Photo hunt in Grand Haven

The last weekend of February (yes it's taken me awhile to write this one) was bright and sunny so we decided to get outdoors and spend some time with the girls. We took them on a photo hunt through Grand Haven.

I drew up the list with hints of photos to take and Maddi thought of the places around town where we could take the photos.

M was quick and found items on the list as soon as we pulled out of the driveway.

E understood most of the things we were looking for. M explained the things she didn't understand.

The photo hunt took us to Small Town Sandwich Shop where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of salad, soup and sandwiches. R absolutely loved their Bang Bang shrimp. 

Here is Maddi's fun shot of the Grand Haven Bridge

And Jumpin Java for a frog + coffee photo 

MacKite company for her skateboard shop photo

The Deelite for a photo of Nemo

 Kilwins for a photo of chocolate (We couldn't resist a sweet treat.) 

The Tri-cities Museum

Creative Fringe, because they have so many beads!

M captured some pretty neat photos. This one is my favorite.

The last clue which was kind of the treasure for M was "The coolest tree house in Grand Haven."

The clue landed M at her cousins house where she got to stay and play for the rest of the day. 

I love seeing our town through the eyes of a kid. M used creative thinking as we made our way down the list. She always knew what stop was next. All in all it was a fun time.

I highly recommend writing up clues of your own and taking your kiddos on a treasure hunt. I know they'll love it. 

Eating marshmallows.

I will always be surprised by my daughter(s). There hasn't been a single day that has passed where these smart, energetic, wonderful little people do something silly, outlandish are just darn cute that makes me think: Wow! My girls are pretty awesome girls. (Second thought: R and I are so lucky.)

I have to be honest, not every moment is a shining, perfect moment. Reminder: E is less than 3 months away from being a 2 year old. My hair is slowly turning gray as she pushes buttons I didn't know I had. For instance, today, we spent the afternoon downtown Grand Haven with R's Mom and her husband. They are in town for a week from Texas. We are all thrilled to spend some quality time with them. Even M said, "I am SO glad Grandma is here!"

The afternoon was relaxing, food was great and dessert was delicious. We really just enjoyed the simplicity of being downtown. We spent time at Mackinaw Kite Company where every single one of us found a toy to play with. Such a treat to hangout together. E didn't even fuss when it was time to go. But, try to get her into her carseat and one might think a stranger was trying to drive her home. (I think I saw strangers looking. EEK!) Scream, kick, punch, flail and 2 minutes later E and I are both in tears. It just breaks my heart when she cries because she can't do whatever she has her mind set on. I wonder if she just doesn't understand. It was a little too much for me. Plus, I'm a sap.

Sometimes I struggle to reprimand her and other days I don't have a problem tucking her under my arm with her legs just a kicking. I am still learning to pick the battles with her. Some just aren't worth listening to the tantrums. Another example: 1. Eating marshmallows. One isn't going to hurt because we all need a little sweet in our life. 2. Brushing teeth? It's a must. Especially after a marshmallow. ;)

We are still trying to find the right path to take on how we will discipline E. With her current 2 year old tantrums and stubborn ways I want to set rules now. But, I know she is still so small. Or maybe I'm just telling myself that. I guess we will just figure it out as we go.

This tired, frazzled mama is ready to take on a new day of surprises from our growing girls.

Any terrible two stories or advice? I am happy to hear it.

Enjoy your weekend.