Family & Fun in Holland, Michigan

Whenever we go back and visit
 our hometown of Holland, MI

we pack our days with friends,

family and favorite places.

This time was no exception. 

We rented a little cottage by the beach

(here's the VRBO listing, we LOVED it)

and stayed with Grandma Lynn, 

Uncle Brent, Aunt Crystal and their daughter Hannah.

We don't get to see them often
so it was very special. 

We also spent a lot of time 

with Papa Don & Grandma Mimi 

(Mila & Willow's great grandparents).

On top of all that fun, 

throw in a few parades, a carnival,

bonfires, the beach,
lunch at Wally's & shopping in Saugatuck,
Fricano's pizza (of course),

parties with extended family, 

some time with cousins on Daddy's side, 

AND Mother's Day
and we had one awesome long weekend...

We left Chicago and drove straight to the 

Tulip Time parade on Thursday.

Thanks to Grandma Rita & Grandpa Bill 

for saving us a great spot!

Next we headed to the cottage to check it out.

The girls really loved
roaming around in the big, grassy yard.

Grandma Lynn and Mommy loved

the adorable vintage kitchen. 

Check out that oven!

The cottage was located steps away 

from trails to Mt. Pisgah, 

so after a rib dinner made by Grandma Lynn

(and that fantastic Amish pie from Brent & Crystal

...mmm chocolate, peanut butter & banana)

we hiked the 280 stairs to the top.

 You can see from the look on Mila's face 

in the background of this picture, 

she wasn't too impressed--

she was under the impression 

there was more at the top

 than just a pretty view. 

Still, it was a beautiful evening.

We were thrilled to have everyone together. 

Though eight decades apart,

these two really bonded over the trip.

Notice who is in Grandma Mimi's lap :) 

This picture is far from perfect,

but we like it more because of that. 

Thanks again to Uncle Keith and Aunt Mickie

for hosting a fun family shin-dig after the 

big Tulip Time parade on Saturday. 

Mila Quinn the Bocci ball queen.

It meant a lot to Papa Don, 

who is nearly 90, to spend time with us.

Though he has a little trouble getting around,

he still keeps his sense of humor.

Here he's getting a sip of wine from Grandma 

after exclaiming, 

"Give it to me, baby!"

The girls' cousin, Hannah (age 10),

came up with this meme herself 

after she saw the awesome picture 

we snapped of her 

and the perfectly melty jumbo 

marshmallow Brent created for her. 

It's pretty genius. 

Grandma Lynn and her best friend, Kim.

Good times around the bonfire!

After the parade on Saturday,

we hit the carnival. 

Mila & Mommy went on the Sea Ray!

Selfie as we swung down.

And a selfie as we swung up. 

We loved that ride. 

The girls went round and round 

(and didn't barf!)

in a spinner ride. 

Mila and Daddy braved the rickety Ferris Wheel.

The weather held out nicely

for a lovely walk to the Holland State Park.
We've been to many beaches,
but you just can't beat the sand
of the West Michigan shoreline. 

Grandma Lynn treated the girls

to some time at Art Barn near Douglas, MI.

Mila designed and made a mosaic tray 

while Hannah went with a

 "Herbie" style bank.

The Art Barn is a 

super cool place! 

Finally, we met up again with 

Daddy's family for Mother's Day.

What a great start to the summer!