Tuesday, September 12, 2017

July 2017 Happenings


Lots of crazy activity in Michigan this year!  The Hendren crew arrived late on the 10th and we didn’t stop until August 2nd when Ben & Jenny departed with their kiddos.  In between, the Tegelaars dropped in, left the kids for 6 days & headed to CO!  Lake Michigan was the place to be this summer!  We visited Holland, South Haven and Saugatuck; as well as a day at Yankee Springs and pool days at Tillers and Meyers!!  Lots of water, sand and sun.  As usual, it was so great to watch Boppa at play in the water--reminded me of when our kids were young!

Thankful for the Otsego Public Library—which kept the littles entertained with their play area, weekly movies and special events.  Azi joined in with the “tweens” at some of their meetings too.  Mostly the memories involved hanging out while the kids played in the front yard:  shooting hoops (Jet w/ Keith; Abbott dribbling quite well on his own), utilizing the garage sale kitchen (outstanding buy), driving the Barbie car (Evy, Maelie, & Trux's fav plus Walk learned to drive too!), and riding bikes & scooters.  Ben & Keith checked off a few projects on Bill’s list and Plainwell Ice Cream got extra business!  Elliott got lots of love from all the cousins!

Girls Outing to Kindleberger Park to watch “Once Upon a Mattress” was a great success (I loved that Zeal was so enthralled), as was the Boys Trip to Kalamazoo Soccer Club game.  A trip with the Walker Fam to Boulder Ridge Zoo proved better than anticipated, and may be added to our list for another year (thanks to Amy DeBoer for her recommendation).  Kinda felt like Lynne Ott or Aunt Arlene when I gathered ceramic tiles for a craft project  (ha)–with much apprehension, knowing my skill set, we forged ahead…and it actually went well, even though we picked the wrong glue!!

As happens every year when the whole tribe descends—I enjoy so many great moments, but also learn so much about myself when the words “let it go” must ring continually in my head in order to keep my sanity and frustrations at bay.  My expectations crash right into my weaknesses…it isn’t always pretty to see that side of myself, but I’m learning to accept that tidiness and control are a part of who I am, and to give myself grace when I blow it!






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