Fall Beach Day

One weekend mid-October, we were heading back to my hometown for my nephew's 2nd birthday party. We were about half-way there when I got a text from my brother that he wasn't home from work yet, and to take our time. Well, quick thinking while I was driving got us off the toll road, and I headed up to the Lake Michigan Dunes area. The kids had not been to this part of the lake in some time now, and I had wonderful memories of going to this exact beach as a kid, so we headed there. When Adam and I used to live in Valpo, we would often head here to have a quick picnic dinner after work and just relax. Kemil Road Beach is one of my all time favorite beaches to go to. They have a parking lot just across the street from the beach, a clean bathroom, and stairs leading down. It is always the cleanest beach!

I figured our quick stop would be perfect for a bathroom break, a few pictures, and a chance to reconnect with the water. We ended up walking all the way down to the water because it was such an amazing day.

These two, I swear, are often times our own little mini-me companions! They are even standing just like Adam and I here!

D is getting really great at taking pictures of us with my phone. Thankfully now, we are able to have more of just the 2 of us again.

Everything was just amazing that day. The sky, the water, the sand, all the colors, and the warm sun!

Something that I have always felt a connection to, were the Chicago World's Fair houses that were moved to this beach. Growing up I sadly watch them mostly fall to disrepair. But a few years ago, they started to be rehabbed, and they look amazing. I even studied the history in college for a few years. I happily shared their history with the kids, who thought it was really neat, but mostly just humored me.

It was the perfect day for a quick stop.

Beach Day

We hadn't gotten to the beach yet this season, and decided one weekend in August to head out. We opted for an evening get-away, packed dinner, and tried a new to us beach off of Lake Michigan. Adam had the thought to try Warren Dunes in Michigan, so off we went. With an arrival of 5:30, the beach was still pretty packed, but we luckily found a parking spot in the first row. The majority of people started to pack up and leave, which allowed us to find a great little spot to spread out. The kids had instantly spotted the giant dunes that people were climbing and rolling down, so Adam took them to try it out. They were in sandy heaven and came back with sand in their ears. I enjoyed sitting in a chair reading my book while they explored the beach. Unfortunately the temps dropped and I was freezing, so I didn't even get into the water and sat wrapped up in a towel.

But Adam and the kids could not stay out of the water and sand!

The sunset was amazing and you could just barely see Chicago way off in the distance.

And of course we had to get a beach selfie!

We eventually packed up and headed out. As we were leaving we noticed a great little ice cream and fudge shop directly across from the entrance, so we headed on over. Since I was the only one that was not soaking wet and had shoes on, I headed in and picked up cones for all. The places was small and quaint, but had everything you would want in a shop like that. On top of that the ice cream was fantastic and a great price.

It was now 3 hours past bedtime, and these kids couldn't help but pass out in the car on the way back home. It was the best time, and we can't wait to go back next year!

D is 3!

My little girl turned 3 this year!  I can't believe it.  It really doesn't seem like it has been that long.  Now if you don't know, my kids were due the same day a year apart.  Yes, Irish twins!  No it was not planned that way, and yes they are the same age for 4 days since the boy came late, and the girl came on time.  Every year we have 1 family/friends birthday party for the both of them, since their birthdays are actually the same week.  This year, L's birthday actually fell on Father's day, so we had the party the weekend before.  They really wanted some of their friends to come.  It was a small party, but tons of fun.  D picked a princess theme of course.  I attempted a different princess castle cake.  I'm not really happy with how it turned out, I feel that it is lacking something.  Oh well. 

On her actual birthday she woke up to find a small stack of presents waiting for her by the couch.  She was really happy to see a Toy Story card from mom and dad.  She got a Barbie fishing pole, a play guitar, a wooden doll car, and a My Little Pony.  On their birthday's we let them choose where they would like to have lunch and what they would like to do that day.  Adam took the whole week off for vacation so that we could do really fun family stuff all week.  We were able to go anywhere big, but did fun things around the house all week.  D picked going to the beach.  So we headed to Potato Creek State Park.  There we did swimming at the little beach and a little hiking.  There was even a playground for the kids to play on.  Since we were still at the beach for lunch we just grabbed food there. The kids and Adam napped in the car on the way home, and then we headed to the library by our house.  The kids got their very own library cards.  Boy were they happy about that!  D then picked a root beer stand close to home for dinner.  We topped off the day by celebrating at home with cupcakes.  I really hope she had a fantastic birthday.  I think she did!