Jul 26 2012

Markin Glen, Kalamazoo

Written by Crissa · Short URL: http://b4a.us/a/5352

The lake at night

After spending time at Mike’s folks’ cottage, we drove a couple of hours and set up “camp” a few miles from my parents’ home. Upon my dad’s suggestion, we stayed at Markin Glen, a Kalamazoo County Park. It turned out to be a perfect park for us—both in location and layout.

So many good things occurred during our week here.

Several get-togethers with extended family. My parents, sister and kids joined us at Markin Glen on our first full day in town. We spent the day eating (thanks for breakfast and lunch, Mom and Dad), talking, bike riding, swimming, fishing, walking trails, and playing games. Gratefully, we had additional opportunities to spend time with my parents.
Celebrating our wedding anniversary. Mike and I have been married 21 years this week. My parents offered to take the kids for an overnight on Saturday so Mike and I could celebrate early. We were unsure what to “do,” so we headed downtown Kalamazoo. We happened upon the Black Arts Festival occuring in Bronson Park. We enjoyed some good food (rib tips, crawfish, and sweet potato pie), listened to some good music, and checked out the art work on display. When we returned to the campground we competed in a rousing ladderball tournament (Mike won 2-1).
Concert in the park. On Sunday we spent time at my parents’ home (another delicious meal prepared by Mom). That evening we met them at Kindleburger Park in Parchment for a free concert. We really enjoyed the band, Shout, a Beatle’s tribute band.
Meeting up with friends. On Monday I had a long lunch with my high school/college friend Karen. On Tuesday, I spent the morning (which actually turned into half of the afternoon, too) with my friend Michelle. So good to catch up with “old” friends.
Running errands and shopping.
Couch to 5K. So, I’ve been talking for a while about starting the C25K program. I decided that Kalamazoo was the place to actually begin (what with my dad being a runner and all). I completed Week 1.
Inaugural family salon. We met for our first salon on Wednesday evening. The plan is to discuss a topic, eat something “new” and interesting, and just spend time learning to converse. This week’s topic was Gratitude. A couple of days earlier, Mike emailed us links to three online articles that we were to read, think about, and be prepared to talk about. Storybird selected our “treat”—a coconut. It was a good start. (Storybird is selecting next week’s topic. She’s already sent us links to read and prepare for the topic, Hope.)
New used bike. During our one year trip, Harrison’s bike took a beating. Earlier this summer we found a used bike for me (I didn’t have a bike). This week Mike found a good used bike on Craig’s List for Harrison. Harrison’s already put on some miles.
Ortho visit for Storybird. On Thursday, before moving on, Storybird and I made a drive to Zeeland for an important orthodontic appointment. While there it was determined that Storybird’s braces will come off the end of August. That sure will make traveling away from the area a whole lot easier.