Michigan or Bust

Talk about another great week of vacation. This time spent with the Poll's over in Michigan.  We took off last Tuesday morning and got back this Monday afternoon.  July 10-16.  Here's a recap of the weeks' events.

Tuesday-Driving, driving and more driving.

It took us a good 8 hours to get to Hamilton, MI and Ruby was actually quite the trooper.  It helped that I let her open a "present" every hour and find herself with a sweet treat or something to pass the time until the next "present" at least.  Finally we rolled into town around 5pm, just in time for supper with Papa and Mama Poll.  Then we headed over to Mike's cousin, Craig, and set up shop to stay with him for the week.  Ruby dubbed him the name, Fart.  Need I say more?

Wednesday-BEACH DAY!

Ruby and I got to experience some beach action, which is far and few between in Iowa, and hang out with Mama, Great Mama, Aunt Jill and her 3 kiddos.  Lake Michigan was quite chipper that day lingering at a frigid 55 degrees.  Ruby made a few attempts to go swimming, but regardless she had plenty of fun in the sand. We even took a walk down to the pier to watch some sailboats, ducks and people jumping off the pier into the lake.  Aunt Jill's boys took the plunge too!  Brave souls.

See everyone, sand in the air and in my hair is great!

Thursday-Repair Day

Yep, it was repair day for Mike so we laid low.  Not him, but his wheelchair. Somehow the shock got bent and when going over bumps or uneven surfaces, Mike's one wheel would get hung up and spin like crazy.   Great timing for needed repairs when we have no idea who to call in Michigan, but thank goodness for Permobil (chair brand) reps!  Their rep drove out to the house and made a service call for us!  Talk about relief and much appreciation.  Mike's chair was back up and running by Thursday afternoon and we were back on track for hitting up more places.

So to pass the time, Ruby and I spent time in Mama's pool and jumping on her trampoline!  Let's just say that this was the story every day from here on out.  Ruby is a water bug and will take you up on any offers to jump in.  She did so well swimming though!  I must brag for a bit.  By the end of the week, Ruby was pretty much swimming/floating on her own with the use of swimmies.  She hovered near the ladder and was shaky at times, but she's got the concept down and when she didn't realize you had let go she'd find herself all alone and swimming herself to the edge.

Just another day at Grandmas!

This girl can't get enough of trampolines and swimming pools.

While waiting for Mike's chair to get fixed, Ruby, Grandpa and I took a trip out to the hog barns. Ruby wasn't quite sure what to think of those stinky little buggers, but they were more than happy to see her.  One even squealed and smiled with delight...check him out below!

These little guys were so happy to meet Ruby!

And by the end of the afternoon who can tell who was tuckered out after a day of swimming, jumping on the trampoline and swinging at Mama's house...

Sleeping beauties.

Since Mike's chair got fixed in the afternoon we all headed out to Holland at night to catch their street performers, fun little shops and some supper.  There were all sorts of musicians, dancers, jugglers, etc. which made for lots of fun for Ruby and the rest of us.  Randy and Tami, Mike's parents, treated Mike and I to date night by taking Ruby home for supper and letting us catch a bite to eat downtown just the two of us!  I know, great right?  We enjoyed some peace and quiet and took in a beautiful evening in downtown Holland, Michigan.

Papa hoisting Ruby up to see the acrobats.

Friday-Lunch Date

Mike, Ruby and I got to have a lunch date with Great Pappy Jack!  He is quite the guy and it's always fun to catch up with him when possible.  The Trustle served us a great lunch and the conversation was better.  Thanks Pappy Jack for lunch!

The rest of the day you ask?  More swimming of course!  Followed by pizza for supper.  Good day in Mike's eyes. :)

Saturday-Farmer's Market and Crazy Horse

I had to hit up the Farmer's Market Saturday morning to get my hands on some Michigan blueberries!  My freezer was running low and blueberries were just in season.  So we stocked up on them and took in the sights and smells of Holland's Farmer's Market.  Not quite the same as downtown Des Moines' but still very fun to see.

If you have not heard of Crazy Horse in Holland, MI, you are missing out and need to check it out the next time you get over that way!  It's family tradition that we eat there every time and I'm pretty sure that Mike's parents visit them every once in a while as well :)  

Hours in case you are wondering when to find them open.

While at Crazy Horse Mike hit a monumental marker...200 miles on his chair!  This guy is racking up the miles and what a better place to hit 200 than at Crazy Horse:)

After supper supper, we made our way back to Craig's house and Ruby tried her hand at his tractor our front.  Farming is pretty serious business by the looks of things.

Sunday-Church and relaxing

We slowed down our visit on Sunday and took time for church and simply relaxing.  Mike's brother Mitch and his family came down for lunch followed by yet another pool party.  Ruby couldn't get enough of her two cousins, Brady and Lily, and can't wait for next weekend when we meet up with them in Chicago for a mini sibling vacation together.  They headed home that afternoon and we took in the rest of the day at Craig's house chilling before a big trip back home to Iowa on Monday morning.

We did catch a quick photo op with Craig though before leaving.  Don't those two look great?  Mischievous if you ask me.