Riding the Dunes and Sharing the Love - Week of Aug. 3rd

Mom & Cam

For the first time in a very long time, Cam's parents took Monday off of work and we took 'Auntie' Leslie, Oma and Opa with us to the Mac Woods Dune Rides, located in Silver Lake, Michigan.

This was Cam's first outing to this particular dune scooter business and it couldn't have been a better day to head out in the sunshine and feel the wind in your hair.  In addition to hearing all about the history of the area during the 7-mile scoot, we also learned that Mac Wood's

brings more than 80,000 customers through its ride every year.  Mac Wood's has been in existence since 1930!  Halfway through the adventure, everyone can walk around and see the awesome view of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan.  Most importantly, your feet feel the soft sand which travels with you all day.

Afterwards, Cam proclaimed that he liked the Saugatuck Dune Rides more because "they were bumpier and faster!"  However, Jane definitely leans towards the Mac Woods flavor, a staple of her childhood.

With sandy feet and hungry bellies, we walked over to the Whippy Dip where we all enjoyed a delicious lunch and maybe a milkshake for the road.  Can you spot whose head is in the middle of the ice cream cone?

Back in Grand Rapids, 'Auntie Leslie' was one of the fam for the remainder of the week.  On Friday, she and Jane took Cam and Emma over to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.  Lettuce leaves were added to the snacks fed to the giraffes.  Cam was able to provide some green sustenance to the tall animal there.

Leslie and Cam had a great time with the pigmy goats.  They took their carrots and cracker treats so gingerly from your hand.  But they were certainly not shy about pushing others out of the way
to be closest in line for a snack.  Cam couldn't stop cracking up over their antics!

Leslie is Jane's dearest friend from childhood.  They have so many memories together and now their families have an opportunity to make new ones.  'Auntie' Leslie couldn't resist giving Cam some early birthday presents, including some silly fake mustaches and teeth.
The week went by much too quickly, especially for Jane, and we look forward to our next visit together!

It is one of the blessings of old friends
that you can afford to
be stupid with them. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

On Sunday, Cam's parents celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.  Inside the 'present' was a homemade card from Cam that read "Thank you for being my parents!"
And we thank you, Cam, for being such a great kid...