A Day Trip

I had asked the Heinisch children in October if they would keep November 18th open so that we could take a trip to Michigan to celebrate my fiftieth birthday as a family.  I was glad that everyone was able to make time to send the day with Doug and I.  Cal invited Hannah-Marie as well and we all enjoyed a wonderful trip to Michigan.

The first stop of the day was Saugatuck.  I love walking up and down their streets browsing in their shops.  We were surprised at how many of the stores were closed for the season, especially Kilwin's as their fudge would make a perfect holiday gift.  We did, however, find a lot of shops still open including several favorites such as The Butler Pantry, American Foods and Glik's.  The girls bought jewelry that they really liked and I purchased a cream and crimson striped sweater perfect for IU games.  Brett didn't find anything, but Doug, Cam and Cal were happy with the pumpkins salsa we took home.

Lunch was eaten at New Holland Brewing Company.  Everyone enjoyed the pepperoni pinwheels as an appetizer.  Meg even made them her main course choice.  Cal was excited at first as it looked like they were going to let him partake in the Bloody Mary bar, but in the end they carded him ruining his fun. After lunch we walked through Holland window shopping.  HM was on a mission to find an ornament for her mom and with Meg and Cal's help she got a nice one.

Our tour of Michigan led us to Grand Rapids next and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.  Doug and I had wanted to take Brett there ever since our first visit several years ago.  They had added on to it since we had been there including a wing on Betty Ford's life.  The museum was interesting and everyone took their time walking through the exhibits.  My favorite were the stairs leading to the  helicopters evacuating those stranded during the fall of Saigon.  Brett and Doug both first thought they were the stairs that Ford fell down which was recaptured many times over in gag bits on SNL.

Our last stop in Michigan was Founder's Brewing Company.  Meg wasn't hungry, but the rest of us ordered something small to sample.  Cam kept us all updated on the IU vs. Arkansas game which unfortunately ended with the Hoosier's first loss of the season.  The drive home was an easy one, just dark.  My parents met us once we returned, so that we could enjoy cake and ice cream.  I also opened my birthday gifts appreciating the jewelry, Mickey Mouse sign, pajamas, bird feeder and sweater very much.  It was a wonderful way to end a week long birthday celebration.