In the Sweet Old Summertime

Here it is July 6th and so far it has been a very cold Spring and Summer. A week or so ago, in a moment without KID TV, I was flipping the channels and happened across an old film with Judy Garland. The name caught my attention so I thought I'd see what it was about. It was a comedy but unfortunately I didn't have time to really watch it.

It seems though that summer has finally come to us in Michigan. Glen Lake this year was very nice. the weather literally on either side of our week was poopy so we were truly blessed with great weather. This year, M, E, MHM and I stayed in a single cabin on the grounds. The kids have some difficulty sleeping so we really didn't want to be a burden on others. The cabin was quaint and probably not up to the standards of many people. As first I looked at it, I wrinkled my nose but then rationalized that had we been in another state on our own for vacation, I would have thought it charming and cozy. The difference is that the rest of the family were in the familiar newer, cleaner and modern units. It really turned out just fine and we never did see any bugs that would not have been in any of the other units. We had fun but are assuredly looking for the larger unit next year. Cozy it certainly was!

The week included many hours on the beach and in the water. The kids loved the sand and by week end, could not be dragged from the water. The kids had so much fun playing with their friends with so many things to do. I tried several times to get E out on either a kayak or paddle boat but no going. Thankfully she loved uncle S's boat and both she and MHM got out back with me on the tube and went for a ride. One morning, we headed to Glen Haven to the beach there for some rock hunting and of course sand castles. We were able to bury cousin J up to his neck with GMa's help and had a very nice time. Another morning we endeavoured to go to the Dune Climb. I went up with MHM to over the first big hump but he seemed to want to go so I turned around to see what M and E were up to. E decided she didn't want to play anywhere other than the base of the dune so we did that for a bit then headed to the shade for a picnic. Uncle B, GMa, J and L did a bit more hiking but finally caught up with us on the Pierce Stocking drive where E was a bit more interested to play while MHM slept in the car. On Friday M and I got the kids ready early and were at the Putt Putt by 10 am. We figured this would be the best for us and it turned out very well. with a 1 1/2 and a 3yr old, we were happy to make it through the first nine holes mostly uninterrupted. After hole nine, we took a rest and ate some popcorn and MHM and I watched some pipe fitters work with an excavator putting in a sewage system, MHM loved all that! M and E played some games (mostly running and jumping) on the rest of the course and ultimately we all got to the end with good behavior by all.

M was very nice to me and helped me get away for 3 1/2 hrs to do the kayak trip down the Crystal river which was certainly a highlight for me. I was able to get out for one and maybe two runs with MHM, (I don't quite remember) and also took E souvenir shopping where I got them both a hat and a sign for their bedroom door and E got an outdoor throwing toy at my gentle urging.

The evenings were nice with someone else on duty for dinner each night. They were all fabulous meals and the deserts even better. Several times, M broke out some craft stuff to keep the kids busy and I believe all activities went over well. As I am sure some of the moms and myself included, thank you for doing it M!

Next topics are 4th of July then Maine....

Yeah!