The hubs & I decided to plan a quick 4-day family getaway this summer. Disney? Dane's too young. Mount Rushmore? Too far. Paris? In your dreams. Michigan? That sounded just about right. My sister & brother-in-law lived in Michigan for several years and told stories of the beautiful beaches, scenery, & quaint towns that made up Michigan's coast. We traveled to South Haven a few years ago with Devin's family & it was just that. Quiet, quaint & just pretty. After a little research and advice from Devin's sister, we found an adorable condo in Holland, Michigan. Who needs Paris when you have a beach, wooden shoes & cute coffee shops just down the road? The trip was booked & the packing started. Anybody with small children can chime in an "Amen" out there. Packing for even a short family vacation requires more items than the settlers needed for Westward expansion. I know, didn't think I knew anything about history, right? Well, it's true. Just pack everything from the high- chair to baby nail clippers & you're set. No covered wagon needed.
The drive wasn't bad, the scenery gorgeous & the next 4 days just plain relaxing. Just what our little family of 3 needed. And, Holland? Well, I would recommend a visit there anytime. From the adorable shops & restaurants on 8th street, to the biggest farmer's market I have ever seen, to homemade ice cream every night...we saw & did everything. I kept thinking I would wake up at some point and this all be just a dream - our first family vacation, my 6 month old playing quietly on the floor, Devin & I reading at the pool, taking pictures at the beach. Just what I imagined.
Thanks for a great four days, Holland. We'll be back for sure. A packed-full covered wagon & all.
