Eight is great (except for killer mosquitoes)

We have been wed for eight years now (plus the months it took me to post this). Our annual tradition is to return to where the grand event took place, in Berrien County Michigan to stay at our favorite B&B and visit the usual fall haunts. This year we almost didn't make it. First, we had to move one of the weekends, and we didn't know which so we juggled when to actually go. Then, we couldn't turn on the news without hearing about the dreaded Triple E, a mosquito born disease that kills you or destroys your brain and there is no cure. And they had found 9 cases in Berrien County. WEEEEE!!!! I was not feeling great about it but I also did not want to be paranoid, so onward we went.

Brock collects chicken eggs for breakfast. Note the blue-ish one. We ate that one the next morning.

Apples are always on the agenda, and we always go to Treemendus Fruit to partake of the harvest bounty. Did I mention that we are absolutely drenched in deet and are all covered save our craniums?

apple.

An apple that we picked out for Ms. Manon, Brock's teacher. 

Then...this. So we always take a picture of the kids in front of a little sign that says "how tall this fall". We didn't see it this year. So when we went in to pay for our apples, Matt asks about it, and the woman gets very serious, and says, oh, our owner, Bill Teichman contracted the mosquito born illness EEE (triple E) in August and is still in the hospital. So we didn't get everything up this year..."... Matt slowly turns to me to see if I am listening. I most certainly am. Nine cases and seriously one of them came from where we were standing. This is my reaction:

Then the worst. A mosquito bites me.

 

Needless to say we pack the kids up and blammo, just like that, my sanity and logic and reason are gone. Maybe forever.

 

The next day. Maybe my last day as Holly as I know myself. We try to live it up.

Sculpture garden play as we wait for a table at our favorite restaurant/distillery in the area. 

Extra large kaleidoscope. 

View from the inside.

Drier meats, now an annual event to procure liverwurst for three fans.

This happened so long ago I don't know why I took these pictures. Make something up. Make it exciting.

but wait, there's more!

They are cute, but why am I taking these pictures? Is my brain ok? Has the the TripE already begun?

Ok. So anyhow, needless to say, I am fine. The kids were fine. It was a tough 10 days after (the incubation period) and my paranoia was an amazing experience for all. So the trip was good but was enjoyed more by others of more sane mind. But during those days of doom, I truly reflected on my deep love of Matt and our family and I suppose I am glad of that. And more glad that I am still here (so far) to continue such harrowing adventures with my favorite adventure partner.