Sun, Fun and Livin' on the Run

Rather than writing an 18 paragraph novel about our 8 day trip to Chicago and Holland, I decided that a bullet point highlight summary would be more appreciated by my blog stalkers. Our annual summer trip to the Midwest was fantastic. Dude did great and had a blast spending time with a melting pot of folks near and dear to us. Below are some highlights....

*Dude discovering the joy of dirty puddles with cousin Dylan and strollering back to Uncle R & Aunt K's house naked.

*The best home made meal we've had in ages, courtesy of Ross and Kira. Ribs, mashed potatoes, broccoli salad, wine....ummmmm good.

*Mile High Dad and I spending a quality Chicago morning on Nick's boat with Nick, Caylei, Uncle Bob & Lukester. There's nothing like a calm morning on Lake Michigan with that huge city as a backdrop.

*Drinking wine and catching up with Mom V out on the porch of the cottage.

*Celebrating 29 years for my best friend and hubby.

*Watching Dude fall madly in love with splashing in the waves of Lake Michigan and then detesting the sand. Can't ask for it all I guess.

*Anne, Isaac and Clara proving how lovable they are.

*Jumping off the lighthouse pier with my main squeeze. He brings the daredevil in me...what can I say?

*Scrabble by citronella candle with the fam out on the porch (plus quite a bit of wine and snacks of course...and a big win for the mile high vogel team).

*A reunion of my mom's family at the country's largest park in Hudsonville...cousins I haven't seen in years showed up. Pretty cool way to spend a Tuesday night.

*A lovely dining experience on Lake Mac with Bret and Megan (expecting a baby soon)...despite the thunderous storm that forced us to move indoors mid-way through dinner.

*Pool time with my girls (Er & Missy) and their kiddos.

*Layin' around at Mom and Dad's house with the Dude...just hangin out and laughing at his antics.

*An excellent Mexican feast with the "pregnant with twin boy Riegers."

*Catching up with my childhood best friend, Kate and her beautiful, charming children. She's the one who started me on big earings, cute little skirts and 16 year old boyfriends named Bob.

*Maxin' and relaxin' with Mom and Dad at a Millennium Park concert, downtown Chicago. One of our favoritest things to do in Chicago.

*Partying it up and celebrating the nuptials of friends Tom and Kelly. All Mile High Dad's college buds were together, which is fun for me now since they've attached themselves with some pretty fabulous women!

*Meeting our newest babe, Bjorn! Melis, Chris and Em are now a family of four! Dude and his girlfriend Em had quite a remarkable time playing outside in the rain.

*Getting word that friends Adam and Caryn welcomed babies Eden and Sebastian into the world. Babies babies everywhere!

I think that's all. I don't know that the above bullet point list was any better than an 18 paragraph blog posting, but whatever. We had a great trip. Thanks to everyone who found time to fit us in!