We took a week around the 4th of July and went up to the Grand Rapids area of Michigan. Ben's dads side of the family lives there. It was such a blessing seeing everyone. We wish we could see you all more than we do! We stayed with Ben's cousin Amanda and her husband Ryan and of course Dillon their sweet doggers. Thank you guys so much for the wonderful hospitality, you were awesome hosts!!
Ben's brothers family also came to visit family as well. It was pretty cool being on vacation with them. They stayed just a few miles away at Ben's aunts. Aunt Lori and Kurt were a lot of fun too! The whole family took such great care of us...Thank you all for treating us so well!!
Ryan and Amanda with the kids
We were thrilled to meet Ryan, Autumn's fiance. Autumn is Ben's cousin. It was good to see you as well!! They are the two on the left.
In the evenings it would cool off and we would have a campfire. Here is Aunt Lori helping Kacie make a smore...she is the "GREAT" Aunt Lori!!The second day we were there, we were eager to get to the lake. It still amazes me how much it is like the ocean, just without the salt.
If you notice there is no one around the boys in the water. That is because the water was sooooo cold. The beach was actually crowded, but too cold to swim. Right before we left, Ben took a dare to go for a swim. He said from his knees down he was starting to go numb. I did not dare step a foot in it!
The kids enjoyed watching the barge come in through the canal.
Building a sand castle
Enjoying the beach
Cousins having a great time together away from home!On July 4th we drove about an hour north to the sand dunes at Silver Lake.
This is one of the West Michigan light houses. Jake and dad walked up to the top. 
The whole clan!!
Dune tour. We learned how the dunes were formed and the kids had a blast going fast in the sand!!
Because it was the 4th there were a lot of people out enjoying the sand. We sat and watched the vehicles come down the hill for quite awhile. It was very entertaining!!The next morning Ryan took us out to his Mom's farm. She had horses, goats, cows, cats, and dogs. It was like a little petting zoo. Ryan make sure you tell your mom thanks again for letting us come and enjoy the farm!!
Kacie trying to feed the goats.
Jake going for a ride!
This was the highlight of the farm...getting pulled by the horse!Sunday afternoon we went to visit Grandpa Lenny and Grandma Loretta (Ben's dads parents). Grandma had a feast for us and our bellies were very happy! We also got to visit with Ben's cousins Kevin and Loren. Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for the wonderful meal and the time spent together with you.
Our last day we spent time with our wonderful friends Dave and Marissa and their 2 year old daughter Emma. We had a great time catching up while hanging out on the beach in Holland. Thank you for making us feel so special...we sure wish you lived closer!!
Jake had fun being buried by Dad
Emma and Kacie rockin' it on the piano. They are exactly 2 years a part. They share the same birthday...November 11th.
Thank you Lord for wonderful family and friends. You truly give us more than we deserve!!
