The Big Beach

We went to Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon on Thursday. We had been trying all summer to get over to the Big Beach (as we like to call it), but it was either too cold, too rainy, or we were just too busy. Finally, we made it. It started out overcast and a little chilly, but the water wasn't bad unless you have something against hypothermia. After a while the sun came out and warmed things up a bit.


Jacob had a blast playing in the water. He loves the waves crashing all around him. He runs and jumps and lays down and floats in on a wave. It is so fun to watch him play. Last year Jacob stayed right at the edge of the water on the beach, but this year he was brave about wandering in a little. He didn't even seem to mind being knocked over by the waves or getting splashed in the face. I wasn't sure we were ever going to get him to leave, but eventually he came up to us and said he was ready to go. Of course, his teeth were chattering and his lips were purple.

































Ethan preferred staying on shore. When he did go into the water the waves would knock him right over and he didn't like it. Daddy took him for a walk down the beach and he seemed to enjoy that. Although, he was worried about being eaten by the seagulls. He also spent quite a bit of time playing in the sand. He was very fond of filling his bucket up with sand and taking it to the water's edge and then dumping it. Curt and I figured he was just doing his part to stop beach erosion.

Of course we couldn't leave Hoffmaster without going to the Nature Center. This was the highlight of the trip for Curt. From the time we start talking about going to the Big Beach, he talks about going to the Nature Center. I haven't figured out what he loves about it so much other than he spent time there as a child. They have turtles, snakes, fish, some stuffed birds, a gift shop and a room that you can push buttons. It is right up his alley and I think his enthusiasm about the whole place has influenced the boys because they get all excited about it too.

After we left the beach we went to our favorite "family" restaurant, Applebee's, had a yummy dinner and then drove down to Grand Haven. We took a walk on the boardwalk and looked at all the boats. Usually we get some ice cream, but we were so full from dinner we didn't have room for it. On the ride home both of the boys fell asleep. I love it when we wear them out!! A perfect end to a perfect day.