It has been a long time since I updated the blog. I was having trouble getting pictures from my phone to the computer, but I think we have that working now. I will go back and fill in some more of our summer/fall activities, but for now I will start with our weekend trip to Grand Rapids.  This past weekend, we drove up to see my family and celebrate Ben's birthday. On Saturday morning we all met at Klackle's Orchard (except Jake...still in Traverse City). We had never been there before and I was impressed with all of the activities that they had for kids. You pay a price to get in and that includes almost all of the activities and a bag to pick apples. The weather was a little chilly at first, but after the first hour it felt perfect.  We spent several hours at Klackle's, then went back to my parent's house to have pizza and birthday cake. Ben wanted a Minecraft theme, so I brought some easy decorations. He ended up getting lots of Minecraft toys and has had fu...

Right after we left Mackinaw Island, we headed to Cadillac to spend a few days with Curt's family. The weather cooperated and we were able to do lots of fun things together outdoors. Ben had fun playing mini-golf with his cousin Pey. I helped Lucy play. She would hit the ball about 100 times at each hole. :) Lucy enjoyed the playground while the other kids rode in the go-garts. She was still a little too short. Maybe next year? Ben and Curt racing around the track. All of the cousins (minus Brady), after a fun morning at Adventure Island. Ben and Lucy all ready for the 4th of July parade in downtown Cadillac. Ben helped pass out candy with lots of the family. Lucy watched the parade and collected lots of candy to share with her cousins.   Later on the 4th, we went over to Mark and Betsy's house. Lucy loved trying out Jenna's new trampoline. We had a delicious picnic dinner. Ben loved the big Root Beer that he got to drink! Gotta h...

In the beginning of July, we took a trip to Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island. The kids have never been there before, so I was excited for them to experience it for the first time. They loved staying in the hotel, seeing the bridge, and riding the ferry to the island. The weather was perfect! We'll have to go again and maybe stay a little longer. Ben and Lucy had to check out the balcony of our hotel room. We could see the ferry boats right next door. We tried to get a good photo with the bridge. Lucy is really into making silly faces. Curt's parents came with us on the trip and we had so much fun with them! Ben found a new friend. We squeezed in some swimming on the one night at the hotel. The ferry ride to the island took us for a drive under the bridge. It was really cool to see it so close! Arch rock Ben with the team of horses that took us around the island. We took a while before lunch to explore the Fort. We ate lunch at the Fort ...