Happy New Year

We rang in the New Year with some hockey families. There was poker, pool, mini sticks, and foosball plus a lot of delicious apps and desserts.

 

Boyne

On the 27th, we left early in the morning to head north so the boys could ski for a few days. We decided to try Boyne Highlands the first day so we drove straight there and dropped the boys off. Then Phil and I went into Petoskey for lunch at Roast and Toast and shopping. Then we went to Boyne Mountain Resort and checked in to our room in Chalet Edelweiss. Our first two years at Boyne we stayed in the clock tower but tried the Chalets last year and loved them. The rooms are great and there are nice perks including hot chocolate and tea available all day, s'mores at night, a cocktail hour with charcuterie, breakfast pastries, and ski-in/ski-out for the boys.  We picked the boys up around 8pm and stopped for dinner at Park City Grille in Petoskey.  On Sunday, the boys skied at Boyne Mountain.  Unfortunately, Disciples 8 lift was down so about half of the 65 runs were closed.  One of Will's friends was in town skiing and Alex had water park tickets so they both had a great time anyway.  In the evening, we ordered pizza from the Trophy Room and ate in one of the common areas while playing Cribbage.  On Monday, the winds were very high (gusts over 50 mph).  The boys only got a few runs in before the lifts were shut down.  They thought they might open back up mid afternoon, but we decided to get on the road.  It sounds like we will be comped two lift tickets for another day this season so we may try to head back up.  The ride home was pretty slow going due to blowing snow and road conditions.  

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! The boys got up at 6:45 and we enjoyed cinnamon rolls and bacon before starting on our stockings. We took our time and paused in opening to play our two new games: washers and cribbage. Grandma came down for Christmas lunch and more gifts. Later in the afternoon, we played more games and watched The Grinch.

Christmas Eve

We had a fun Christmas Eve in Grand Rapids.  We had delicious food, exchanged gifts, and played several games including magnet chess, bingo, emoji Christmas movie trivia, and general Christmas movie trivia.  Before heading home, we drove through East to see the trees in downtown and the luminaria on the "wood" streets.  

 

Chicago

We took a quick trip to Chicago since we hadn’t gone with the boys during the holidays in several years. We had lunch at Eataly, shopped on Michigan Avenue, went to Zoo Lights, visited the Christkrindal Market (so crowded!), and had lunch in the Walnut Room.  

 

Will’s First High School Goal

Will scored his first high school goal tonight in the Muskies game against KU.