Happy Fall Y’all!

I started this blog post a few weeks ago and finally got around to posting it. Thanks for stopping by!

We kicked off fall with a visit from grandpa! Keep on scrolling for a summary of all our fun. It’s pretty brief in description but captures all the highlights. The weather was feeling more like summer, but absolutely gorgeous! Quite different from what we are experiencing right now brrrrr!

Friday 9/22

After bringing the boys home from school on Friday, we spent some time outside playing soccer and hanging out with grandpa. It looked like a storm was rolling in, but ended up blowing over, so we decided on dinner at one of our favorite spots, Hop Lot Brewing Company.

The boys played in the giant sandpit along with some cornhole. It was a beautiful evening for hanging out (minus the mosquitos). We love outdoor restaurants where the boys have things to play and aren’t stuck in a seat the whole time. Makes it more enjoyable for everyone!

We came home and went straight to bed because of our soccer game early the next morning.

Saturday 9/23

Saturday started bright and early at the soccer field. Grandpa was pet sitting our four-legged nephew, Leland, so he was there cheering the boys on too.

It was a beautiful fall morning for soccer and the boys’ team won! Lucas scored a goal, too!

Good job, Coach Ryan!

After soccer, we came home and cooked up a late breakfast outside. It was such a gorgeous day, so we decided on an afternoon of hiking to Lake Michigan, a trip to a farm, and a brewery stop.

We headed to Maple Bay Natural Area for our hike. We did this same hike last winter with grandpa when it was a lot colder and windier! It’s a peaceful walk in the woods that leads you to beautiful views of East Bay.

The view of the Lake Michigan never gets old. Especially on a 75-degree sunny day! We spent time walking along the shore skipping rocks. Ryan is extremely good at this, me not so much!

After our hike, we wanted to check out a popular farm in the area we’ve never visited called Friske’s Farm Market. Wow, what a place! Pumpkins galore, lots of things for kids to do, and a huge barn full of gifts, all things apple, and even a cafe.

The boys played at the playground, jumped on the bounce pillow, pumped water for rubber duckies, and even smashed a pumpkin! Unfortunately, the apple sling shot was not so fun as Ryan hurt his hand pretty bad. Thank goodness it wasn’t broken!

We enjoyed some apple cider slushes and bought a dozen donuts to go (which tasted amazing by the way!). It was a fun outing, and we’ll be back!

Our plan was to hit Short’s Brewing Co. on the way back. I ordered the Soft Parade, a favorite of mine. We also got some hot dogs from the stand and the boys played in the sand. I love when breweries and wineries are kid friendly!

After that, it was time to head home for the Ohio State game. Ryan was happy with that outcome!

Sunday 9/24

Sunday, we had big plans to go kayaking on the Crystal River! Ryan and his dad have done this several times, me only once many years ago. We filled up on a nice big breakfast, then packed the kayaks and made our way to Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor.

The trip is estimated to take 2-3 hours, so we knew we were in for a long afternoon of kayaking. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny, slight breeze, 75 degrees.

There was one time I struggled, but other than that it was pretty smooth sailing! The boys loved it, especially watching the salmon. Ryan almost caught one with his bare hands, haha!

It was the perfect way to say goodbye to summer. Can’t wait for grandpa’s next visit!