On a whim (sort-of) John and I decided to take a road trip through Michigan over July 4th. John has vacation to use up (imagine that?!), we've never been away from the boys for more than a weekend, and it was perfect timing for a getaway. So, without much planning...we were off on our adventure!
Family photo op before we jumped in the car. The boys were so excited to stay with Papa and Nana all week! I had some tears as we left - we'd never been away for a week.
We started the trip off right: Starbucks, great iPod playlist, and sunshine on the road! It was super fun! John and I knew we really needed the windshield time to catch up on some conversations about life, the past year, and where we're headed. The uninterrupted time in the car (no "moooooommmm, I need a snack, etc) was priceless. We took our time stopping along the way...all the way to Grand Rapids, MI! We were lucky enough to stay with our very dear friends, Josh and Carrie Ranum and sweet baby Rebecca. They have an adorable house in a great neighborhood in GR. We have been wanting to visit ever since they moved their to start their residencies 2+ years ago. It was lovely to spend time with them and Rebecca. Since they are both busy doctors, we had the days to ourselves and spent time with them in the evenings. They directed us to the beaches, some cute coastal towns, and great routes along the coast.
John looks good holding a little girl, don't you think? haha.
On Sunday, we got up and visited Mars Hill - a church in Greater Grand Rapids we've been wanting to visit. We've read some of the lead pastor's books: Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis is our favorite. It was a great experience and we were there for a great weekend message: God is still creating us, He is never finished; We are a work in progress! We also took some pictures of their really cool building (an old department store in an abandoned mall that was converted into their church!) since our new youth wing at Jacob's Well is under construction right now. I think Mars Hill was the hippest church I've ever been to. As John said "There some hipsters up in here".
After our super long lunch, we walked downtown Holland and liked what we saw. We thought Eau Claire could take some notes from the great spaces created in downtown Holland.
There were so many cute shops, but most were closed on Sunday. And John gently reminded me "This is not a shopping trip". Oh yeah. :)
This street performer was drawing a crowd - especially kids! I couldn't help but think that Logan and Bennett would both be breaking out their dance moves, too.
In the evening, we just got to hang out with Josh, Carrie, and Rebecca. We so enjoyed our time with them!
On July 4th, we had one mission: HIT THE BEACH! So, we traveled back to Holland to spend the day at Tunnel Park. We had driven by the day before and decided that would be our next adventure. So, after a quick trip to the grocery, we were on our way!
We stopped back in downtown Holland for some lunch.
And then it was off to the beach. It was super busy. The weather was perfect for the beach - hot and sunny with no clouds in the sky!
We found our spot - just big enough to fit our towels and enjoyed a day reading in the sun and just people watching on the beach.
Wen spent a loooooong day at the beach which made us feel like we were back on our honeymoon: a lazy day at the beach with no other priorities or responsibilites...that hasn't happened since! Then we went back to Ranums to clean up and join them for a 4th of July celebration!
We went to their friends' rooftop terrace in downtown Grand Rapids to see the fireworks from all around the river and Lake Michigan.
We were there early enough to watch the sunset and enjoy the cool weather. Everyone we were with were doctors or interns so we felt like we were on an episode of Grey's Anatomy!
The Ranums! Thanks for being such gracious hosts! We are grateful! It was wonderful to see you all.
"Hi Logan & Bennett!"
Happy 4th of July!
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