Beauty

Last night, Brook went to the White Caps game with a friend, so I decided to head down to the water for a bite to eat. I grabbed a taco from Butch’s and walked across the street to sit on the boardwalk. It was 77 degrees, low humidity and a slight breeze – my kind of weather - and this was my view . . .

Every time I see the water I think, 'I can’t believe we live here' and wonder if it will ever get old. I also can’t believe that I moved here begrudgingly. We walk or drive by the lake a few times a week and every time, I can’t help but feel God’s presence in my life. It is hard to put into words, but such beauty reminds me the same God who created this magnificent sight, created me and cares infinitely about my well-being. We have been dealing with a few crappy, unfair issues the past few months and I have needed this reminder often.

It’s been a little over a year since we’ve moved to GH and have settled in nicely . . . we’ve gotten very involved at church and in the community and made some great new friends. We are always open to God’s plan for our lives and if that means living somewhere else . . . we will. In the meantime, I am thankful for where He has us now.

Summer Birthdays

I was reading some of our older blog posts this morning and, good lord, there are a lot of birthday ones! That’s life with a bigger family. I figured it had been awhile since I had a birthday post; so, I’d better post one. Ha! We’ve celebrated Livia’s, Anna’s and Cindy’s birthdays this summer – all at Trent and April’s. That’s a lot of parties to host . . . thanks, guys! :-)

Coast Guard Festival

The Coast Guard Festival is a big deal in Grand Haven, I mean BIG deal! Many "locals" leave town during that week, b/c it is too much. The week long festivities consist of 2 parades, a carnival on the streets of downtown, an art show, tours of Coast Guard ships, fireworks over the water and numerous other activities. I have heard some say that our little town of 12,000 becomes almost 200,000 the night of the fireworks. Unbelievable! For fireworks? Really?? People do crazy things to save spots for the parade and fireworks. Days ahead of time, they duct tape sections of grass off to have a spot to sit. Madness, I tell you!

This is our 2nd year of Coast Guard . . . the first year, I was in awe of the madness . . . this year, I participated in it! Yup, I was downtown Thursday night, saving my spot for the Saturday morning parade. And we got a great spot! Hannah was the only person we thought would be staying for the weekend, but Veronica and Sophie surprised us and came up Friday morning. My sisters are 2 of my best friends and I cherish our time together. It was great to have a spontaneous sisters’ weekend!

We went to the Art Show and enjoyed a picnic on the waterfront, while Brook worked Friday. That evening we went out for dinner then shopping up in Muskegon. Saturday was the big parade . . . the big question was, would my blanket still be there? Yes, it was! People actually respect the blanket and duct tape! We walked downtown to our spot and had a great time watching the parade. Later that evening, Carey and Meghan came out for dinner and then we went down to the carnival, so Sophie could ride some rides. Oh yeah, and for the fireworks. Ugh! I have no words for that portion of the weekend. We were packed in like sardines and when the fireworks started, Sophie freaked out. So, Veronica and decided to walk home. As we were attempting to leave the craziness, a lady put her feet out and wouldn’t let me by her. She said I needed to find another way to the sidewalk. What? I was in the middle of a grassy area, how the heck was I supposed to get out? Oh yeah, and how about the screaming baby with me? I can’t believe some people can be so rude.

Brook had a different experience of the fireworks. He and Hannah stayed to watch and when they were over got in the car to drive the mile to our house . . . it only took him an hour! Hahaha! Put 200,000 people in a small town and you’re bound to get a “little” traffic jam. He was not a happy camper when he got home. Not sure if we will be going to the fireworks next year . . . or maybe we’ll just walk. ;)

Anxiously awaiting the parade!

Best parade watcher EVER!

She clapped and waved for over an hour!

She looks so innocent here . . .

Port Huron or Bust . . . 2

A couple weekends ago, we travelled over to Port Huron for Lisa’s engagement party. It was a quick (one-night) trip, as we had Anna’s birthday party the next day. We arrived Friday afternoon and enjoyed cocktails at Lisa’s place, after checking into our hotel. Then, we headed down to the local brewery for dinner and bar hopped after that. We (Brook and I – can’t speak for Lisa and Pam, hehe) were in by 11 and I wasn’t feeling exactly the best the next morning. My age is catching up to me! That afternoon, the engagement party was held at a beautiful park, right on Lake Huron. It was great to meet some of Dave’s family and, of course, see Lisa’s relatives (who have become like family to me over the years).

Lisa, Dave & Eli

(No, that's not their baby :-))))

Tom Collins, anyone?

The bridesmaids (minus Karla and Suzi)

And More . . .

Brook took off a few weeks ago for a guy's weekend with my dad, brother and BIL. So, my mom and sisters came up for what is becoming our annual girls' weekend. We really did a whole lot of nothin'! It was nice! We went shopping, ate out, went to the beach, ate out . . . you get the picture. I didn't do any cooking - it was wonderful! :-)

Stealin' mommy's chair

What nerds! ;)

Summer Visitors

Wes and Jaime and fam came to visit a few weekends ago and we went up to Michigan Adventure. I hadn't been there in over 10 years and forgot how fun it was! I think Brook and I had more fun at the water park than the kids did! :-)

Let's have ice cream cones outside ;-)

Love these kids!

4th of July . . . in Pictures

How adventurous!

Yummm, smores!

"To infinity and BEYOND!"

Fireworks over the lake

I think this means a good time was had by all!!! :-)