Be Home

lazy fun

Today is that infamous lazy day. (Well that's relative when you ARE on vacation) But we did make a slow morning of it. Of course everyone is up around here about 6:00 or maybe we graced 6:30. Who wants to wast time sleeping? If any environment could make me an early riser it's this one, and we all know how hard that would be! 

Two years ago we stayed across the way from where we are now. At that time we met the neighbors. They have one son, Luke, who is 8. The boys loved playing with him but then we didn't see him here last year. This morning he was out meandering on the path with his skateboard. Needless to say, all of them were playing till lunch. From scooters and light sabers to Legos and bubbles they entertained themselves thoughly. Luke and his mom actual live at Beachwalk through the summer with his dad coming in on the weekends from Chicago. What a different world and kinda old fashion way to live. There would be no better community to do it in though!

Michigan City was having their art festival this weekend so we went and checked that out. Well, as great as the Farmer's Market was this was a bit lame. And we paid way too much for its lack of glory. George cried as we walked because sand was getting in his crocs. And it was really hot! The only redeeming thought came from Andrew and that was that someday our boy's wives with appreciate that an art festival is a childhood memory so it won't be so foreign when SHE wants to go. That was kind considering I was the one who had dragged them all there today! We did, however, catch the public beach a bit and have the #q best lemonade. So it wasn't a complete loss.

Later that night the clubhouse was playing Stuart Little out on the lawn. I couldn’t really capture it on film but it was beautiful the way the moonlight was shining on Lake Kai while we watched. Oh, and we also made it to the pool for a bit at Peter’s request - again the only person who didn’t get fully in. Go figure.

good food, good sun

Saturday morning we all woke up early to catch the local farmer's market. The boys were a bit reluctant but the pending atmosphere turned out to be really neat. You're never quite sure what you're going to get in a very small town like Michigan City. The produce was lovely and so were the flowers. We enjoyed some real Italian Ice from a local Mediterranean restaurant vending in the square. But the highlight was the accordion player filling our ears with French Riviera sounds. We talked to him a bit and he actually was from France! My question is why is he in Indiana? But I didn't ask it out loud.

We stopped off at the playground upon our return and then it was time for the beach!!! Oh, how glorious it was. So very relaxing just sitting watching the waves roll in. The boys found the remains of a huge hole someone had dug and pretty much spent most of the day in it. Along with a few other friends they made. The water was great once you just splashed your way in past the initial cold chill. Nicholas got brave enough toward the end of the day to venture in but we're still going to have to work on Peter. George literally wore himself out in the sand till it was self announced nap time. Of course, we all got a little red from the hours we kept. i think we got there around 11 and headed back sometime close to 5. But hey, its why we're here!!!

beachwalk resort - part I

Yes! We made it! We waited all summer for our vacation. We held out while family after family went and came back but all along, even as our boys asked continually when we were ever going to the beach, we knew our day was a'comin.

Vacation actually started Thursday. Andrew took off work so we could be amply prepared. Some of the joy in relaxing for us is knowing we are well prepared and not rushing out the door to get there, full knowing we must have forgotten something. We were to bed at a decent hour (OK 12 - but we had to see Nastia win gold!) Then it was up at 5, on the road by 6. In years past we have tended to take forever getting out the door and then it's dark when we actually arrive. This year we were determined to enjoy our beach house from the moment we could take occupancy.

The boys did fantastic on the 10 hour drive. We mixed it up quite a bit but overall I think they were just as excited as anyone. Peter however could not resist asking the age old question "are we there yet" about a dozen times and not necessarily evenly spaced over nice half hour segments. Sometimes it was barely 10 minutes!

Of course our regular stops were somewhat thrown off by being early risers but we found a nice Starbucks to eat our tuna sandwiches and then pay our dues for the table time.

We arrived at Harbor Lights around 5, even with Chicago traffic. No more than the time it took to bring the luggage in, did the boys find the sand. And I'm not sure George even made it inside, the sand was obviously between the car and the front door. 

This is the first time we've stayed at Harbor Lights cottage. If you read our journal last year we met the owner of this particular rental while while staying next door. They gave us a royal tour and their son immediately embraced the boys "Lego language". Only to discover that the dad was trying to slip in recognitions of their faith in preaching to the pastor! We all had a fun moment when we confessed our profession and everything went to a whole new level of friendliness. So we are staying at their house this week and we love it!  It's perfect for our family. We just might make this the keeper rental.

Dinner was in Michigan City at the local Applebee's. Then on to get some groceries for the week, another great perk of being here early. Late night Olympics for everyone as we were all wired from a couple naps from the car ride! I think the boys were still chatting at 1:00 am in their "new bed".

O, what a gift this week is for us all!