Three Kids and a Dog: Exploring Michigan

This past weekend, we had more fun with family including my little nephew. We had lots of bonfires at our house (which we haven't done too often because it's been so hot) and on Saturday we spent the day at our favorite beach chalk full of inflatables in the water. Austen wanted to try out the water skiing but by the time he decided to do it the day was already more than half over so we decided to try it next time. Maybe we'll get one more visit in this season.

Family Float Time

On Sunday, after we again ate ourselves silly (so much food/eating when we have guests) and our family departed, we took a drive to Grand Rapids to go for a walk along the river. The city was pretty dead but it was actually a pretty nice little city. Tom and I had been there before for a Chris Stapleton concert although we didn't get to spend much time there. On the banks of the river was Grand Valley State University and also the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. It wasn't open but we got to explore the grounds and read several profound quotes from President Ford's inaugural address. These quotes were intriguing and it made me want to delve into history a little more to learn more about this President who had to step up and step in due to the Watergate Scandal.

Always trying to explore and try something new, we stopped on the way home at The Root Beer Barrel. It is literally a barrel in Douglas, Michigan, where they serve the best root beer floats. I think Austen is the only one who had had one before but the other two quickly became hooked too. Sadie even got a special doggie ice cream with a bone in it. This place was the best! What a cute stop over.

The weather was fantastic; the food was abundant and good; and it was good quality time spent with family. What more can you ask for during a pandemic?

Next up on our Michigan list - renting a pontoon boat and tubing on a lake. Hopefully we'll get that in before summer ends and sports start up again.