The "Cottage"

We feel so lucky that Kelly's family is here in Michigan because we get to see Mitch and Kelly as least a few times each year!!! There is something so great about seeing family over the holidays. The Tuesday after Christmas we headed to Grand Haven to see Kelly and Mitch at Kelly's dad's house. Her parents are so sweet and kind to us. We feel lucky that they have made us a part of their family here.

After eating lunch with the gang, we headed to her parents' lake "cottage" on Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful home that is light, airy and perfectly decorated. Their goal of bringing the beach inside was positively met. There was sleet and whipping wind when we arrived, so we snuggled in and spent time getting to know my darling new niece, Madeline. Kelly and Mitch are such wonderful and loving parents...watching them with their little girl was a real treat. I don't remember being that relaxed or that competent with my first baby. The boys and Kelly's nephew, Harry, had a blast playing game after game, the Wii and watching a movie. Tons of fun. They all slept perfectly in the "bunk" room.

The next morning the sun was out and the sky was overcast, and it was a chilly but gorgeous morning on the lake. Our time with them went much too quickly when we packed up the next day.

Maddie on Uncle Mike. We particularly love the Michigan shirt in the background (remember, Kelly and Mitch are Michigan Staters).

Pierce is only 1 month older than Maddie, but it looks like he could eat her for breakfast! 

Mitch meeting Pierce for the first time.

The boys and their games

More games :)

How cute is this house? Wish I would have a picture of every nook and cranny. The perfect beach cottage.

Mitch and little Pierce. Looks like he likes him as much as the other boys do!

Not a bad view from the master bedroom, huh?

Super sweet photo of Maddie.

LOVE Pierce's outfit. My mom sent it for Christmas and he looks like such a  babe.

Maddie even liked Jace for a few minutes. He is great with babies.

The boys were so happy to see uncle Mitch. He's always a bunch of fun with them. Wish he and Kelly still lived close!

This is Kelly's dad, Ray. He is the other Michigan fan and he and Mike were all decked out in Michigan garb. It was so sweet of him to stop by the cottage on his way to work. He even came bearing gifts. Too nice.

The empty boardwalk was the perfect place to shoot arrows.

They were sure they could find something exciting in there. 

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The beach is beautiful no matter the weather.

Not bad, for a cottage, huh?

We all agree!

It was an especially beautiful morning after the storm.

Jace, Harry, and James

Maddie!

Pierce and Maddie together. It's hilarious. They are only 1 month apart and he is huge compared to her! The funniest part is that he eats for about 10 minutes every three hours and Maddie eats all the time. Apparently I serve butter. We were joking that maybe I should feed Maddie for a few days while we were together and see if she chunks up and sleeps more :)

This was her "I'm hungry" face.

Stopping at a very old school soda fountain for lunch before we drove home.

Me and Kelly

If being a lawyer doesn't work out...I think modeling will :)