Halloween is next week and we’re pretty pumped. Spoiler alert: we’re going with an ‘Under the Sea’ theme this year. I caved and purchased Halloween lights for our porch but have decided to boycott mums this year… they always end up dying on me.
Last weekend was the Annual Smith Family Bonfire at my folk’s place in Schoolcraft. The party dates back to the year I graduated high school which was in 2005 making this the 14th Annual. The DeWitte family joined us again this year making this their 3rd year. We originally invited them by saying, ‘If you enjoy coney dogs, beer pong and spectating the recreational launching of wooden skids onto a giant bonfire, then this is the party for you.” They’ve been coming ever since.
Jeff and I caught Fiddler on the Roof at DeVos earlier this month which is one we’d never seen before. The music and performances were fantastic. It’s certainly a classic with a historical storyline and despite never having seen it before, we ended up recognizing some of the songs anyway. The show was followed by a night cap at Reserve next door and made for a perfect date night.
This one’s for all the parents out there: have you been to Catch Air?! I’m probably way late to the party. Holy overload of kid heaven. Last weekend I took the kids there for a birthday party not knowing quite what to expect and was blown away. We stayed for two hours and I had to drag my kids out of there. I was most impressed by the mom who brought her laptop and was working (or facebooking?) while her kids ran about the completely closed in space. I’m keeping that one in my back pocket for the next cabin fever cure.
Have you been to The Comedy Project yet? Jeff and I went back last weekend with friends for their Friday night showing of ‘Beer Hunting’ and BIG NEWS: they now have their liquor license! They’ve got a great thing going and we totally recommend visiting for some fun entertainment. They are located directly across the street from Long Road Distillers and Mitten Brewing which makes for an easy dinner and a show night out.
For the second year in a row HQ and 3:11 hosted a fundraising banquet where they raised more than $50,000. HQ is a walk in center for homeless youth that began at Mars Hill where we go to church. 3:11 helps homeless youth find safe and affordable housing. Together they’ve created a support system for some of the kids in our community who need it most. During the event they announced their latest news which is geared around medical support and at the event I learned that Steelcase is one of the leading sponsors on this initiative. My heart swelled with pride for the company I work for. Kudos to the teams at HQ and 3:11 for the incredible work they are doing for our kids.
Last week I chaperoned on Natalie’s Fall field trip to Ed Dunnenback & Girls Farm. I drove three of the girls plus their teacher in my car - pretty precious cargo - to learn about and pick some apples. The farm is adorable and family owned. The ‘Grandma’ of the farm, as she called herself, shared with the kids some overview knowledge before letting them loose in the rows of apple trees. Even I learned something new: ever notice how on honey crisp apples that the stem is broken off or cut down low? It’s because the honey crisp apple has the most delicate of the apple skins and cutting off the stem prevents them from puncturing holes in the other apples as they are harvested. Tell your friends! They have a great kids outdoor play area, fresh/homemade cider and donuts as well as pumpkins.
We are pretty pumped about the next couple weeks which includes a weekend trip to Chicago for our 6th Wedding Anniversary and a family vacation to Palm Springs, CA. Halloween costumes and palm tree pics coming soon!
ON DECK:
Frozen Jr. is currently showing at The Civic and I’m looking forward to taking Natalie for a girls date this weekend.
Madewell opens in Breton Village tomorrow and they are hosting a kick off party this Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
The Dailey Method is hosting Planks & Pints tomorrow evening at Vander Mill. Come!
Friends of ours help organize the Alger Halloween 5k & 10k happening this Saturday. It’s a great event for kids and the weather is suppose to be excellent!
POSTSCRIPT:
City Built Brewing - Still one of our favorite places to dine out with kids in the colder months. They’ve got an indoor kids space.
I Don’t Care - A new hot spot in downtown Grand Rapids for drinks and small bites. It’s a super fun vibe with outdoor seating even in the colder months with their powerful space heaters. We had a fun girls night out last weekend here.
Terra - They have THEE BEST Kale Caesar salad. I recommend adding chicken!
