During my 4th of July stay back up in Michigan, there were several things worth noting, but not quite large enough for individual blog posts, so I’m consolidating some of the week into this one post. First off, I received a great welcome home, with a banner made by each of the girls.
I’m not sure I deserved such a hero’s welcome, but I loved it nonetheless.
Some Random Activities
Twenty Years
While I was home, Rachel and I also celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. The kids made us a giant card:
Rachel and I took a long hike at Saugatuck State Park (yes, I was there three times in four days if you’re keeping track) followed by dinner at The Butler in Saugatuck. During our hike, Rachel spotted some clothing in the dune grass and did her best Aly impression:
We also came across this incredible sand alligator, which had been made that morning, since Aly and I didn’t see it the night before:
Rachel chose a new refrigerator as her anniversary present, which meant Aly had to bond with the old one before it was allowed to leave:
Thursday Holland Street Performers
Summer Thursday nights in downtown Holland are a blast, as 8th street is closed to vehicle traffic and the streets are taken over by performers of various types: acrobats, jugglers, magicians, musicians, etc.
The girls started off with balloon animals:
We watched a guy juggle knives while standing barefoot on a nail-covered balance board, and made our way up and down the street before heading into Home and Company to pick up a few things. While Rachel and Aly shopped, Leah and I hung outside watching a kid about Aly’s age rock a drum kit.
Saturday Playdate with Leah
Leah and I got to spend some time playing at Smallenburg Park, her choice of locations for her Daddy date. We played lots of hide-and-seek, she was a doctor, and I was a patient with lots of boo boos.
