Weekend at the Beach

Usually around this time of year we try to take a quick 1 or 2 day trip to South Haven, Michigan to enjoy the beach and the little shops in town. However, this year we decided to try a neighboring beach town to the south - New Buffalo, MI. Joining us on the 2-hour trek north was the Clawson family, with whom we're quite familiar on these beachy-type trips.

We arrived Friday in time to have a picnic lunch near the beach. Kari and Nolan were particularly wound up and ready to play in the sand and lake water. Bryce and Taylor were eager to put sand in every possible part of their body.

The water temperature was surprisingly tolerable and there were some nice sized waves rolling in to jump against and do a bit of body surfing. The weather was fantastic and the beach was not crowded. We couldn't have been more pleased. We rounded out the evening with a dinner out and ice cream. Saturday was much of the same-sand, water and dinner. At the recommendation of a neighbor, we ate at a local hotspot- Redamacks- and marveled at the size of the place.

Blue Moon ice cream tasted like Fruit Loops. Kari and Nolan loved it. Watching a movie before bed.

Enjoying a little of Michigan's finest micro-brews: Bells Oberon. Yes, indeed, we all stayed smarter.

Sunday we headed home, only for Kari to pack back up again and head down to Gran and Beep Beep's house for the upcoming week. She's attending a daily nature camp at Eagle Creek, and then Gran has several plans for the rest of the week too. We know Kari is having a great time right now. Although she has stayed overnight down there before, this will be her first multi-night stay away from home.

In other household news, my birthday gift from Kevin arrived in the mail over the weekend. I'm proud to be sporting my native Chicago flag now. Last night we took Bryce out for his first bike ride. He did quite well. We're looking forward for all four of us to do this upon Kari's return. Also, we hit a new eating milestone last night- Bryce ate the same meal as Kevin and me- salmon with squash and zucchini from the grill. He (Bryce) gobbled up that salmon so fast! This weekend we head up to the Windy City for Kevin's Christmas present - the Cubs vs. Phillies game at Wrigley Field. We'll be sure to report back after our trip to Chi-town.