Holland Holiday

Earlier this month, we took a much-needed vacation away from the city.  Along with our small group friends, we rented a cottage right on Lake Michigan near the town of Holland.  It was a bit of a full-house -- four families with a combined total of eight kids: three infants, four two-year olds, and Aaron.  But there is beauty in chaos, and we just love this group of friends so much.  It is always such a blessing to be able to spend time with them.

The trip started off well enough.  Our car was packed to the gills, but everyone was in good spirits and excited for vacation.

Who knew you could fit three carseats in a row?

By the end of the three-hour drive, some of us were ready to get out of the car...

Done.  Just done.

When we arrived at the house, we couldn't have been more thrilled with what we saw.  It was a beautiful cottage right on the lake with our own private beach and deck overlooking the water.  Who could ask for anything more!

The kids made a beeline for the beach, naturally.

Jill and her bestie, Adah

For some reason, they got really excited about standing in still water

Can't imagine where they got that idea

The babies joined in the fun

Danny and Lucy made pretty cute beach bunnies

While we were there, we also checked out the beach at Holland state park, where I spent many a happy summer day as a kid myself:

Danny and Sawyer, chilling in the shade tent

Napping in Momma's arms

All cozy in Danny's monogrammed beach towel.
Poor Danimal.  Even the things that aren't hand-me-downs
are going to be used by the time he gets to them.

Before she tasted the sand...

...and after.

Shade tent selfie

Family shot on the beach

After Holland state park, we headed to Captain Sundae, which is apparently the go-to ice cream joint in Holland.  The kids had no complaints.

Nothing like a cold cone on a boat

One evening we went out for dinner in downtown Holland.  I didn't get any pictures of us in the restaurant because we were all so busy trying to keep our small children in check.  But I did get some pictures of our post-dinner stop in a nearby sweet shop.

Happy as a kid in a candy store...

...literally

We also found a nearby blueberry farm one day.  About as many blueberries went into the kids' mouths as their buckets, but my favorite part was how Jill sang out "Kuplink! Kuplank! Kuplunk!" every time she put a blueberry in her bucket, just like Little Sal.  The blueberry farm also sold the most amazing blueberry doughnuts I've ever tasted.

Best seat in the house

"Little Sal, because her feet were tired of standing
and walking, sat down in the middle of a large
clump of bushes and ate blueberries."

You can't see one of these things and not take a picture

Just the kids

Doing their best Edith Ann impression

We made a few trips to Tunnel Park, which was right down the street.  I also spent a lot of time there as a kid (although I don't remember the playground equipment being quite so impressive).  The park has a sand dune and the kids had a blast climbing up, running down, and getting as much sand in their pants as possible.

This definitely did not exist the last time I was here

Nice and cool in the strong breeze at the top of the dune

Even the moments when we stayed at home were filled with activity and silliness.  With so many kids at the house, it was impossible to be bored.  

How many kiddos can we squeeze onto one couch?

Taking a break from our croquet game

Following the leader

Backyard races

They all fall down!

Impromptu dance party.  I think Jill and Adah might be twerking.

Then it turned into a hula party

Driving lessons

Baby playtime

Since there were so many of us in such close quarters, we became like one big blended family.  Everyone took care of everyone, and everything from meals to showers to bedtime stories became a group effort.  

And at the end of each day, we were all drawn to the deck to watch the breathtaking sunsets.

Snuggling up to say goodnight to the sun

The sunset reflected in Jill's beautiful brown eyes

After the kids were all tucked in, the adults congregated on the deck to enjoy some peace, fellowship...and wine.

Granted, all the excitement made for some overstimulation.  Add a few newborns who still aren't sleeping through the night into the mix, and it wasn't exactly always restful.  

We had a couple of low points:

But when the end of the week rolled around, no one wanted to leave.  Even Aaron, who usually prefers routine and familiarity, was begging to stay.  On our final night there, we roasted s'mores on the beach and watched our final sunset.

Goodbye Holland!  Thanks for the memories.  We hope to see you again next summer!

Sunkissed and satisfied