We arrived back home safe and sound after a wonderful 5-day trip with family. My entire immediate family (grandma, dad, mom plus my 3 siblings and families, 18 total) met in Pella, Iowa for a cousin's wedding as well as family time. Even my little sister, Emily, who lives in Oakland, CA, made the flight east so we'd be complete.
To split up the 8 hour drive to Pella, Joel, Emma, Emily and I left a day early and stayed in Peru, IL, at a Baymont Inn & Suites. Let me assure you that there was nothing "sweet" about this hotel. Unless you have a life or death situation, I do not recommend stopping or staying in Peru, IL (at least at this hotel). And, don't chalk this up to hotel-snobbery, because it's not. All I ask for is:
Now, on to happier times during my family vacation...
Pella, IA is one of the most quaint towns I've ever been to and I absolutely adore it. I told Joel that if we HAD to move somewhere other than Michigan, I'd choose Pella in an instant. The town encompasses all that is good about the mid-west PLUS it's a throwback to the Dutch (my and Joel's heritage) of yesteryear.
Our hotel rocked and my cousin's wedding was great.
To split up the 8 hour drive to Pella, Joel, Emma, Emily and I left a day early and stayed in Peru, IL, at a Baymont Inn & Suites. Let me assure you that there was nothing "sweet" about this hotel. Unless you have a life or death situation, I do not recommend stopping or staying in Peru, IL (at least at this hotel). And, don't chalk this up to hotel-snobbery, because it's not. All I ask for is:
- a pool that is 65 degrees or warmer so Emma's teeth don't chatter
- wireless internet that actually works (versus the front desk telling me, "i just talked to a guy and it worked for him!" i.e. I'm a moron??)
- a continental breakfast that offers more than 4 dried up dough nuts
- an air conditioner unit that works versus one that has 10 years of caked on dust and grime
Now, on to happier times during my family vacation...
Pella, IA is one of the most quaint towns I've ever been to and I absolutely adore it. I told Joel that if we HAD to move somewhere other than Michigan, I'd choose Pella in an instant. The town encompasses all that is good about the mid-west PLUS it's a throwback to the Dutch (my and Joel's heritage) of yesteryear.
Our hotel rocked and my cousin's wedding was great.
Can you see Emma's teeth chattering? (did I just post a pic of me in my swimsuit??)
Emma seemed to manage a ride on every luggage haul
My little sister very proud that she is at the world's largest truck stop on I-80
My dad (papa) and my nephew Aidan
My sis doing what she loves most...reading
Emma & daddy hanging out
A rare moment of VanderTuin-indecision about where to go to lunch. We were inthe middle of the town square, surrounded by about 20 different cafes.
Joel living his race car dreams...
...and those dreams had a harsh reality
We managed to find and play at about 4 different playgrounds while in Pella
3 thing(s) you said:
You're hot.
Hey Woman,
I got caught up on your blog at Lauri's tonight. For some reason you are blocked from my hotmail. I don't have the any idea why but I do miss seeing the cool things you come up with. I'd like a few lessons but have been doing pretty well on my own/ Thanks for the start up.
Gayle
w
Would that be my Aunt Gayle above commenting?
Your sister and you look like twins - with one just a bit older than the other. :) Emma is 'tre photogenic.
You're rocking that suit girl!
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