Those people...

Have you ever driven by a hotel/motel and seen those people sitting outside their room, in the parking lot for all intents and purposes, drinking beer? Well, it turns out, we're those people.

We packed up and left Leland Sunday afternoon to head down the coast to Grand Haven to hang out with some friends up from Texas. The drive was pleasant. As soon as we checked in to our hotel the heavens opened up. It was like a really big budget version of a terrible Kirk Cameron, straight to DVD, over the top movie... and we were left behind. The rain pelted the door, and the wind was strong enough to not only topple a tree within our view but also knock out the power.

So we hung out. And hung out. The kids played. The kids went to bed (no small feat by candle light). And the adults were left to sit in the parking lot, swilling beers and being taunted by the lights twinkling across the street at another hotel. But, damned if it wasn't fun. The power came on eventually and we went sleepy-time.

Next morning we were up and out the door, headed for the beach. I think we were the first ones there and so had the pick of spots. Alex immediately started following Hudson and Zoe around like a homesick puppy. She had a blast staring at baby Levi,

playing with the kids, and being buried alive by her uncle Michael (who just happened to be in town with Max and Cheri so they could meet up with the rest of the rabble).

Max, of course, chose a more solitary endeavor... contemplating life's little foibles and solving all the world's problems... his health care reform bill will be ready for review later this week.