Lots of Fun!

Wednesday was originally going to be get ready for the trip day.  While we did get some of that done, we had a fun evening at the beach.  First we went shopping for things Matthew needed~sunglasses, a watch and sunscreen. Got some groceries for the picnic later and of course milk as always.

By four pm we were off for our fun at the beach.  We stopped by Brandon's to drive down together, then picked up Kirsti a mutual friend.  Matthew and I rode in the Prius and Brandon, Mary, Ben, Sam and Kirsti were in the lead car.  Got to Grand Haven State park by 6 pm and camped down by the shoreline.  There was lots of algae in the water where we were, but the water was clear further out and further down. Walking in the sand was some major therapy for my calf muscle. I chose not to go into the lake just to be on the safe side. We had a very nice picnic with sandwiches, snack crackers and oreos.  Mmmm.  More swimming and frisbee on the beach.  I enjoyed relaxing on the beach, taking in the fresh air and happy sounds of friends at the beach. After sundown, we drove up coast a little, parked and walked to see the Musical Fountain. At 10:10pm the show began. There is a group of fountains on an island. The fountains have lights and motion while music plays,"Bohemian Rhapsody" was one of the songs.  Got home late, had a midnight snack and watched some TV.  It was a fun day.

Yesterday Matthew had to work, and Mary had cello lessons at noon.  I had therapy early in the morning and then came home and got the laundry done, took a nap and then made a chicken crescent dinner for Matthew, Mary and Brandon.  It turned out very nice, even made Triple Chunk Brownies.  After dinner, Mary Brandon and Matthew went out to Brandon's for swimming at his lake. I sent the brownies out with them for his family to enjoy as well.  Matthew was happy to play video games with Ben. They got home before midnight reporting a fun time.

This morning Mary tutored English and Matthew got last minute things done.  We got to the airport and met the rest of the group.  Everyone was pretty excited about the trip. I took a few pictures of the group and they were off! Heard from Matthew while he was on layover in Memphis.  I know he will have a good time. Mary went to her friend Joe's house for swimming.  Her friend Gia was there too. While in the lake, a leech attached to her foot.  Didn't notice it until she got out.  She said it didn't hurt, but bled a lot after she pulled it off.  She cleaned it up, and later we soaked it in salt water and doused it with peroxide. 

Jeff's cousin Adam and his family came to visit this afternoon. We went to the Danish Kingdom playground and then Mancinos for a pizza dinner.  It was delicious!  It sure was nice spending time together, too bad Jeff won't be home until tomorrow.   I can't wait to see him!  I will only have 24 hours before he leaves again, but I will take what I can get. The Air Force gets him for the following 10 days. I will practice for church tomorrow, and have been asked to play for a wedding next month.  Need to practice before I meet the bride next week.

Guess that is it!  Try to update soon!

Gracie