Automobile Milestones

In less than 2 months, both of our vehicles passed major milestones.

In September the Pathfinder rolled over 100,000 miles.

 

Last week our Caravan passed 200,000 miles.

 

 

Fun Fall

It has been a fall full of fun family activities.  

Zeeland Pumpkinfest

Gymnastics

A new train set and table...and unintended activities

Cowboys

Flour

 

Forts

Cousins

 

The "getting away" game at bedtime and ensuing pile-on.

 

RBD Tour: Season 8

Derek, Ben, and I visited our 7th away Big-Ten stadium last weekend to watch the Wolverines beat Minnesota.  Our first 7 years included the 6 closest Big-Ten schools and nearby Notre Dame.  This year we had to rack up some miles so we flew to Minneapolis and spent a full weekend away.

Upon arrival we played some Frisbee golf in 2 parks.

On Saturday morning we parked near the stadium and tailgated next to a big crushing factory.

 

 

The stadium was excellent and the game was a success for Michigan, winning 35-13.  Their win makes our record 5-3 overall.  Remember, that includes the RichRod years...

 

Our food challenge for the weekend was to eat 50 McNuggets (each)!  The cashier almost passed out when I walked up and said "I'll take 150 McNuggets and 3 large pops."  He had to call the manager over to take the order.  The manager was so happy he threw in the pops for free.

I redeemed myself from last year's hot dog disappointment.  Results:

• Randy - COMPLETE in 22 minutes
• Derek - COMPLETE in 37 minutes
• Ben - FAIL.  At 53 minutes he was at a pathetic 36 McNuggets.  He tried to finish strong but stumbled to a total of 43 nuggets in 60 minutes. 

 

 

Weekend Away!

In late October Erin and I enjoyed a very rare 3-day weekend away from the kids.  The weekend was part of my birthday present to Erin.  Our destination: Toledo.  Not very exotic, but it minimized travel time, was a city we've never visited before, and was at the peak of color season.

It was a terrific 3 days together.  I was able to combine some of our favorite activities into one enjoyable weekend - hiking, traveling, cities, nice restaurants, movies, hot tub, and sleeping in.

We enjoyed several 2-3 mile hikes in the parks surrounding the city.

 

 

For the first time ever we stayed in a bed and breakfast.  After initially "scoffing" at my choice Erin came around to really enjoy it.  Our host was a phenomenal baker and treated us to several awesome baked goods.  

 

 

We spent a few hours in Toledo's Imagination Station, which is a great hands-on museum.  

 

Here is a visualization of why Erin is always colder than me.  BLOOD FLOW!  Notice my hands and face are at the hot end of the spectrum while Erin's hands hardly show any heat and her face is a much lighter red.

 

 

 

 Finally, we roller-bladed for the first time in 2+ years.