A Visit from Grandpa Andy!

What a crazy week we have had. To round out our week of visitors, work, school meetings, Halloween party's, etc., yesterday we were treated to Grandpa Andy's annual October visit. For about the last 4 years, towards the end of October my dad has made a solo trip to GR. I think that my parents have discovered a great secret - when they visit us by themselves they don't have to compete for attention from the grandkids. It is quite different than the chaos that often prevails when our family gets together en masse!

West Michigan is wonderful in the Fall and the weather yesterday did not disappoint. It was a perfect afternoon, sunny and warm. Our visit started with our mandatory trip to Robinette's Apple Haus for some cider and donuts.

We ran into some friends from school when we first got there, two of Michael and Erick's favorite buddies, Carson and Drew. So while the adults visited and soaked up the afternoon sun, the kids ran around and played. There is an old painted wagon and a giant apple out in front of the store that provides great amusement for the kids. Doesn't sound like much, but they love it!

So the afternoon was spent with the kids burning off a little of their endless supply of energy, and refueling it at the same time with delicious pumpkin and cinnamon donuts and fresh apple cider. We left with a gorgeous Dutch apple pie that Grandpa bought for dessert.

Since I had heard rumors that there might be rain yesterday (again with the unpredictable MI weather) I had picked up some wooden crafts for the boys to paint with Grandpa. Last year we carved pumpkins, but this year Michael painted a treasure box to go with his pirate themed Halloween costume, and Dad and Erick painted bird houses. It was quite fun and proved very entertaining. Such budding artists!

We had a great visit and only wish it could have lasted longer. We look forward to getting together over Thanksgiving!