Hurrah for History!

Not long after Kennedy was born I felt the need to get involved somewhere outside the home. After a surprisingly difficult search for volunteer opportunities, I stumbled onto the Plymouth Historical Museum. Home to several interesting exhibits on the town's history as well as the largest Lincoln collection in Michigan, it immediately provided me with several opportunities to get involved. I started off as a docent giving tours of the museum and I put my history degree to good use researching and studying up on the various material on display. I also worked a bit on the museums website, not that I had any idea what I was doing.
I recently finished a project that I am especially proud of and so if you will all forgive me as I toot my own horn I will tell you about it. Apparently the newest thing in the museum world are cell phone audio tours, where patrons use their own phones to hear interesting information on the sites or exhibits. Our little museum purchased this program and through a series of interesting events the project came to me. After a lot of research, I finished the script and then set about recording the tour. It was weird to hear my voice that often. Does anyone else think their voice sounds weird?
Anyhow, I just finished recording the tour this week and made little signs with each prompt on them to go around the museum. I think it turned out rather well and we've already gotten some great feedback from the first wave of patrons to try it this weekend.
I am just excited to realize that I don't have to stop thinking, learning, and doing just because I am a stay at home mom. I can use the degree I earned and help share what I know with others. I was worried that that part of my would have to be put on the shelve until my kids were raised, but now I see that I can put my child first and continue to share and grow at the same time.
Well, that's enough about that.

If you would like to listen to the audio tour... come to the museum! If Plymouth, Michigan is a little out of your way you can also just dial the tour number. There are 12 prompts, but I only included a few of the signs. Check out our website at: http://plymouthhistory.org/

Great Michigan Adventure: Mackinaw

Day 3:
Sunday dawned bright and early with 8:30 church. Kennedy wore her cute new dress from Grandma and had fun playing with all the aunts and uncles during the meetings.
After church we ate a quick meal and then loaded into the cars to head up north.
While planning the Great Michigan Adventure, we decided that Mackinaw Island was one of the highlights of Michigan and was worth the 4 hour trip to see. We were right!
The whole area was incredible. We stayed in Mackinaw city in hotel with a sandy beach and had a grand time playing in the sand. My parents took a lovely stroll along the coast and we ended the day with a laser light show. What fun!

Kennedy walking pensively in her new dress.

Moving into our hotel room.

Where are my legs?

Day 4:
Wanting to get an early start, we headed off to Fort Michilamackinaw right after breakfast. Of all the historical sites we visited, Fort Michilamackinaw was definitely my favorite. Located on the northern tip of Michigan's mainland, right next to Mackinaw bridge, it was an early trading post for first the Indians and later the white trades. A fort was soon built on the location by first the French and was later occupied by the British. During the Revolutionary War, the British abandoned the fort for a much more defenable location on Mackinaw Island.
The whole place was brimming with cool stories and amazing artifacts. I want to go back next summer as a historical interpetor. Kennedy and I could dress up like a fur trader's wife and child and hang out for a week makine dutch oven and taking about history. Sweet!
After the fort, Tim and I took Kennedy back to the hotel for a nap while the rest of the gang toured an old lighthouse.
We met back up for lunch and then took off again to see Historic Mill Creek, an old saw mill used to cut logs for most of the homes on Mackinaw Island. Being the granddaughter of a logger, I found the whole thing very interesting. It is amazing how they harnessed the water to power their saw and other tools. Very clever!
Back at the hotel, it was time for a beach party. Armed with a bucket and shovels, we built many unique sand creations. The sand bar extended way out into the lake and we had a blast playing frisby in the water and surfing the waves created by the ferries going back and forth from the island. Only Kennedy failed to apprecaite the experience, nervously eyeing each wave and expressing her displeasure when the cold lake water touched her toes.
That night, my Mom and sister Kayla hit up the shops and brought home our first taste of Mackinaw fudge. Tim, Ryan, Jared, and I forked out the three dollars to cross the bridge into the U.P. (upper penisula) to see the wonders of the north. We hiked up castle rock to catch a great sunset and took our picture next to Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox.
Kennedy and my Dad hung out at the hotel and went for a walk.
All in all, it was a perfect day!





Day 5:
As the morning fog blanketed the vast grey waters of Lake Huron, we set off by ferry to Mackinaw Island. A cold breeze and a few sprinkles made me wish I had brought a jacket. When the details of the island came into view, I could see just what draws so many visitors here each year. Quant, scenic, fresh, colorful; are just a few words I would use to describe the tiny town set up on one corner of the island. Once on land, we set off to taste as many free samples of fudge as could be obtained before we turned to hike up towards Fort Mackinaw.
Although Fort Mackinaw was established by the British during the revolutionary war, they chose to depict it as it was in the 1880's. I loved learning about all the phases of the fort and the island in general. I am such a history geek!
After the fort, Kennedy and I stopped by the butterfly house while the rest of the gang scouted out bikes. We decided to eat lunch before our bike ride and happened upon an excellent all-you-can-eat pizza place. We stuffed ourselves sick and then rented a few bikes to go burn of the calories. My parents and Tim and Ryan started off on two tandem bikes with Kennedy on the back of my bike and K and J riding single. We played musical bikes the rest of the ride switching rides each stop. It was absolutely beautiful riding along the shore.
After turning in our bikes, we walked up to the Grand Hotel, a huge summer resort on the island. I guess it was the site for the movie Somewhere in Time. They tried to charge $10 to go inside, but my brother Ryan found a way to get in and look around.
As the day wound to an end, we settled on our favorite fudge shop to by a treat for the ride home. (After all our sampling, we were pretty much fudge experts) Fudge in hand, and mouth, we boarded the ferry for a ride back to the mainland. I was very sad as we piled into our cars and drove back home. I can't wait to visit Mackinaw again.

The Great Michigan Adventure!

When my family booked a flight to visit us distant Clawsons back in March, I had no idea what an adventure we would have. After a dedicated team of siblings counted down the days until the visit down to zero, the time had finally arrived. After a slight rain delay in Denver, the Bradshaws flew into the Motor City to kick off the Great Michigan Adventure.

Kennedy playing with her uncles after picking them up from the 1 am flight.

Day 1: After a yummy breakfast of blueberry pancakes, the crew headed outside to walk down Hines Drive to the park. Along the way we stopped by Newburg Lake and visited the horses at the Sheriff's barn on the way home. We had lunch and then drove in shifts (we only had one car) to downtown Plymouth. Kennedy and grandma played with the puppets while the rest of the gang looked for a good book on cd for the drive to Mackinac or movies. After the library, I took the fam to see the Plymouth Historical Museum. I had just finished the first recording of the free audio guided tour of the Lincoln room exhibit. It has been quite the project, but it was cool to see my family listening to my tour. As I drove back home to pick up Tim, the rest walked around the shops in Plymouth. We met up at Panera for an awesome dinner.
When we finished eating, we sat out on the grass in Kellog Park and listened to the Friday night concert. The group played blues music that none of us really loved, but it was fun just to hang out.

Kennedy and Grandpa playing in the park.

Aunt Kayla helping on the slide.

Pretty horse, pretty horse.

Grandma and Kennedy playing with the puppets.

Dad and Ryan with Lincoln's horse Bob in the Plymouth Historical Museum.

Enjoying the outdoor concert in the park.

Day 2:

We had previously planned to spend Saturday in Greenfield Village; however, a the downpour outside caused us to quickly change plans. We decided to go to the Henry Ford instead. As a history buff, I am ashamed to say that after living here for over a year I had never been to the Henry Ford museums. Boy was I missing out. There is so much to see and do. I think I could go everyday for a year and still not learn everything. My dad may have been the best part of the whole museum as he bounded around with childlike glee amidst all the amazing exhibits.
My favorites were the presidential cars, the Rosa Parks Bus, the made in America assembly line, the crazy dymaxion house, and the giant train. I can't wait to go back!
After the museum we went to Buddy's pizza for dinner and ate delicious square pizza to our hearts delight.
Back at home, I whipped up Kennedy's "Bird"-day cake and we got ready for her 1st birthday party! Using chocolate bunt cake for the nest, blow pops for eggs, and a bean bag bird for the topper I think I did alright for my 1st real cake design. I've got a long way to go to get to my mom's level, but baby steps. Kennedy seemed to enjoy the cake and even blew at the candle (she needed a little extra wind to finish it off).
She was a riot opening her gifts, handing me each piece of wrapping paper as she tore it off. She got great gifts from her aunts and uncles and grandma and grandpa. Her dad resorted to wrapping her current toys in tin foil for his birthday offering. She didn't know the difference.
As you can see from the pictures, she went after the cake with gusto. Hooray for her new raincoat/ bib!
For the party game, we made paper birds to hang in Kennedy's room. I must say that we created quite a diverse flock, but Kennedy loved them all.

Riding in a Model T!

Working hard on the assembly line. I need more wheels!!!

Buddy's Pizza!

"Bird"-day cake

Happy 1st birthday Kennedy!

Getting messy!

Crazy birds!

One year ago....

It seems like only yesterday we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new baby. As our due date, July 28th, came and went, I remember being especially uncomfortable as the Michigan humidity reached new heights and my ankles started to swell. I felt weeks overdue even though it was only a day. To get labor started, I tried jumping jacks, scrubbing my floor on hands and knees, and even a little running (speed walking). Despite weak contractions for several weeks, Kennedy refused to make her appearance. I'd lay awake at night hoping tonight would be the night.
One thing I was sure of was that I would be showered and cute, all packed and ready to go, and that the house would be spotless. Each day I would do a quick run through to make sure that the house was tidy and everything was set in case I went into labor. Well by the time Tuesday the 29th rolled around, I decided that I was doomed to be pregnant forever and went ahead and started a sewing project. I had purchased a window valence for Kennedy's room that was too short, so I found some matching material to add length to each end. I figured the project would take me an hour or so and I would have plenty of time to make dinner and clean up before meeting Tim for my 3:40 doctor's appointment that day. As most projects do, this one took way longer than expected and before I knew it Tim was home, the house (and me) was a mess, and I had not eaten all day.
I quickly threw my hair in a pony tail and ran out the door. At the doctor's office, they hooked me up to a monitor to see how the baby and I were doing. I think the nurse must have hooked it up wrong because the results showed Kennedy's heart rate cutting out. (I knew it was because the monitor kept slipping off my stomach) However, this and a few regular contractions convinced the doctor to send me over to the hospital for more tests.
I was so mad. After all my preparation, the one day I leave the house a mess and forget to wear make-up I have to go to the hospital. Luckily the doctor said we could go home first and eat dinner and get our bags, just in case.
At home, Tim made some grilled cheese sandwiches and got our things together while I showered, tidied up the house a little, and got ready. By that time I wasn't mad anymore, just excited that we might finally get to meet our baby girl.
Once at the hospital, they had me change into a gown and sit in a room hooked up to monitors while they waited for the ultrasound room to open up. A nurse came in and checked to see how dilated I was and to my horror told me I was only at a 2. (I had been told I was a 6 at my OB)
Nevertheless, my contractions stayed close together and were becoming a little more intense.
After an hour of waiting, I was wheeled to get an ultrasound to make sure the baby was doing ok. Everything checked out, but it was so cool to see Kennedy only hours before she was born.
By this point the doctor that sent me to the clinic had gone home and the new doctor, Dr. Gatt made the call to go a head and admit me. I was never so excited in my life. We were having a baby!
St. Mary Mercy had a beautiful birthing suite for us with a couch/bed for Tim. I loved all my nurses. Because I had tested positive for strep early on in the pregnancy, I had to get an IV started to administer antibiotics. This proved to be a big pain as I couldn't get up and move around without help or move my arm around much.
The machine monitoring my contractions showed that they were steady, but not increasing so the doctor told me to try and get some sleep and he would be back around 6 am if I hadn't progressed any further. This is the point where I really wished I was back in my own bed and able to eat a real dinner (they wouldn't let me eat anything once I was admitted). Instead Tim and I tossed and turned not really sleeping.
When the doctor returned the next morning, he decided to put me on pitocin to kick start my contractions. After that, things started to get a little more intense, but nothing I would really classify as pain. Around noon Dr. Gatt broke my water and things really started to get going. Before long I was really feeling it and had to work through each contraction. I hadn't decided before hand if I wanted to deliver natural or have an epidural. I think if I hadn't been up all night tossing and turning I may have stuck it out and tried natural, but I was too tired.
When the anesthesiologist came to put my epidural in, I was in so much pain it was all I could do to sit still while the put the needle in. However, after the medicine kicked in I was just fine and didn't feel much until it was time to push.
I must have relaxed a lot after the epidural because Kennedy's head dropped into position and they lost her heart rate for a while. I kind of panicked when the doctor and all the nurses rushed into see what was wrong. They had me get on my hands and knees to try and rotate the baby and then attached a monitor to the top of her head to keep a closer eye on things. I was feeling a little out of it and was scared to not know what was wrong. Her vitals quickly returned to normal and in short hour I was ready to push.
The nurse kept telling me not to push until I absolutely had to, but I think she was mostly waiting for the doctor at that point. By the time he came into the room, I was ready to go and after 5 minutes and a few hard pushes, we had our little girl. The exact time was 3:09 pm. The whole experience was kind of surreal and I was so focused on pushing that I barely noticed what was happening around me. I do remember when the doctor had Kennedy safely out he said something like "You're got a beautiful baby girl." The problem was I didn't hear the last part and was sure he had said boy. I kept asking the nurses around me if it was a girl, but I must not have said it very loud. When the finally handed her to me I couldn't believe how tiny she was. She was perfect in every way. It was hard to see any resemblance right off, but I knew she was our little girl. Apparently the whole delivery was a little much for Tim because the doctor had him sit down and drink some fluids before he passed out.
After they took Kennedy off to weigh her and check vitals, (7 lbs 12 oz, 21 in) I couldn't think of anything but how thirsty I was. I must have downed 5 gallons of juice that day and I was still thirsty.
After Kennedy was washed and bundled up, they gave her back to me to hold. I was so tired, but I wanted to just sit there staring at her forever. She didn't cry but just looked around like she was so excited to be here. Once she did start crying, a pinky finger was all she needed to settle down.
Looking back on it, we should have been way more nervous that we were to have this new addition to the family. We were clueless, but so happy.After a while, we called all the family to tell them the great news and I finally got to eat a real meal! The rest of the hospital stay was uneventfully but much longer than I liked.
It hardly seems like it has been a year, but I have the grown up girl to prove it. I remember looking at the cuddly little ball in my arms and wondering if she would ever DO anything. Oh baby, does she ever. Now it's trying to get her to sit still that I worry about. She is walking, climbing, blowing on her food, dancing (moving her bum to music), and talking (well sort of). It blows my mind how far she has come in 12 short months. Happy birthday Kennedy! We love you!Show all

Rasberry Picking!

I just got back from a trip to a berry farm to pick raspberries and thought I'd better post about it now before I find a reason to procrastinate. A friend of mine in the ward had been last year and invited me and a few others to go a-picking. If my mom is reading this she may be wondering what possessed her once very anti-berry picking child to hit the fields for fun. To which I would reply- for the pictures of Kennedy of course! That and the life sustaining raspberry jam soon to follow. Yum! We shall definitely be back next year for some more fun on the berry farm.

Kennedy couldn't wait to help me pick although she never quite grasped the difference between red berries and white... or rocks.

The berry picking gang

I don't know which she enjoyed more, the raspberries or the dirt.

Even confined in the stroller, she still wanted to help pick berries.

Look at all those berries!

Princess for a Day

Kennedy was so excited to have McKenna and Morgan over to play on Monday while Kimberly was at girls camp. It was so funny to watch her try to act like the big girls. I couldn't resit taking a few pictures of the girls in their princess costumes. Do they make dress-ups for adults?

Master Carpenter

I love Tim for many reasons. He is kind and loving, funny and smart. As if that wasn't enough, he also turns out to be a master carpenter. Since we've been married he has refurbished an old dresser, converted a kitchen cupboard into a changing table for Kennedy. He built a shelve for Kennedy's room as well and recently made her a matching bookcase. To add to the list, he just finished a bench to hold shoes for our entry way. All this without any workshop and virtually no power tools. What a guy!

Prepping the wood to be cut. Thanks Bro. Dunnigan for letting us borrow your saw.

The finished product!