A Most Precious Visit

Grandpa and Grandma Hoksbergen were able to come to Michigan and visit for a weekend before continuing on their way for a color tour out east. We had SOOOO much fun with them while they were here and only wish they could have stayed longer. We all went out for supper and ice cream Friday night and then back to the hotel to swim.
Miya and Jayden then got to stay overnight in Great G n G's hotel. This was such a special treat for them. A night in a hotel (one of their favorite things to do) and time alone with Great Grandma and Grandpa. I guess they woke up and had two breakfasts with swimming in between. I'm sure that was Grandpa and Grandmas' idea:0)
Jeff and I patiently waited at home with Melanie for them to come back so we could go fruit picking.....we'll they didn't come home till around 2. They ended up visiting an aunt in a nursing home and then spoiling the girls with Burger King. After a quick nap it was off to one of Jeff's customers to pick some raspberries and blackberries. It was good time picking and in between the spouts of rain we enjoyed some blueberry doughnuts and coffee to warm up. It turned out to be a beautiful evening once the rain stopped.





Then it was off to Crane's to pick a few apples. Being the first weekend to pick Honey Crisp, it was BUSY. So we quickly loaded up and ventured to Fenn Valley for a little wine tasting. Since we were in the fruit picking mode, I thought maybe we could pick some grapes. NOT the right kind of grapes to pick for eating....just for wine making. The wine sure tasted good though!! After an afternoon of fruit picking it was time for supper. And what to do you do after supper on a beautiful Saturday evening? ? You head to the beach of course!! We trekked out to oval beach to look at the view, and then the girls wanted to get out and run on the beach. Why not add some sand to the mud that's already in the clothes and van? It was a beautiful night on the beach (just a little chilly).


Once Melanie warmed up to Great Grandpa and Grandma, she had to be by "Papa's" side the rest of the weekend. She had to hold his hand while walking, sit by him at meals, and he was the only one who could carry her if the need be. She enjoyed playing with Great Grandma too, but Grandpa could never be far else she'd cry for him.
Sunday was much more relaxing. Melanie thought she had to sit by 'papa' during church. She actually did very well and sat on his lap throughout he whole service, she even took a little nap cuddled up in Great Grandpa's arms. After evening church we headed to the hotel for a little snack and to say goodbye. My secret pal left a basket of fall goodies that were just perfect for that night (thank you to my wonderful secret pal). It was much more delicious then the crackers and soup I had packed along. After visiting for awhile it was time to say goodbye. It's always sad to say goodbye, but we are so thankful they are able to come visit and treasure the memories they are making with us and the girls. We love you both! wish this picutre wasn't so dark :(