This weekend Melissa and I did something we have never really done before, we simply went away for the weekend. Sure we have gone places before; back to NY for a wedding, and Melissa tagged along once on a work trip to PA, but we have never just gotten away. This weekend, however, we had the opportunity to get away and so we took it. We didn’t really go far, only about 90 minutes from home up north to Frankenmuth to walk around and visit the shops and then head over to Bronner’s. We had both been to Bronner’s a number of times before, but I had never actually been to Frankenmuth, I’ve driven threw it, but never actually stopped in and walked around. Considering we were able to get a really good deal on a hotel room at the SpringHill Suites, we decided to go up for the weekend. We spent, literally, the entire day Saturday just walking around all the little shops along Main Street and the River Place shops, we even had lunch at the Bavarian Inn, but I did not have chicken. It was real nice and I think I would like to go back up when the weather is a little nicer to see what it looks like thawed out and to take one of the riverboat rides. Also I wouldn’t mind going up and seeing the inside of the Frankenmuth Brewery, apparently they don’t open until noon on Sunday and we had to go to Bronner’s. It would also be great to be able to someday purchase one of the beautiful Grandfather Clock’s from the Frankenmuth Clock Company. I think the best part of the weekend though, was just simply getting away from all the hustle and bustle that has been going on recently with work and the holidays fast approaching. Hopefully we will be able to get away again some other time.
Category Archives: Melissa
Meijer Trick-or-Treat
Meijer had a special event today in celebration for Halloween. They set up tables throughout the store that were giving away candy to all the little trick-or-treaters. Seeing as Tiffany will be taking Kylie out tomorrow I figured we could at least go and do this today, so we all got dressed up and went to do some trick-or-treating, yes all of us. They even had a photo shoot setup to capture the memory: 
The Zoo Boo Returns
After missing last years Zoo Boo, I am very happy that tonight Melissa and I took Kylie to the Detroit Zoo Boo, this was Melissa’s first time going so she was particularly looking forward to the evening. They had it set up a little different this year compared to previous years that I have gone. I remember the trial leading off to the left when you first walk in, but this year it lead to the right. One of the first things we came to this year was the big tent where they hold the “Zoo Boo Review” show, in previous years this was one of the last things we came to and hadn’t gone because by then it was late and everyone was tired. This year though, we decided to go, and I am really glad we did. They put on a show called “Phantom of the Zoo Boo” that was fun, upbeat, and rather entertaining. I know Kylie liked it a lot, she was dancing at our seats and waving to all the characters on stage. There was Witch Hazel, Mummy Moose, Alligator-stein, Fuzzy the Werewolf, Count Batula, and Witchy Poo. Makes me wonder what we have missed in previous years under the tent. Also new this year was a section off to the side, but still on the path, where they were carving pumpkins while the children watched. There seemed to be fewer pumpkin and gourd animals and creations than I remember in previous years as well, but the reptile house was still open and that is always fun to walk through. I am not positive, but it also seemed like there were fewer candy stops for the kids too, but they could just be because the path was different so they were spaced odd different than I remember, one thing is for sure though, I don’t remember them handing out cans of Mt. Dew before, yes full cans. That was a little odd. It took us about two hours to walk through everything and sit and watch the show and we all had a great time! We took a lot of pictures, and they can be found here.
U of M vs. MSU
Today was my annual EMC vendor tailgate party, and this year it was the U of M versus MSU game. As usual the party was a blast! Lots of food, drinks, really fun people. Again this year I was able to get a couple of tickets to the game so Melissa and I were able to go watch it live. We almost didn’t make it though because we were unaware of a new rule that the University of Michigan put in place this year, they no longer allow any bags in side the stadium, this includes purses. Melissa, of course, had her purse with her and we were unaware of this new change until right before the game. Seeing as we didn’t have many options we though we try to go and see what happens, and once we got to the gate they told Melissa she couldn’t bring her purse in. Apparently we now have the option of going to Crisler Arena and checking her purse, she wasn’t thrilled with that option so luckily we were able to lock it in the truck of one of the vendors at the party that I know and trust. I guess we will need to keep this in mind for next year. Unfortunately U of M lost, but it was still cool to be in the stadium again, and seeing the flag and game ball parachuted into the stadium by the 101st Airborne Division was pretty sweet too.
Detroit Basketball
Thanks to a promotion that Meijer does called “Meijer Ticket Zone” tonight I got to go see my first professional basketball game! Melissa and I got free tickets to go to the Palace of Auburn Hills to watch the Detroit Pistons play against the Miami Heat. This was my first time ever in the Palace, and I was impressed with the venue though I am not certain if I would want to see a concert there. While the experience was enjoyable, I still stick with my previous thoughts that I would rather watch the game from the comfort of my living room. The worst part about the experience was the drive to and from the venue; lots of traffic coupled with the fact that I really didn’t know where I was going didn’t make for the best driving experience. I’m sure the next time the trip will be easier, assuming there is a next time. The parking was ok, though the $25 parking fee was not to pleasing. The event was enjoyable and Melissa and I did have a good time, unfortunately though the Pistons lost 65-92. We took a few pictures of the pre-game set up and the outside of the Palace using our phones, they can be viewed here; additionally I took a short video (again with my phone) of the Pistons coming out onto the court, and that can be seen below.
First Time in The Big House
Today was one of my vendor’s (EMC) annual University of Michigan tailgate party! Last year was the first time I was able to go and it was a blast, so I had been looking forward to this years as well. The excitement and anticipation was heightened a few days back when i found out that not only was I going to the tailgate, but the vendor was also supplying me with tickets to the UM vs Notre Dame football game! I had never been in the Big House (U of M football stadium) even though I have been past it many many times. The party prior to going to the game was fun, as it was last year, but when Melissa and I got to go into the Big House, that was an experience. From the outside you don’t realize just how big the stadium is because half of it is under ground. We walked into the stadium from ground level and entered about half way up the seats. We had to go up a little further to get to our seats (which the tickets said were $65 each) and were impressed with the view. We were seated in section 16 row 87 seats 9 and 10, which were at the south west end of the field and we had a great overview of the entire field. The seats themselves were hard bench seats that wreaked havoc on my back, though I did spend a good amount of time on my feet as well. All in all it was a great experience, but I can honestly say that, even if I were an avid college football fan, I am not sure I would want to repeat it that often.
That being said, it was great to be at this particular game which many have said became an 
instant classic due to the way Michigan came back in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to win the game via a Tate Forcier (the 19 year old Freshman starting quarterback!) touchdown pass that let the Michigan Wolverines beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 38-34. It was certainty an exciting game to see for my first ever visit to The Big House!
Renaissance Festival
Today Kylie, Melissa, and I all went out to Holly MI to go to the Renaissance Festival that is held there annually. It was Kylie and mines second time going (though Kylie doesn’t remember her first time because she was only 2 months old) and Melissa’s first time, so we were all looking forward to going. Once we got there Kylie started looking around and commenting on all the people in different outfits and shops. She especially like the two people walking around in a giant knight and a giant horse costume. She was even more excited when she got to give them each a high five. Melissa and I really enjoyed looking around at all the shops, even though we couldn’t buy anything. We all enjoyed the jousting tournament and Kylie really enjoyed cheering for “our Blue Knight.” Melissa and I each took a good number of pictures, and hopefully I will get them added to the gallery sooner than later. We are all looking forward to going back next year as well.