Grammie and Grandpa graciously allowed us to use access to their time-share! One was available in South Bend, IN, near a couple of day trips we had planned. So, we stayed the whole week...why not?!? :)
Upon arrival Sunday, we picked up groceries and then headed to the pool so the boys could burn off some energy.
Monday sent us on a hunt for a couple items from stores. It was hot and humid, but cloudy. We still set out to play a family game of 18 hole frisbee golf. It proved to be challenging and fun!
We were in the area of the South Bend Chocolate factory. So, we headed there for a tour and some tastes! Very informative and interesting (and tasty, too!).
Tuesday...we planned to head to the Indiana Dunes State Park and take in the Lake Michigan shoreline! A beautiful day...Amy enjoyed a run on the sand at the water's edge while Josh stared at the dunes and recalled camp workouts of past. The boys played in the sand, played in the sand some more, and played in the water...loving it all.
Then, we all tackled a run up the dune.
And we made it to the top...
Joe demonstrates proper downhill running form!
And I pause to take in the color and beauty...
We finally pulled the boys away from the water so we could take a hike on the dunes and visit the nature center...trying to complete some junior ranger activities. We all learned a lot along the way!
And we finally convinced the worn out boys to say goodbye to the sand and water. But don't worry...there is still sand in the Tahoe! :)
Wednesday was a "down day". We headed to a local skate park for the boys to ride their bikes. After several heart attack moments (only a mom can experience), we enjoyed the playground and Joe eventually ventured onto the splash pad to cool off in the water.
Wednesday afternoon, Joe took a long nap. Jake and I putt-putted and played bocce ball to pass the time. (Josh sacrificed and napped, too! :)
Thursday took us to Chicago. April (college roomie and teammate) planned for us to meet her at her dad's so the kids to swim. But apparently we didn't think that would be enough water for the day. So, we headed to Chicago early to take in Lake Michigan. It proved to be cold water on a hot day (so it was almost refreshing after your initial numbing). So, we enjoyed it. And we greatly enjoyed the time with Kathy (Joe's age) and April and her dad...clothes, a meal, time together...what a blessing!
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| watching the sand garbage collectors |
Jake was determined to catch a minnow...
Joe was sure he had found gold...
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| my best buddy |
the boys with Kathy
The boys chose to ride two different sized trains that traveled the property (for like one and a half miles).
(biggest train is in the background of the medium train...and it used to travel the Brookfield Zoo)
Then we headed east through the backroads so we could stop at Kelly and Micah Jones' house south of Ft Wayne. After a quick lunch and time to play, we headed the 30 minutes to Taylor U so we could stop at Ivanhoes. It was SO tasty!
