A Visit from Mim and Papa

My parents left yesterday morning after five full days of quality family time. I always have an empty pit feeling in my stomach when they leave but know our next visit will be here before we know it. Read on for a recap of their stay with us! We miss them so much already.

Thursday

My parents arrived late Thursday afternoon, shortly after getting the boys home from school. It was sunny and warm, so we spent time outside catching up over wine and beers. For dinner, we kept it simple with a Costco gyro meal kit (which was really yummy by the way). Owen showed off his worm farm and it was a nice evening to relax by the lake.

Friday

Ryan drove Andrew and Lucas to school, so my parents and I enjoyed a slow morning with Owen. We took him to the “beach park” (what Owen calls it also known as Greilickville Harbor Park). The sun was starting to warm up and it was looking to be a beautiful day.

After the park, we headed into downtown. Front Street looked so quaint and pretty with the trees in bloom. We strolled into the candy store and of course Mim and Papa let Owen pick some out for himself and his brothers.

We had plans to meet Ryan for lunch at North Bar on the rooftop. The best chicken and waffles I’ve ever had!

After lunch, we had a little time before Andrew and Lucas needed picked up. Papa took Owen to another playground while my mom and I did a little shopping. We grilled some chicken for dinner and then it was time to get ready for a family photo session in the cherry orchard! The boys did a great job during the photoshoot, so we capped the day with an outing to Moomers. Yum!

Saturday

Saturday morning started early with a soccer game for Andrew and Lucas. We lost yet again but the boys had fun playing, especially with Mim and Papa cheering them on.

After the soccer game, we headed home to make something to eat. Ryan, Papa, Lucas and Andrew had plans for a boat ride and some fishing. The boys love the fishing boat!

My mom, Owen, and I ventured to French Valley Vineyard (one of our go-to wineries now). Owen played and picked dandelions for us while we sipped on rose. it was a lovely Saturday afternoon!

Saturday evening, Ryan and I had plans for a long overdue date night. We ate on the patio at West End Tavern overlooking the marina and bay. Then we enjoyed some after-dinner drinks (chocolate martini for me of course) at the Parlor, a really cool cocktail bar downtown.

Sunday

I was thrilled to spend Mother’s Day with my mom! We enjoyed a slow morning with our coffee and tea and had plans for brunch at Farm Club. However, when we arrived it was absolutely PACKED. So, Plan B took us to brunch at Knot Just a Bar. The views were gorgeous, no wait, and the Bloody Mary’s tasted excellent. However, the food was just okay. I would return for their Bloody Mary’s but not for their brunch.

After brunch, we headed to Leland for an afternoon of shopping. We also grabbed some lattes at Madcap.

The boys were out at the breweries, so made a stop at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay for a glass of wine before heading home.

We had plans to go out for dinner but instead decided to order pizza from Nittolo’s and made a big salad to go with it. We played some games, and it was nice to just hang in after being out all day.

Monday

It was back to school for Andrew and Lucas and wallpapering was on the agenda for mom and I. Our little cottage kitchen has been lacking a backsplash. After doing some research online, I read about using wallpaper as a backsplash option. I asked my mom if she would be willing to help me and ordered a roll from Erin Napier’s line (Lemon Grove). Papa took Owen out while my mom and I got to work. It was a much bigger job than anticipated (lots of cutting) but we got it done! I have to give major props to my mom; she did all the hard work and it turned out so great! It adds much needed color and personality.

Tuesday

On Tuesday morning, I treated my mom to a pedicure for Mother’s Day and all her wallpaper help. We had appointments at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. My mom said it was one of the best pedicures she’s ever had! We both thoroughly enjoyed it.

The rest of the afternoon was spent thrifting and a stop at Boathouse Vineyards in Lake Leelanau.

Lucas and Andrew had soccer practice after school, and we went out to dinner at Streetside Grille in Sutton’s Bay for their last night. I soaked up the last few hours of their visit and forgot to snap some pictures.

It was a wonderful five days and can’t wait until their next visit!