We like our kids to choose an instrument in 3rd grade and Elliot has chosen to play the piano! He has his second lesson this afternoon, with Piano Jen, whose has been Andrew’s instructor
Meals from the Heartland
Today we participated in Meals from the Heartland’s Annual Hunger Fight. Every year they host a weekend of meal packaging and we have been there since almost the beginning. Andrew tells me that this is his 6th year. Nate also volunteers at an even higher level, helping manage the floor.
Inside Out
We have a very limited media policy, not having a TV and tightly limiting any screen time. Another rule we have is that no one is allowed to see a movie until they can read. Mari has been able to read for a while, but had yet to see a movie in the theater. This afternoon Mari, Andrew, and I went to see Inside Out, an animated movie about a girl, Riley, and her emotions. It as an OK movie, and it was a good experience to see it with the kids. I don’t love the movies, but I do look forward to the day when we can all go see a movie together.
Grand Haven, The Drive Home
Grand Haven, Day 7
Today was the coldest and windiest. We hit Rosy Mound for a hike in the morning, bowling in Muskegon in the afternoon, dinner, ice cream at the Pump House, and then one last Musical Fountain.
Grand Haven, Day 6
Today was another day spent away from the beach. In the morning we hit the local mini golf course. I think the Herrels were here nearly every day, but this was the only time for us.
In the afternoon we walked to the pier and took a trolley tour of Grand Haven. At the end of the trolley tour we received an ice cream token for Culver’s, so after dinner at Clover Bar (pizza) we headed to Culver’s for some ice cream. From there the Herrels headed home for bed and we hit the dance on the riverwalk. We were all tired so we had to just listen to the musical fountain from our house as we played cards.
Grand Haven, Day 5
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 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.
