Day Nine

To write this I am sat out in the backyard enjoying the barmy evening.

Apparently £120,000 worth of house!

Today started with a lie in, getting up at 9am. Put our washing in the machine, as running out of clothes. Got ready and went out with the family for the day. First stop was the IHOP, the International House of Pancakes. Menu was large, the food larger. By the time we finished we felt we didn't have to eat again for the next 3 weeks.

Pancake Heaven

We then travelled to down town Grand Rapids, to have a look at where Craig works before heading to the shores of Lake Michigan. Parked up and went to the beach. Cracking weather again. Had a great time. Kyle was a natural kite flyer.

Left the beach at 2.30pm and headed into the nearby town of Saugatuck. Went to an ice cream shop and ate some very nice ice cream. Ann had cashew nut and caramel and I had cookie dough and cappuccino. Ann was impressed with a 'Bear Claw' dessert thing made of nuts, caramel and chocolate. Went into a gift shop to look for postcards. Heard a crashing sound from the other part of the shop. Presumed either Kyle or Ryan had knocked something. Found out later that Craig had fallen over into a shelf. Found a park so the kids could have a play.

Headed home for tea. Saw firetruck on the way, which was big news in the car. Got kicked in eye by small child whilst waiting for dinner. Craig made spaghetti bolognese. Sat out in garden to eat. Was still very warm. Ryan followed the family balance trait by falling off chair three times during dinner. Afterwards we had toasted marshmallows followed by an unusual outdoor experience.

Rounded the evening off with more X-Box action. Now sleep before heading west to Fort Dodge tomorrow.