Places to Go (Vacation) - Ann Arbor, MI, Part II - Nichols Arboretum - The Third Stop on Our Roadtrip of Michigan

Dan proposed to me in Nichols Arboretum. It was our third year of law school, during finals and I hadn't showered in about two days. We brought my dog to run around and decided to take my roommate's dog too, so we had a cheering squad. I hate diamonds so Dan had this beautiful, quirky, emerald and sapphire ring custom made, which was so perfect for me (and which I've since lost, as I tend to lose everything). At first I thought he was joking, as he swore we WOULD NOT be one of those cheesy couples who gets engaged during the last few weeks of law school (and, truth be told, I think two other couples in our class became engaged the same weekend as us).

Anyways, we thought it would be fun to take the kids to the arb. The girls loved asking questions, like
"mommy, what did you look like then?"
"Well, like me only younger and skinnier."
"I can't picture it."
"I can't either anymore."

And - "What was daddy wearing? Did Dos (the dog) cry? Did you say yes? Where was I?"

T, on the other hand, decided to throw one huge whopper of a tantrum. Seriously, the kind where we had to carry him back to the car screaming. In retrospect, it was much easier to bring dogs with us. Oh well, seven years, three kids later and I'm more in love then ever. Even with a screaming toddler in the backseat.


*F brought her own camera (we gave her a "real" camera, no more kids' camera) and took the pic of me and Dan, which sort of made my day.
*I think I need to frame the one of Dan and all the kids. Lots of love there. Lots.
In Ann Arbor we stayed at the Regent Hotel and Suites, which was great with the kids (a pool, an outdoor gazebo, a fairly decent free breakfast, Rio on demand). The Cabbage Patch Kids continue to travel everywhere with us. Along with a huge suitcase of Cabbage Patch clothes. Remember Koosas?

WEEKEND LINKS:

*THIS is quite funny.

*Rummey Bears has a great post on blogs vs. real life where she asks "As a blog author do you retain ownership to portray your life as whatever you please? Or do you think as your readership grows you have an ethical responsibility to be more aware of the picture you are painting?" I struggle with this too, I try not to concentrate too much on the tough side of parenting (who wants to remember all the bad stuff in life?), but on the other hand I just blogged about a toddler tantrum. So it goes.

*I can't stop listening to Miss Moss's newest mix. Click here to download it for free.

*Bruschetta three ways - these look yummy!

*WOW!! Stunning.

*Violence against women - a photo essay. Prepare to be depressed.

*Noel Camardo. USA.

Places to Go (Vacation) - Ann Arbor, MI - Part I - University of Michigan Law School - The Third Stop On Our Michigan Roadtrip

Dan and I met during law school, at University of Michigan. So on our way to Mackinac Island (more posts on Mackinac next week) we stopped in Ann Arbor for a few nights.

After we arrived, we took a family walk through the law school quad and watched as a large wedding party posed for photos. The quad is sort of famous for it's gothic and striking beauty, the whole thing really takes your breath away the first time you see it - like a secret garden or something. But when the snow comes it becomes cold and desolate. Which is sort of how I remember all of Ann Arbor.

Most of my law school friends (including my husband) have wonderful memories of the city itself and it was fun to watch Dan walk the kids through the law school, telling stories about Constitutional law and Antitrust. And F asking "oh, so is that where you learned arithmetic? Did you have recess? Were your teachers nice? Did you color pictures in class?" (well, not exactly). As for me, I still find the place uninviting and cold - like photographs of desolate places in Antarctica - so fun to look at, but not the best place to live year round.

An addition to the law school is under construction, which ironically contains a lovely GLASS CEILING. maybe they'll call it the women's lounge. now I just sound bitter.

After our law school "tour" we walked past Domick's bar, home of the regionally famous sangria and famed law school hang out, and then my own memories came flashing back. I miss you Dominick's. I miss you.