Quality One on One Time with Randy's Family

Yesterday my nephew and niece (Randy & Lizz) and their family came out to the cottage to spend the day with me. Lizz had texted me a couple of weeks earlier to set it up. The day before they were coming I looked at the weather forecast and it looked like it was going to be rainy. I warned them ahead of time so they wouldn't make the 2+ hour drive from Grand Rapids if it wasn't going to be nice. They obviously didn't realize how small (800 sq. feet) the cottage is and I was worried there would be nothing for them to do if we were cramped inside. Lizz said they were definitely coming and she kept telling me not to stress-out and that they had no expectations.

We had the best time with them! Their kids are so cute and so well behaved! I loved observing them as parents. Randy took each of the kids separately on a kayak ride. He is such a sweet dad and reminded me so much of his dad, my brother Dave. His quiet way with them and his constant interaction was such a joy to experience. Lizz couldn't have been more complimentary of our cottage. I loved how she made herself at home and jumped right in. They loved that it was just "us."

I feel like I got to know their kids a lot better. Lillian is 10 years old and is so mature. She is quite the athlete and such a sweetheart. Trey is 4 years old and is adorable. Their youngest, Eveline is almost 3 years old. I will always remember her age because I drove Dave and Pattie over to their house right after she was born. It was important to Dave that he go see her. He slept all the way over there; rallied for the visit; and slept all the way home, while trying to get comfortable. He passed away shortly after that final visit.

Linc came after work and we all went for a boat ride to go get the famous pizza rolls and of course "superman" ice cream for the three of them. Oh yeah, "Grandma Pattie" came over and joined us. I hadn't seen her in forever and it was nice catching up. She seemed to be doing pretty well.

I am learning that I most enjoy our tiny little cottage when we have small groups out there. I'm able to spend quality time with them. I didn't need to worry about them being bored. We had lunch; played the bean-bag game outside; the kids swam in the little beach area; Randy took the kids kayaking; we watched some of the movie, "Frozen" (and loved hearing the kids sing along!); played Jenga; went on a boat ride after the rain stopped; and just talked and caught up.

[caption id="attachment_1405" align="alignnone" width="467"] Lizz & Lilly[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1411" align="alignnone" width="560"] Randy & Lilly[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1406" align="alignnone" width="467"] Lilly[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1407" align="alignnone" width="560"] Randy & Trey on the kayak.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1408" align="alignnone" width="560"] Eveline[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1409" align="alignnone" width="467"] Eveline & Trey[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignnone" width="560"] Eveline & Trey[/caption]

I had the best Wednesday I have had in a very long time!