandmike.net/2010/08/18/more-random-pics-from-maine/feed/ 0