Today the weather cooled off and we spent some more time hanging out at the house and exploring downtown. Each of the kids also got their souvenir shirt.
Grand Haven, Day 5
Grand Haven, Day 4
Today was projected to be the last hot, dry day, so we spent the first half of the day at the beach. In the afternoon we hung out at the house and went for a bike ride to a nearby park. We enjoyed a late dinner on the patio at Snug Harbor, hit Captain Custard for ice cream night 2 of 5, and then the Herrels joined us for the Musical Fountain.
This afternoon someone discovered a bocce ball set and also another tossing game in the shed. These were frequently used during any downtime. Also, this evening at Captain Custard Elliot, Mari, and Andrew got to try out a Segway that the owners user to run errands along the riverwalk.
Grand Haven, Day 3
Today we headed to Mark’s a little earlier, as most of my college friends were heading home. Then we stayed at the beach nearly all day. Some locals were kind enough to give Mari and Andrew a surfing lesson. They both managed to get up and make it a few feet, before the waves teetered out.
Dinner was at the house, with the Herrels, and then in the evening we went out for ice cream and our first taste of the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, which became a nightly tradition.
Grand Haven, Day 2
Grand Haven, Day 1
I guess there is no ‘Day 0’ when you are on vacation. It is either the day before or the first day.
Today we drove from Portage, IN, to our house in Grand Haven. The Herrels beat us there. After getting settled in to the house we headed to Mark’s to meet up with my college friends.
Grand Haven, Day -1
Today we left for Grand Haven, MI, staying overnight in Portage, IN.
Omaha with the Foley-Murphys
Yesterday Susan, Andrew, Mari, and Lucia headed to Omaha to meet up with the Foley-Murphys at the Durham Museum. They enjoyed exploring and especially enjoyed going through an old train.
Where were Elliot and I? Andrew had to leave the Christmas gathering early because he was not feeling well, Mari was sick the next day, and Elliot got it just as we were supposed to be heading west. Bummer.
Thanksgiving in Cincinnati
This past week we headed to Cincinnati for the week. I went to work for a few days and then it was on to Thanksgiving festivities. It was a good, busy visit. We arrived Saturday night and got settled in. On Sunday we headed to church with Mar-mar and then hung out around the house. Monday night was dinner at the Caf at Xavier and then we headed to a Men’s basketball game. Both are always highlights.
Tuesday night we had dinner with the Romans and then the Herrels on Wednesday. Thursday was Thanksgiving breakfast, dinner with my parents and the Donleys, and then we watched The Sound of Music. On Friday Lucia and I went for a hike with Be-Bob, Jill, and Madelyn while Susan and the kids hit Ikea. Dinner was the traditional Friday night LaRosa’s.
CYC Camp
Today we dropped Andrew off at Catholic Youth Camp. Susan went as a kid and worked as a counselor when she was older. Andrew was super-excited. We pick him up on Wednesday and can’t wait to hear about his time.
Trip to Cincinnati
This past weekend we went to Cincinnati so I could work for a few days and also to celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary.
As usual, it was a fun, busy trip. I had to work Thursday and Friday. On Thursday the rest of the family went to the zoo with my mom, Jill, Elsie, and Madelyn. In the evening we went to the Lumenocity dress rehearsal. On Friday I left work early and we headed to the museum center for a couple of hours of exploring. Saturday morning we met Will and the girls downtown to play and we all met up at Mar-Mar and Be-Bob’s for dinner. Sunday we had brunch with my newly-ordained cousin Bill and his friend from church. Monday I had to work in the morning and then it was time for the drive home.
One other important thing to note about this trip is that Lucia was awesome in the car. She did really well, especially since when we traveled in June she did not enjoy it.
Cousin Camp 2014
This kids just wrapped up another great weekend at cousin camp. This year Erin and Nate took them to Kansas City and they had a fun weekend. Highlights included going to Science City, going to a local pool, watching Mulan, going rollerskating, and then watching the World Cup finals.
Mahoney State Park
Monday and Tuesday of this past week we made a quick trip to Mahoney State Park. Monday evening we celebrated Joe’s graduation then on Tuesday we hit the pool and watched some soccer.
