Impromptu Trips Up North Are My Favorite

I'm not an impromptu, last minute kind of girl. When plans change at the drop of a hat I find myself frustrated and upset. I guess, that's just a weakness. I know this is a small downfall and try my best to have patience and breathe deeply when change occurs. It's a work in progress and guess what?! I must be making progress because an impromptu trip to a cabin up north has been the most enjoyable little getaway. I mean how couldn't it be, right? I’m starting to realize last minute change of plans could kind of be like surprises and I love surprises.

E's first ride on a golf cart!

30 minutes is all it took to pack an overnight bag, food and bug spray just in case. Of course, it took me another 5 minutes to pack my craft bag because I never know if I'll want to crochet a small project or work on a big one. Then we were off.

An hour later we pulled up to a little red cabin with wood stacked so neatly, a porch, picnic table and a golf cart for going down to the lake that’s just a few minutes from the cabin. The lake is just big enough for small boats and fishing. You can bet we took advantage of that. Friends of ours own this little cabin in Walhalla in a small association and we were so lucky to occupy it for the weekend.

E has been waiting for a campfire all Summer and just couldn't wait to sit through dinner so Spaghetti dinner was enjoyed by the fire, a first for us. As I sat by the hot flames watching our family enjoy a single night in the woods I can't believe we don't sit around a campfire more often. I soaked up every second, I could. It felt so good to look up at the stars, roast marshmallows, make S'mores, relax and just hang out. Just enjoying the company, the conversation and guessing what kind of animals we heard in the woods, made this little getaway so enjoyable.

When I woke up Sunday morning there was hot coffee, pancakes and bacon waiting. The guys and M went fishing before dawn and left breakfast for E and I. I am 99% sure I was smiling from the inside out. How nice it was to grab a cup of hot coffee and sit outside while E slept in just a little longer, listening to only the sound of birds chirping. Especially because Saturday morning, before the impromptu getaway I was thinking how wonderful it sounds to go camping. I was day dreaming about sipping coffee by the fire.

Our Summer was jam packed with work and home improvements that we almost miss the chance to camp. Just a few weeks ago I tweeted: "I will swing in a hammock before Summer ends," and I totally did. Crossing that off my Summer bucket list feels great!

Sometimes life brings a change, even just a small change of plans, that if you look at it in just the right way you’ll find it’s a surprise. This weekend was truly wonderful and 100% enjoyable, a change of plans I loved. Impromptu trips up north are easily my new favorite thing to do.

Pentwater Homecoming 2015

Homecoming is always on my Things to do this Summer list. This year it came in a different sort of way and turned out much different than what I thought it would. Unfortunately R couldn't join us as we hoped but M was there! I think what turned out to be a girls weekend also turned out to be fun a lot of fun for the girls.

We started our weekend in Pentwater with a stop at Hill and Hollow Campground to see Grammie. This also involved playing at the playground because who could avoid a huge sand hill?

Setting up the kids tents (just to play in.)

We walked the pier to get to Lake Mochigan. 

E was a trooper and walked most of the way there.

Saturday was perfect weather for a day at the beach. 

Mom of the year over here forget Es swim suit 

(so she went swimming in her undies...oops).

These girls were best buds all weekend. 

M does such a good job at being a big sister. 

After a long day of playing and fun E found a comfy 

spot for her afternoon nap. She slept until the fire trucks arrived. 

Our littlest Michigan State Fan with 

our BIGGEST Michigan State Fan.

There is something about the Homecoming Parade in Pentwater that makes me smile. Maybe it's the memories of seeing it every year. The veterans, the local shops, Pentwater Popcorn, The Michigan State guy on his bicycle, Mrs. asparagus, tennis balls, mardi gra beads and catching candy! I have always loved the parade and it makes me happy that I can share one of my favorite childhood memories with the girls. 

Fireworks were watches from a dock instead of at our normal beach spot. 

It save us a couple blocks of walking and we missed out on the traffic too.

Sunday morning coffee by the fire. I totally fell in love with this butterfly coffee mug that I found in the cupboards at my Mom's. Sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet I saw a mama deer and her two fawns walk through the woods about 20 feet away. The morning was a peaceful way to start the last day of our homecoming weekend.

Next year we'll make a holiday of it. Camp at Hill and Hollow, see the sand castles, walk in the cake walk and maybe even take part in the big photo shoot.

I look forward to next Homecoming and making more Pentwater memories with my girls (and hopefully R too).

Until next time, keep loving.

Our Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience

I finally did it! I finally tried stand up paddle boarding! It was awesome. Here is how it all happened:

R gifted me 2 all day paddle board rentals for my birthday. 1 for him, 1 for me.

We picked a day to rent the paddle boards...and waited patiently for Saturday, August 8th to arrive. 

I scheduled a sitter. Thanks again sis.

We packed a beach bag and snacks for the day.

Then picked up the boards at MACkite. They were nice enough to help us strap the boards to the top of the car. 

First stop was the State Park. I knew Castle Grande was taking place so I figured we could kill two birds with stone. 

After all, I couldn't miss out on SUP on Lake Michigan.

We hauled the inflatable boards down to the water (these things are huge by the way.) I was seriously so excited I could've jumped up and down. It was one of those moments where you feel like  everyone around you is starting at you and the whole world needs to know what you're about to do.

Thankfully the water temp was 75. Or I wouldnt have gone in....okay, yes I would have because SUP has been on my bucket list for awhile now.

It was not easy pushing the boards through the waves at first but as R knew once we got to the sandbar it was easier.

Being on Lake Michigan just floating around was so peaceful. Even though the waves were rolling up and down we both stood up a few times. R was more brave than I and attempted to stand more than I did. He fell in 3 times and came out of the water laughing each time.

After awhile of paddling and an exciting experience with a low flying aircraft that skimmed right over our heads, we decided to find calmer waters. 

We found this adorable little beach in Spring Lake. After feeling so calm and happy on Lake Michigan I didn't think we could find anything better. I was wrong. I once again felt so lucky to have beautiful bodies of water so close by. I am so happy to live in this wonderful state. 

I actually did stand up paddle boarding! I stood up and paddled a few times. It was so exciting. I never fell in the water either. 

SUP my first time was awesome. The day, all though overcast was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. 

Keep loving.

Playground Adventures #1

Our Playground Adventures took us to Coopersville Elementary School yesterday. We were lucky to have M join us on a very fun adventure at her school playground. She was happy to show us her playground. 

Downtown Coopersville clock tower. 

Grabbing a bite to eat at 327 Pizza & Pub.

Me and my bonus girl.

Coopersville playground was so much fun!

Silly shot of E laughing as M climbs over her. (See the shoe?)

A fun action shot of M.

Our first playground adventure was a bit chilly but totally worth spending time together. 

Keep Loving. 

Introducing: Play Ground Adventures

E has been asking to go play at a play ground since January.  Every time we drive passed the little blue and red stairs, slide and monkey bars on Waverly Avenue she always says, “Play ground! Play ground!” She doesn't care about the snow piles covering half the playground. She just wants to play. I knew then that the Winter blues had caught up to her too. That’s when I thought of Play Ground Adventures.

There were several occasions through the cold, cold Winter that I kicked myself for not spending more time outdoors in the warmer months preceding Winter, so I really want this Spring and Summer to be filled with outdoor fun. Our Play Ground Adventures will help make this happen.

Seeing different parts of Michigan is one of the many things on my life bucket list. Seeing this beautiful state that I grew up in is important to me. Play Ground Adventure will help make this happen too.

 I can't wait to pack our picnic basket, roll up a blanket and hop in the car for a mini get away. It's going to be so fun! 

There are 2 rules for our Play Ground Adventures:

At every play ground we visit I want to collect 1 thing; a stone, a pine cone, a leaf, etc. I want to fill a mason jar with my found things for and make a collection for the girls. Just something they can hold on to to remember the adventures. I also want to document our adventures with photos and share our adventure on The Plain Side, of course.

I hope family and friends will be able to join us on a few of these adventures because who doesn't love a trip to a play ground! If you know of any must see play grounds, please, please please, share them with us.

I am SO EXCITED! 

Keep Loving.