The Accidental Boilermaker

 We were finally able to give Oma her birthday present - a trip to the new cat cafe in Fort Wayne. We enjoyed some treats before our appointment to play with the kitties.  There were only 5 cats there today. I guess it just depends on the day, how cats the animal shelter has who would be good fits for the cafe, and how many cats have been adopted.  Some days there could be more cats. But we were able to play and pet with the kitties who were there. Evelyn even read a few books to one cat who didn’t want to play but was very content to listen. 

 The kids and I took a weekend trip to Chicago to visit Katherine. We left right after school on Friday. There was some traffic in different spots but overall the drive was fine. For dinner Katherine treated us to Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza. Evelyn and Jameson thought it was good but they prefer thin crust pizza.  The weather predicted rain on and off all weekend so we checked out a puzzle from the library as a fun inside activity.  Oma and Grandpa drove into the city to visit too and it turned out the rain held off in the morning so we were able to make a quick trip to the pool. While swimming we got to see the Blue Angels flying over head for the air and water show.  We ate lunch and Oma and Grandpa went back home.  Evelyn and Jameson got to play Mario Kart and Kate and I worked on the puzzle.  To celebrate finishing the puzzle, we walked to Pretty Cool for popsicles. Jameson ended up not liking his blue moon popsicle so I trade him mine. Which was a l...

 Today was the first day of school. It sounded like they each had a good day.  The district changed up bus routes. We were first told that there were no more neighborhood stops for the magnet schools. Instead there would be central pick up and drop off locations.  But our new stop was now 2 miles away, so we decided I would just drive them to school. Then yesterday it changed again. We got a neighborhood stop back, but it’s different and slightly farther away than before. With all the last minute changes, we decided I would still drive them for the first few days until we transition back to the bus. 

 School starts tomorrow! We did a few last minute fun things.  Monday we played mini golf. Today we went to the zoo. 

 Saturday was hot so we decided to go to Millennium Park in Grand Rapids. Me and Pat and the kids left early so we could play at the playground first. Paul and Nate arrived second with sandwiches for lunch. Then Anna dropped off Landon and Grayson to hang out and play too.  After lots of fun in the sun we relaxed back at home. After dinner we went for an ice cream treat. Sunday we went to church and out for brunch. Then it was time to head home.

 We got to spend another weekend in Michigan! On Friday, my birthday, we celebrated Laura’s (Nate’s cousin) wedding. The reception was very nice and it was fun to see many of Nate’s aunts, uncles, and cousins. I thought it was a wonderful way to spend my birthday.   Evelyn and Jameson gave me a new coffee cup with a lid so I can bring coffee in the car without putting it in a travel mug. Nate brought home flowers that a co worker grows in her garden. 

 Our last morning at the dunes we ate breakfast, packed up the car and said goodbye to the beach which included one last climb up the dune.

 Monday there was a chance of rain morning and afternoon, but the rain stayed away all day! We started with a hike after breakfast. Jameson wanted to run down Mount Randall so we passed the dune on our way to the beach. After lunch we went swimming.  It was a yellow flag day but the water was still warm and everyone had fun in the waves. I think Nate got one rest break the entire time we were at the beach. He was always out at the sand bar with either Evelyn or Jameson. We always like to get ice cream right across the street from the state park when camping at the dune. Jameson was covered in blue after eating his cone.  I like to try new recipes while camping so instead of hobo pies we made campfire bread. We sliced a loaf of bread, buttered the slices and added cheese and ham. It turned out pretty good and during dinner we came up with ways to improve the meal if we try it again. Jameson liked it the best. He had the leftovers for breakfast the next day.  One last ...