Random Alpena Happenings

Well it's been just about 6 weeks that we've been back living in Alpena. We are adjusting well. Here's a little update about jobs and things.

Justin is really into his job now, and has lots of tasks to accomplish. The job has it's stresses but not nearly what teaching had. His hours are really good, and LOVES looking over Lake Huron everyday from his "office". One of his tasks as Coordinator is to reel in new sponsors and donors to give money to help programs that the Art in the Loft hosts. Next week he begins this specific role. He is attending a few businesses staff meetings next week, and is the presenter at the Lions Club business lunch on Tuesday. (Dad would like that, Rotary is next!) Grant writing is another task, he was written one so far since being there. And started his first show! The Young Artist Exhibit just started last week, and features Northeast MI students artwork. Some upcoming big things happening at the Loft are the Summer exhibit, artist workshops, working with NOAA on a combined exhibit, a few other smaller events. It's nice cause it's always different! Visit www.artintheloft.org to see upcoming events, pictures, etc. (he runs the website too...haha). 

Here's a little bit about Mary's job. She worked a week, then had a week off for spring break. She shouldn't get used to that schedule. 

I have really liked the first few days at my job! There was one major learning curve with a project that was started before I got there, and then I had to finish it and lead a room of teachers and principals through a training in it (b.s.-ing a little!). But, that went by pretty successfully I think. Other than that, it is very open. They literally gave me a laptop, a cubicle, and said, "go increase math achievement." What?!? After I sat moving files around on my computer for a few hours, I started reading and talking to others, and I formulated a plan. Now, I am spending the rest of this year assessing where each district is at, and then making an action plan for next year. My schedule is already filling up like crazy, and I think my biggest problem will be knowing my limits and how much I will actually be able to accomplish. 

Anyways, we have been keeping busy by taking Grey around town and getting him used to Alpena things. We figured we'd do all the inside things now, because Summer will be the beach everyday! It's been a nice change of pace to life, we miss CO a lot, but are getting used to things here as well. Enjoy the pics!

 On the replica shipwreck boat at Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary

Pumping something 

 Steering the boat

"Cheese"

 Steering another boat

Dancing with cousin Makenna

After playing in the snow 

Walks by the water 

 Walks at the duck park

He still loves is lego wagon 

Look what we got! YEAH! 

A lot of brewery visits! It's the closest thing that reminds us of CO. Grey likes that they allow drawing on the floors 

Sinkhole Stout...mmmm 

We took a day and drove to tour Traverse City breweries...North Peak was our favorite 

BEER!

We colored this for Grey while at the breweries 

His favorite hiding spot 

He is a boy now, not a baby...darnit 

 Justin got his first shipment of beer from his beer of the month club. It came with 3 of each of these kinds. This month they must have focused on beer that have fish labels. 

Dog sat Aaron's pup, Bently. Grey only calls her "Emma" 

We finally got around to organizing the basement! Grey has a play area now! This is SOOO nice. Never had a space like this at our old place. Now Grey can make a mess and we don't have to clean it up right away! 

A BIG THANKS to the Kennedy's for giving us their old play toys! Well not all, but a lot! Grey's favorite is the kitchen set and play food.

He likes to do laps around the basement on his little car. 

Justin's work: Art in the Loft 

They just got new construction on the front windows.  

Young Artist Exhibit 

Opening a hard boiled egg with Grammy