Thank-you Grandma!!

Well, my grandma gave me her old snowmobilin' snowsuit!! Her and my grandpa (Marvelous Marvin) used to go snowmobiling quite a bit!! This was back before global-warming, when Central IL used to get a ton of snow. [mild sarcasm]

When we got back to Michigan on Monday night all of the snow was gone!! BUT, alas, we woke up this morning to another few inches. We're supposed to get more today, so we thought we'd go ahead and get the driveway cleared. (It'll make for easier shoveling later.) So, I put on my new snowsuit circa ?198#?... it fit great, and was warmer than anything I've ever worn! THANKS for the hand-me-down grams.... I'm going to get TONS of use out of it here in Michigan!

I need to charge my camera so that I can download my pictues from Christmas!! Stay tuned. :)

Friday Already!?! FPF

Well - I bought this shirt for Dave. He's my Captain Awesome. :)

We both worked from home today...we've gotten about a foot of snow, I bet. Kellogg's told their employee's to work from home rather than have them on the roads! How nice!!

We're busy getting ready for Christmas, and soon heading to Illinois for family time!! It'll be fun to see everyone.

Hopefully there is some snow there, as well, otherwise Snickers may be disappointed. He's having a blast.

Just So You Know...it took a while to load these pic's!

Without further adieu, here are some pictures from our trip to Kansas for Thanksgiving...we stopped in Decatur and had splendid times with friends and family for my birthday, and then continued the birthday fun to Missouri - where we stayed with Heather & Matt - then on to Kansas... perhaps I can write a more detailed story on another day, I'm exhausted from the loading! :)

Favorite Photos Friday

Well, I am way behind on blogging! I have so much fun stuff to talk about from our November trip!

So - for favorite photo Friday, I will share a few of my favorite pictures of our niece and nephews on the Harder side! They were so fun to spend time with!

Here is Ava in one of my favorite photos that I took of her! She came into the room while we were getting ready for the Thanksgiving Day service. I asked her if she was allowed to jump on the bed, and she told me, "yes!" So - who am I to ruin her fun? She was really enjoying it, too. (Probably even more when I started taking pictures!) haha. I know I'm a bad influence:

Here is Dakota riding on the 4-wheeler with grandpa....he actually already knows how to start it up! Pretty impressive, as I understand it - this is one of his favorite things to do:

And little Oliver! This little boy was so content with everything we did! He's very sweet and so quiet -- the first thing that Ava told us about her little brother was that, "he has blue eyes." He sure does, and she is so proud of him:

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Well - Tuesday, December 2nd was my mom's birthday!! We won't say how old she is....(but, I'm her baby and I just turned 30 last Monday, sooo...)

You've always been a shining example of strength and determination!! And "nice" - people always say how you are so nice. :) I agree.

As a birthday wish to getting older - I will share something with the rest of the group that you sent to me this week. Apparently, Julie Andrews (Maria - "The Sound of Music") turned 69 recently. Please note - my mom is NOT 69... she is 12 years younger than 69. :) Anyhoo- she performed at the Radio City Music Hall sometime near her birthday, and this is the song she sang for the audience. Please note that it is to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from her movie/musical, "The Sound of Music." Wow -if you've never seen this movie you are missing out!! I think it is my Mom, and Mom Harder's favorite movie! Okay, here you go & enjoy:

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs, cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

The Apron

The beauty of an apron. Isn't this cute? I was just talking with Mom Harder last week about aprons...nobody seems to wear them anymore!

I found this cute site on etsy, where the apron to the left and many others can be purchased:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=59241

Etsy is an online site where those of you that are crafty can open up your own store and sell things!

What made me think of this? Well my mom sent me this cute forward this week about aprons, here it is:

The History of APRONS
I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes. Send this to those who would know, and love, the story about Grandma's aprons. Or it can be a good history lesson for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in our lives. REMEMBER:Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw. They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron.

Just So You Know - - 2,115

2,115

2,115 miles roundtrip Thanksgiving trip!! We certainly have a lot of fun and excitement to share with you all, including pictures..... but, it will have to wait for another day!

We are exhausted tonight... the last leg of our trip was snow-filled! We are now amidst a winter wonderland of snow.

Talk to you soon!

Popcorn People

I had to send in my laptop for repair - so I'm a little impaired for the next few days! I'm borrowing Dave's computer so that I could post something! :)

Anyhow - we've been popping a lot of popcorn lately on our stove! Dave is an expert popcorn popper. Some evenings by the time we get home from our evening activities we are just too tired to think about anything big - but popcorn is such a great treat..... also, it feels healthier making it on the stove --- no butter, and only minimal salt added! ;) Here's a picture:

Favorite Photo Friday

LOVE the lowering gas prices... this is how much I filled my tank up for today! Yippee!! What is the gas price in your area?

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's Day to all of you who have served our country!! THANK-YOU & WELCOME HOME SOLDIER!!

Snow in Michigan today!

Yep - it snowed off and on all day today! Snickers loved it --- his long lost friend finally came back.

Michigan Happenings

Well - I missed Favorite Photo Friday...woops!

We've been staying busy here with our jobs (mostly) - which are going very well. I've been hitting my sales numbers and Dave is finally wrapping up budgeting. I have driven 45K miles in one year's time - WOW, just typing that exhausts me... Also hanging out with friends...we saw Lonestar in concert last night...they were pretty good, and right in town... Also church happenings... I thought I would post a picture from the first drama that we did with the Junior High group at church. It went really well - and I was so proud of them!! We are next working on what is called a human video. It's where they act out a story to a song. It's going to be awesome - really excited about this one!!

Here they are performing their first skit:

Oh yes - Dave just got glasses! They are mostly for driving at night... he actually doesn't need them according to the DMV... BUT, we thought it might be important for our safety. ha. He looks quite handsome in them, and I will post a picture in the near future.

We are heading to a Cheap Flick tonight --- Cheap Flicks is a local theater that shows slightly old movies for $3.00!! WHAT A STEAL! :) We are going to see "Nights In Rodanthe" --- so, obviously it's my turn to see a chick flick. It is a Nicholas Sparks book made into a movie (sorry Mel, I know you don't care for this native NC'an! ha) I do enjoy his books.... he also did "The Notebook", and "A Walk To Remember." Catch Ya'll Soon!

Voting Day!

A sense of relief that it is all coming to an end..... and a sense of history being made! No matter who is elected we are making history!!! So, hopefully YOU went out and made your vote count!

JSUK (Just So You Know) - Monday

Michigan produces 250,000 pounds of potatoes for Frito Lay! [I read this on a billboard that I drive by almost every day.]

This from the Michigan Agricultural web page [MDA]: "We’re not the BIGGEST potato producer in the United States—we’re tenth. Yet Michigan grows a special kind of potatoes—Snowden, Pike, Atlantic and Frito-Lay varieties most commonly used for chips. Three quarters of Michigan’s potato crop is used for potato chips. And potato chips are America’s most popular snack food.

So here comes one more monster fact: Michigan is the largest producer in the United States of potatoes used for potato chips. Envision millions and millions of potatoes growing in Michigan fields. It takes monster equipment and monster production techniques to make the millions and zillions of chips for Super Bowl celebration and for all year round. Potato chips are an American invention, and Michigan has a special role in helping that invention take top honors as America’s most beloved snack."

Isn't that fascinating? And you thought all we did was make automobiles & cereal! ;)

Favorite Photo Friday

Well..since it is Halloween.... This is Dave and one of his old roommates, Brenton - at an 80's party! I couldn't find the picture of me & Dave.

Everyone decided Dave looked like A.C. Slater..... I'm not sure what Brenton was supposed to be..."washed up"?

I'll have to dig up the other picture... everyone thought I looked like I belonged on "Kids Incorporated." Anyone remember that show? It was on the Disney channel. Anyway - we have loads of candy to pass out tonight ---- it's a nice evening in Michigan, so I'm sure they will be out in herds.

A Weekend to Remember.... Always

We had an amazing weekend at the Family Life conference, "A Weekend to Remember." We highly recommend it to any married couple, young or old! It's so great to take time out from everything else going on in your life, and focus on your marriage for a weekend.

The main theme that we will take with us is having "oneness" - it involves complete unity in every aspect of your marriage. Another theme of the weekend was, "leave, cleave, and become one flesh." Do you know what cleave means? One of the speakers said it is to be "stuck like glue" to one another. It is establishing a life-long commitment to each other.

I could go on and on about the many things that we learned, and will take with us into our everyday lives... but, you should just attend yourself! :) This conference is for couples that have a great marriage, an okay marriage, or a marriage on the rocks....ie - it's for EVERYONE! Here is the website if you want to find a place near you: http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.3204559/k.F5BB/Attend_a_conference.htm

Saturday night was date night! We decided to go see the movie "Fireproof" - it was awesome!! Here is a little trailer for it, you can decide if you'd like to go see it with your husband/boyfriend/friend ---just click on "watch the trailer":

Favorite Photo Friday

This is Grandma & Grandpa Harder! Last year for Christmas they gave each of their married grandchildren a "Weekend To Remember." It is a marriage conference put on by Family Life -- we will be attending this weekend! We are really looking forward to it.

They also attended one of these conferences and won the award for the longest married couple in attendance! They are a shining example to all of us, to put Christ first in our marriage.

It Was Bound To Happen....

Sooner or later.... Snow in our Forecast:

The Sweetest Thing

This will warm your heart... be sure to watch through the end to see the sweetest thing:

Time for a Tea Party!

Well, I've been a little under the weather! It's a nasty cough and sore throat...the sneezing has subsided.

While pondering what might make me feel better - I remembered something from way back ----- A Tea Party, of course!!

You may have heard this story... but when I was sick as a child my mom would drive me half-way to my grandma's house, meet my grandma, do the switcheroo - and off to the farm for the day, or a few days depending on whether or not I was getting better.

My grandma was quite clever! She'd have grandpa come in for an afternoon break to have a tea party with me. (Apparently I was not very good at drinking a lot of fluids!) Sooo - grandpa would come in, we'd do puzzles and drink hot tea! I think we'd even have cookies. It was a grand time.....all the while, I never knew it was a sneaky way of helping me get better.

Sooo - I'll be having some tea parties to help me get better, and keep the fluids up!! Maybe grams & gramps will come by for an afternoon tea party even??

Happy 2nd Birthday, Snickers!!

Snickers turned two today!!! Seems like we can't remember not having him. He is a wonderful puppy (99% of the time) -- and he really is a part of our family.

He didn't start his birthday out so well this morning --- he went outside and ate a fistful of grass.... I wondered for 2hours what might be wrong with him, when he finally coughed up the evidence. Ah Well.... Here's to many more years with our wonderful puppy.

Favorite Photo Friday - Why so Serious?

"Why So Serious?" Is something the Joker says numerous times in the latest (and greatest imho) Batman flick!

When I was perusing through pictures for FPF - I saw this one, and thought, Why So Serious? Made me laugh.

So, anyway - this is one of our engagement photos. Dave was deathly ill with the flu during this photo shoot. He had flown to IL from PA specifically to have some pictures taken - sooooo, flu or no flu - it had to be done!

I always wondered why people took serious photos!?!

Come & Knock on Our Door

.... We'll be waiting for you. We now have 2 furnished guest rooms... that means beds & comfort. We also have appealing colors for those rooms!

There were only 2-3 rooms in this house that I thought would need to be re-painted when we bought it about a year ago. The spare bathroom was neon green. I do not exaggerate on this point. It's now a nice, relaxing light yellow.

The other room that we have just finished had an accent wall that was bright red --- it wasn't so bad, but we painted that accent wall last weekend an appealing shade of green. And since we inherited a nice bedroom set from my mom & R (thank-you!)- we now have 2 furnished guest rooms.

Before:

After...still needs some decorating, but you get the idea:

A High Risk Game of Zobmondo

Have you ever played Zobmondo, the Would You Rather game? Its tag line is, "The hilarious game of bizarre choices". The idea is that they give you two situations, and you have to choose which one you would rather do. Here is an example: Would you rather....Have 5 bottles stuck on the fingers of one hand for a year -OR-a bucket stuck on your foot for a year?

So, I've recently found out that someone in Illinois has been playing a very high risk game of Zobmondo. Here's the question: Would your rather have babies aborted alive & left to die alone OR take a chance that Roe v. Wade might be overturned?

Yep - this is going to be a political blog, and while every voter is entitled to their own opinions - I also feel like I should share what I have found. I recently viewed the below short video that was sent to me as an e-mail forward. I usually check out forwards for factual basis. Since this election has been mostly about the economy and the war - I've heard little to nothing on this particular subject.

This nurse will describe a hospital she worked at in IL where she held a baby that had been left in the soiled utility room to die alone, and then read on for the facts on what I've discovered:


Hmmm... I said to myself - can this be true? So, I went to Obama's website to read his views on the subject, and his response to what people were saying about his voting record concerning Illinois' Born Alive Infant Protection Act. He basically says that he would have voted for it if it didn't encroach on Roe v. Wade. Encroach....so, he was afraid that if he voted for this Bill that eventually it might overturn roe v. wade. WOW, THAT IS A RISKY GAME OF ZOBMONDO!

Dramatic effect aside, I did some research and I found his stance and voting record on this subject to be factual. In fact on his website he lists several other political figures (even republicans) that also voted against the born alive act ---- but, guess what none of them are running for office to run Our Country.

No matter what your political views are - you can't tell me you think it's okay to leave babies alone in a room to die.

Favorite Photo Friday

Snickers, Dec 2008

So, we don't have kids - and most of our favorite photos involve our dog! Isn't he cute, though!?! We had just gotten back from our Christmas roadtrip to IL...unloaded him, and he hopped back in his basket as if he were ready to go again!

Laziness & 4 Things That I Hate to Admit....

So, I've been a little bit lazy lately with my posting. Please accept my apologies on this subject. My friend, Heather, tagged me on her blog to write 4 things about myself that I hate to admit...

1. When I need help - - I've always been Miss Independant.
2. We'd prefer to stay in on a Friday night and watch a good movie or go to a movie. Are we old?
3. Snickers goes to "doggy day camp" once a week..... It's only $15 for a full day from 7:30-5:30pm. And he LOVES it. He knows the word "camp" and goes crazy when you ask him if he wants to go. It's totally worth it - at least at this point in our lives.... [And I only hate to admit it, because some people (non-family dog persons) just don't get it.]
4. That everyone who said it's going to be really cold in Michigan was SO right. We love it here, don't get me wrong... but, they were right!! It has already frosted here, and froze at night just to the north of us.... Meanwhile our lucky sister & brother-in-law are in TX enjoying the 80-90's. Ah Well.

Okay - I will tag: Jamey (you haven't posted in FORever); Liz; Lenora; Jessica! (I would tag Esther, but I know she's going to be busy the next week or so!)

Favorite Photo Friday

SAY IT AIN'T SO, JOE!

Well - I like her. I like what she has to say, I like what she stands for (her political views), I like her sassiness - and I like how she explains things so that the majority of Americans can understand her. Let's face it - since most Americans aren't smarter than 5th graders - I can guarantee you, for example, that a lot of Americans when polled would have had no idea that Russia is in Alaska's backyard.

Oh yeah - I like how she dresses, too... check out these cute shoes:

All Things Food

You may (or may not) be wondering what we did for Dave's birthday --- We both had Monday evening activities, so we had dessert when we got home and celebrated with some of his friends by going boating & grilling out on Tuesday evening. I gave Dave roller-blades for his birthday - something he has never done, and he wasn't too sure if it was "cool" for a guy to go roller-blading, but I assured him that it is.... Plus, Snickers loves to go - and it will be nice to have him along. (Hopefully we do not have any injuries in the learning process, we'll let you know!) This was his birthday breakfast treat, French Breakfast Puffs (aka Sugar Muffins):

So, back to the food discussion.... The pressure was on as I made another attempt at the Baked Alaska, this time for a birthday dessert... (last attempt was Feb for Valentine's day) Please see the link above for previous pictures. You will all be impressed that I achieved the desired dessert this time!! I know Dave was quite proud of me:

The inside ice cream/brownie... Mmmmmm :

And Finally - we attend a Tapas Party this weekend - Tapas are like Spanish Appetizers. So, I made a dip with homeade pita chips...that's right, I cut them up - seasoned them - and toasted them... they were deeeeeeelicious:

JSUK - we have a new family member!

Just So You Know - We are a new Aunt & Uncle today!! Joey & Maritza (my brother and his wife) had a baby girl at 4:15am (on their anniversary, nonetheless), California time.... Cecilia JoHanna, 7lbs 1 oz, 20 inches long. Here she is:

JSUK - It's Dave's Birthday Today!!!

Happy Birthday to my Handsome Husband!! :) He turns 31 today - wow! I remember when 30 was old...we, of course, don't feel that way any longer.

One of the lines from the song we danced to at our wedding, "Better Than I Was, More Than I am." Which is what we feel like we are together, in our marriage - with Christ at the center of it every day. I'm so blessed to have him in my life, and we try to remember to not take any of our days for granted.

Favorite Photo Friday

Snicker-doodle
Dec. 2006
I love this picture when he still had his "puppy hair" that stuck up in every direction. He doesn't have any puppy hair anymore ---- but he is much better behaved now, than he was back then.

A Harvest Moon for your Birthday

Happy Birthday Dad (Dave's dad)! We admire you for all of your wisdom - and the great example that you are to us. I can tell you, without a doubt, that there is absolutely nothing David would rather be doing this week (if he could have) than harvesting with you in Kansas. We were just admiring the Harvest Moon as we drove home from our softball game this evening. It was beautiful.

I'm not sure how old David is in this picture, but he sure is adorable!! He seems very interested in the book....

It's Raining...It's Pouring ---

Something fun to do on a rainy afternoon - see how you might have looked through the years in different styles of clothes - but mostly ----just different styles of hair!!! Yearbookyourself.com (There are more of Dave, I was having so much more fun with those..although, I'm digging some of my 'do's)

Favorite Photo Friday

"Fast Jimmy" - aka James, aka JJ, aka my nephew

Summer 2007

In Honor of Sept. 11th, Patriots Day - how about this little Patriot? They don't get any cuter! This is right about the time he was reciting something really important that he learned at school:

This is my right hand, I hold it up high,

This is my left hand, I reach for the sky;

Right hand, Left Hand - Pound, Pound, Pound

Are you looking at the flag? Yes, I am!

Are you standing tall and proud? Yes, I am!

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unites State of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, One Nation, Under God, Indivisible with Liberty, and Justice for ALL!

My nephew knows he is supposed to stand tall and proud for the USA.....every day - not just on 9/11 or 7/4.

2 Very Important Ladies in our Lives

We'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to Mom Harder & Ava Braithwaite (our niece)!! Mom had her birthday on Sept 5th, age unknown ;) , and Ava's was Sept. 7th, Age 3. I am just now getting around to scanning a couple of cute pictures!

This is Dave's mom holding him at about 2months old:

I am not saying this because I know they are reading my blog - I promise --- I had the privilege of gaining the best in-laws with the Harder's. I am so thankful for all of them, and for welcoming me into their family the way they have done over the past two years. Back to the birthday wishes - I know that Dave is the man he is because of all of the many valuable lessons that you taught him over the years. (He even hangs his clothes up when he gets home from work!)

Ava - our niece (Esther's little girl) turned 3...and while we do not get to see her as often as we wish - we enjoy the many stories we hear as she is growing up!! It sounds like she is a load of laughs!! Here is a picture of Dave holding her when she was pretty little:

JSUK Monday - Jonas Brothers

Just So You Know - - 21 is not too young to marry someone 31...according to a 6th grader.

My new friend, Jessica, and I began our first season as drama leaders for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at our church this evening. It is called "Impact" and those kids that volunteer to be part of several ministries, will minister to other kids on Sunday mornings at the Youth Center.

So, when one little girl asked me if I knew who the "Jonas Brothers" were, I thought she would surely follow the comment that she thought one of them was cute - or boyfriend material. BUT, she actually told me that the oldest one is old enough to marry her mom. And even though he would be her dad, she'd probably just call him "Joe." She is quite a talker, and very ambitious about drama.

Hopefully we can develop some other areas of their lives in positive directions, besides just drama.

Alright - who has advice on how to constructively keep a chattery 6th grader to a level where other kids can get a word in edgewise??

Here are the Jonas Brothers:

Favorite Photo Friday

My Brothers....evidence of silliness during pictures:





These are favorite photos because they are so true to real life - one or both of them is always hamming it up for pictures... I could produce mountains of evidence to this fact. :) They used to both ask me which brother I liked better... I would tell them that I liked them equally the same.

What to do if a hummingbird is trapped in your garage....

Now we know, because it happened to us, and knowing is half the battle... or is it the truth that is half the battle? Anyway, remember this guy from earlier this summer? :


Well, we found him trapped in our garage just as we were heading out to our softball game this evening.

Did you know that hummingbirds are attracted to the red emergency handles that hang from your garage door for an emergency situation? They are the culprit- apparently they look like one of their favorite flowers, the Trumpet Creeper. Once they are trapped, having no concept of a ceiling, they immediately fly up and keep bumping into the ceiling.

See the similarities? :


So, we left for our game --- leaving all of the doors open and hoping that he would fly out while we were gone. But, when we got home he was still trapped. I consulted "google" for the situation, and got some answers. We were able to turn off all of the lights, and using a flashlight to get him to land nearby...we covered him with a towel and carried him outside. All the while he was squeaking like a lost puppy. You can all breathe easy, he flew away - happily into the evening air.

They say if you have this problem you should paint your emergency handles black, or roll them up!

Best Anniversary EVER!!!!

Well - it's only our 2nd, you may be saying --- but, it was super awesome.

Well - any of you that know me very well, have undoubtedly heard me talking about Jeep Wrangler's, and how I would like to have one.... in fact that would have been my last vehicle - but seeing that I drive 45K miles a year, and they do not have very good gas mileage, that just wasn't possible. My dad had a Jeep when we were kids - which is probably why we (me and my brothers) all LOVE Jeeps.....especially top off, doors off - freedom in the wind.

So, back to the anniversary - we went on a 5-hour Jeep Wrangler Excursion - where we had our own Jeeps to drive through the Manistee forest, and various other places in Northeast Michigan. We basically went mudding. It was awesome. :) We also stayed at a very cute Bed & Breakfast - the antiques they had in the house were amazing. And the breakfast was astounding... The place where we went for our Jeep excursion was in Mears, MI - they also have Sand Dunes there. Those were cool to see - they are huge, and you can actually drive on them. We saw a lot of "dune buggy's" - which I had heard of, and probably even seen somewhere - but never realized what their true sand potential might be...until I saw the sand dunes of Mears, MI. Our guide on our excursion said that there is a man who spends thousands of dollars every year to have the sand dug out around his house - or his house would be buried about it. (Reminds me of a bible story of the man who built his house on sinking sand.)

Here is a video from when our guide got stuck in the "jeep eater" - he though it'd be safe to get through...but it wasn't. We had to pull him out with a tow rope:


This next video was a really fun part - it doesn't quite do justice to how steep this hill was, and how deep the craters were that we were driving through: