Traverse City, MI

After we left South Haven, we drove with the Duvals up to Traverse City to visit yet another friend and her family. We met up with Allison Beers and her husband Adam, daughter Anna (4), and son Jake (11 months). We invaded their wonderful home for two nights. We spent a day at Barr lake, which as you can tell from the pictures was a perfect spot for the kids to play. We had a little dance party on the deck before dinner, as you will see from the video, and we had some adult time by the bonfire after the kids went to bed. It was a perfect way to spend two days. Our hosts were more than hospitable and the company was very entertaining. I almost felt like I graduated with all of these people from Albion College!

We stayed in the shallow part.

Building castles made of sand, but always beer in hand. :)

Father/son time.

Who needs a bath? Not this guy!

Left to right: Adam and Jake, Anna and Allison, Kim and Wyatt, Ben Duval, Ben Reinhardt, Angie and Jack

South Haven, Michigan

From Minnesota we headed to Michigan for the second half of our month long trip. We met up in South Haven with our friends, Ben, Kim and Wyatt Duval. We stayed within walking distance of beautiful Lake Michigan. Jack played in the sand for the first time and actually went swimming in the 70 degree water. He was pretty tuckered out by the end of our beach day as you can see in the video below. He slept better during the day than he did at night, much to our dismay. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed our time there with our friends.

Hey man, welcome to South Haven.

Beach anyone? We're ready...

Ben squared and Jack

I will not let go of my beach ball. I will not let go of my beach ball.

I still will not let go of my beach ball. I still will not let go of my beach ball.

Sheesh, playing in the sand sure wears a fella out!

Summer in Minnesota part 2

The second week of our visit to Minnesota was very eventful. We went to the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis, played in the rain, went to the Train Museum in St. Paul, and visited my cousin Rob. Hopefully the pictures tell the stories.

Grandma Jeanne explaining the wind chimes.

Grandma's little buddies.

Nothing like spending a REALLY humid day at the Sculpture Garden!

I think we can both fit in this thing...

Kisses for my buddy!

Did you know rain could be cold?!

Come on Grandma Jeanne, play in the rain with me!

 

 

I've got it, Dad! I am running the trains all by myself!

Double trouble...

BROWNIES!

Summer in Minnesota part 1

The reason for this post is to share pictures. I'll be writing a part 2 to add more pictures. I didn't want to overwhelm anyone.

We ventured back to Minnesota and are in the middle of our two and a half week stay here. Betsy and Mick's wedding is what brought us home and we decided to make the midwest our 2012 summer destination. We've had great weather. Jack has been able to enjoy playing and playing and playing outside with Ethan (his cousin) and the many other family members that are hanging around while we are home. Jack has certainly made himself comfortable. If he could talk I guarantee he would say, "Why don't we LIVE here?!"  It's off to Michigan on the 19th where he will be able to enjoy another two weeks of the midwest and the Reinhardt side of the family before we head back to the heat. Stay tuned for more updates and more pictures!

Learning how to landscape with the guys!

Learning how to apply make-up with the girls!

Teaching Grandpa how to work a Mac.

Don't judge me, I'm new at this.

How'd I do?

Jack and Ethan

Uncle Mick has no idea...shhhhh!

Hey Auntie Betsy, need help with your make-up for the wedding? I'm a natural.