An idea for family time at the
beach house had been in our thoughts for several months, and much anticipated
for some obvious reasons - relaxation, time with all of our daughters and their
families together, in a lovely environment (on Lake Michigan), summer
weather...
In reality it has been a very
special occasion, more than we had even imagined. The events that came
together, some at the last minute, have been something of amazing to me.
The idea of a stay on Lake
Michigan, in a private residence was the stuff of dreams for me - and certainly
- something I dared only dream of. When I determined that my lovely
companion was serious about such a venture, I couldn't imagine such a
reality, given what it would likely cost; not to mention the likelihood of
everyone being able to arrange busy lives to all cooperate with the same time
frame. When I was convinced to, at least, see what kind of
facilities might be available, I was further skeptical when anything I saw did
not allow accommodations for as many as we had.
Finally, Holly suggested a website
she was aware of that might provide some options. It was then that we
happened upon the property that pretty much fit our need. Then we learned
of Derek's sabbatical from work upcoming this summer. I was encouraged.
We needed only to hope that they would be able to make a trip here (no
small arrangement for them). There was still the others schedules... and
the COST!
It was suggested that we all share
the cost equally (not sure how that would work - especially considering the
additional cost of travel for the Tangrens. Though it seemed impossible,
everyone (except Greg) was able to squeeze time out for the same. My only
regret was that Greg was unable to be there until the culmination of the time
together - the Sunday following.
Holly's experience with planning
reunions with the Averys was most helpful in getting food arranged for, and
Nikki's willingness to share her excellent teaching talents for FHE were
perfect for the occasion. We were delighted and, frankly, quite surprised
with the success of the FHE activity ("Everything you wanted to know about
grandma and grandpa, but didn't think to ask"). As it was we had to to close before questions stopped coming.
Of the many memories each will
have, only some are: the planned beach activity (that thankfully, Holly pretty
quietly orchestrated), the kite flying and the sand sculpture contest (she and
Nathan also providing a watercraft that proved to be very popular) - which
reminds me of Nathan's famous Mac n' Cheese and he and Ethan's smoothies.
And that reminds me of Nikki's delicious Cafe Rio Chicken, and all the
good eatin' we had.
The memories of the location cannot
go without mention - the expansive view of the "unsalted" sea all
along the horizon, with it's beautiful clear, clean waters, extensive sand bar
for shallow, safe water play, the stunning sunsets, the footprints of wildlife
left in the sands while we were elsewhere, warm gentle breezes, the beach grass
hugging the path from our perch on the dune to our own private beach - unpopulated
for miles, the scent of "sea spray" candle fragrance, and the comfortable
(for the most part) private home we occupied - together.
The greatest delight for everyone
was the fact that the Tangren's came from across the country and shared those
darling boys with us. Elijah was probably the most popular (followed
closely by Noah =).
There were those many casual
conversations between cousins, daughters, sons-in-law, etc., and who could
forget that great game night, planned and carried off by Kobe. There was
the popcorn and marshmallows at the fire bowl with FHE, the T-shirt and FHE
lesson storybook as take home reminders - and probably "tons"of
"special" rocks and sand (in our shoes and other belongings).
And on and on... fireworks, nature
photos, creative photography, relaxation, reading, pastel painting, sand
drawings, sand casting, rock hunting, hugs, naps (at least, Noah, during
lunch), a little tiki torch excitement, "yo ho ho, a pirates life for
me", a birthday party - and presents for past occasions, hanging out in
the cousins "dorm", Sunny locked out on a high balcony without any
way to remedy (save for Nathan's rescue), etc., etc.
I especially liked the fact that
though there was a TV, we only watched a video one evening with Jackson who was
going through withdrawal - having no wii or basketball hoop to play with.
It, too, was a good relaxing, bonding time and it provided a theme for
one of our successful sand sculpture entries.
And what could be a better finale
for the week than EVERYONE being there with friends and some extended family
for the baptism of Jackson and Jaleigh; a perfect end to a wonderful, wonderful
weekend.
