Grand Haven & Lake Michigan

Grand Haven Lighthouse

For some reason this summer we just haven't been able to find time or the right day (when it isn't raining) to spend some time out at Lake Michigan. Well with just one week before Labor Day, the unofficial end to summer, we were able to squeeze in a short visit to Grand Haven. After dining at the Kirby Grill (thegilmorecollection.com) we strolled along the boardwalk as the sun was setting. The girls love climbing on the large rocks and playing in the sand. After playing for a bit we headed back to the grandstand area to watch the musical fountains.

Fun at the Park

Just a few blocks down the road from our house is Zinser Elementary School. Several times a week during the summer I take the girls over to the school to enjoy some time playing on the playground equipment. Rian (a.k.a. "Monkey") enjoys hanging from any bar she can reach and swinging her feet. Kami really likes to hang upside down! Both girls love to slide and enjoy playing together.

Picnic Party

More summer fun! After a great church softball tourney on Saturday (Gary's team won their division) our family enjoyed spending time with the Knoll family. The kids swam in the kiddy pool, ran through the mister and just overall played hard. Below are some cute pics of the kiddos enjoying some sweet ice cream cake cones which they decorated themselves. Only the group shot shows my little girls - the other pics are of our friends including some "enhancements" added by yours truly (picnik.com).

Summer Smoothies

Finding ways to get my little girl (Rian) to eat healthy fruits and veggies has been a struggle. So far the only two veggies she will eat is corn and tomatoes (aren't tomatoes actually a fruit...I'm considering them a vegetable so there are two on her list of "will eat"). The closest she will come to eating beans is picking the little bean "seed" out of the actual bean and eating that. As for broccoli and carrots she will put it on her tongue for a quick "taste" but then just as quickly she throws it back on her plate. So what is a mommy to do? I hide them! The latest mode of hiding has taken the form of a fruit smoothie (or chocolate if I am in need of some serious cocoa). I found a great site with some great recipes I thought I'd share for those looking to make a smoothie. Check out smoothieweb.com for a variety of recipes. Our two favorites are the Berry, Berry Good Smoothie and the Power Protein Smoothie (actually it is a peanut butter, banana, chocolate smoothie - I love the name, it sounds so healthy!).