CranHill Ranch

Last week was our church camp out at Cran Hill Ranch. My older sister Jackie 'invited' me and the kids to come, stay, and camp with her and her 2 kids for the week. There was no shortage of perfect weather, great people to hangout with, plenty of food and loads of activities to keep everyone happy and occupied.

My BIL, Mike, pulled up the trailer Sunday, set it up then headed home before returning on Thursday to stay and camp for the weekend. I packed up and left Thursday after dinner and headed home with the girls.

One of the many trips to the barn store for ice cream

Abby's least favorite activities...the pony ride. There were a few tears in the beginning of the ride, but by the end she did OK.

We had, I think, one of the best lots. We butted up right to the beach so the kids could go play in the sand, and just a few feet from the play equipment where all the kids spent most of the day and evenings playing.

Jen showing the kids one of the bunnies in the petting zoo.

2 happy campers, already looking forward to next year!

15 Months

Our little Megan Mae turned 15 months last week. And to put is nice, she is a pistol!! Watch out Abby!

- Megan loves to give hugs and kisses to everyone, especially her dolls.

- She is a still our best eater, favors her Eggo's and pizza.

- Sleeps from 8pm to 9am with a 3+ hr nap in the afternoon

- Megan loves to bully other kids her own size (or bigger) She screams the cry of death if things don't always go her way.

- Only a short month ago figured out how to walk, and has not looked back since.

- Just figured out this week how to use a straw

- Loves to be outside, except not in the pool.

- Wants to climb on and over everything

- Will finally sit long enough for us to read her a book

- She jibber jabbers all the time, and loves to point at everything and ask 'what's that'?

At Megan's 3 month Dr. appt, he said that she shows signs of being a strong willed child. 12 months later, I still agree with that statement and can only look forward to what the future holds for this 'motivated' child.

Pizza Face!!!

WEIGHT: 21#3oz 24%
HEIGHT: 31.25" 76%
HEAD: 45.6 " 42%

Weekends

Visiting Mike and Jackie while they camp, getting ready for our 8+ mile bike ride!

Spending time at Lake Michigan, water temps in the upper 70's!! What's better than covering your child in sand up to their neck??

Family and friends coming over on the weekend to swim in the pool, and make smores by the fire.

Welcome!

Congrats to my sister Lori and her hubby Dustin on the birth of a their little girl, Lydia Anne. She was born yesterday morning weighing 6#15oz. She has pretty, thick hair and chubby little checks...so cute!

Summer

Dear Summer,

I love it when you arrive. Let me remember to take full advantage of your warm weather and not complain when it gets a 'little' too hot!

Megan has a LOVE of ice creamHanging out at a BBQ party a few weeks ago, enjoying a great time outside in the warm weather.

Guys Getaway

The same week the girls took a vacation, so did the guys.

Eric and 2 of my uncles went and stayed at Eric's grandparents cabin by Houghton Lake to go 4-wheeling for the 1st half of the week. A few of the highlights were, spending some time off the beaten trial and seeing all the wildlife. Plenty of deer, one porcupine and this year seeing a BEAR while riding. Miles and miles of endless trails to tour.

No shortage of water!

Wednesday they packed up and headed north of Remus, Mi to the Martini Chain of Lakes to meet up with my dad, brother-in law, another uncle and numerous cousins for a little camping and even less fishing. Looks like they also had a great time and great weather!

Girls Getaway

Last week the Huizenga girls, minus my youngest sister Lori and her son Eli, took our annual girls summer trip. The last few years we have gone camping but there is now double the kids and only 1 trailer so we decided to rent a friends cottage and save what's left of our sanity.

We stayed on Hess lake in Newaygo just a short 45 min north, the perfect distance away. We left Wednesday morning, it was rainy and a little cold so we spent the day getting acclimated in the cottage.
Megan defending her breakfast against the dog, Sophie.



Thursday - Sunday were perfect days, cool in the mornings perfect for playing outside, and taking walks with the kids. Then just in time for kids naps the sun would come out and we would hit the beach right outside our back door.


The evenings after dinner we would head downtown Newaygo to shop, hit the local parks for some playtime, then of course ice cream before heading home to stick the kids in bed so the adults could enjoy some quiet time and some fierce card playing!

Hanging out on the boardwalk right next to park that we visited a few times.



We are all looking forward to going back next year.