SNL

I know we're all fans of Sarah Palin and none of us could resist seeing her on SNL last weekend. SNL is on much past Maggie's bedtime, but she got to catch part of it Monday night on NBC news as she ate her supper. Here she shows her appreciation for what Amy Poehler is throwin' down.

Weekend Snapshots

On Friday night we had Rodriguez family dinner at Red Robin. Maggie was in heaven: milk out of a straw AND a green crayon. The waitstaff sang the birthday song for three tables while we were there. M clapped after each one.

On Saturday while Saul was at the Michigan vs. Toledo game with his mom, dad, and brother, Chris, Maggie and I spent the afternoon at Aunt Mimi's (Mindy's) house. Mags was obsessed with her landscaping stones. Here she is Barocking the vote.

Once M dragged herself away from the stones, she was very pleased to find some pumpkins on Mimi's porch. She tried mightily to move the bigger one, but eventually gave up and buddied up with the little guy.

Random Maggie Pics

Cheesin' in her new cow pajamas

Cruisin' with her pal, Elmo

Hangin' out in an Ann Arbor Jimmy John's on game day with Grandma Cheryl and Uncle Chris

Chillin' with a bucket on her head

How Merlot Can You Go?

On Saturday, September 13th, Tricia (right) and I took Kate (center) on an abbreviated tour of the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail to celebrate her birthday. Tricia's little sis, Holly, chauffered us around in T's minivan for the day, and well, we had fun. Here we are at our first stop enjoying a tasting. There's nothing like a 10am splash of wine!

It RAINED, not drizzled, for the entire day. Precipitation could not dampen our spirits with so many spirits to imbibe! I took this photo outside the Warner Winery in Paw Paw. This place was so cute and quaint, but we found its staff to be, well... a bit Van Buren County. Let's just say we weren't the only ones in that joint who'd been drinking. We later found out that 3 hours after we left, a tornado touched down in the courtyard where we were standing.

In Coloma we visited a little gem called The Chocolate Garden, home of world-famous handmade truffles. Unfortunately there weren't free tastings offered here, but the goods did not disappoint.

Maya Papaya

I shudder with shame that it has taken so long to introduce our new niece! Sophie and Lucy's little sister, Maya Claire, was born to Stacy and Kevin on July 16th. She came into the world at 7 lbs. 8oz. and 21 in. Third time's a charm, that's for sure!

Here's the little bugger with her eyes open.

Here's a more recent picture with Grandma Susie. It's hard to believe that the newest Whelan is already almost 3 months old. She's filled out quite a bit since she was born. She's a very good baby.

Safari in Battle Creek?!

Once again, we apologize profusely for the blogging drought. Yes, we are fairly busy, but that's not a good excuse. We're just lazy. This excursion dates back to a Sunday in mid-August (Ah, remember summer?). We met my mom and dad, who were taking care of Sophie and Lucy for the weekend, at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. It was a beautiful day for zooing, and we had a great time.

The best attraction of the Binder Park Zoo by a landslide is the realistic-looking safari section. We spent quite a while on the platform where you could buy biscuits to feed the giraffes. I've never been so up close and personal with a giraffe. I had no idea that they have such crazy black tongues. If you squint you can see a zebra in the background of this photo.

Mags had fun clowning with her cousins.