Family Vacation 2013----Part 3

Our family wasn't the only group gathering in Michigan that week---the Diekemas also had most of their kids with them that week. So on Tuesday,  they hosted a gathering of as many Waanders family members as they could---and I think the total attendance was nearly 75!! It was a wonderful evening---some of us hadn't seen each other for about 10 years!

It was definitely a houseful!!  People were spread out throughout the house, on the various decks, UNDER the house, and on the patio and deck of the Diekemas' "old" cottage next door.  That brought back lots of memories!

These second cousins live on opposite coasts---Bethany in Maine, and Evan in California. Bethany just LOVES little kids, and they seem to love her as well. This is the 3rd summer that our grandkids have been able to spend time playing with her.

On Wednesday we had reservations for another train ride---this time on the Coopersville-Marne Railroad. (thanks to a groupon that Cheryl found!) 

Jeremiah was VERY excited about this train ride, even though this picture doesn't show that.

Before getting on the train, Abby and Neil found a store across the street that sold all kinds of old-fashioned candy--like slo-poke suckers (my favorite!) and candy cigarettes, which she generously shared with all of us. :)

The conductor came around and talked with everyone, and here he is answering Jeremaih's questions. 

When we got off the train, Ben was there to meet us.  We had hoped that he would make it in time to go on the train ride with us, but he ran into traffic and got delayed. And the train doesn't wait!! 

Some of us had a coupon for a free donut on the back of the train ticket, so we all made a stop at the donut place for a snack.  We also hit the candy store again before heading back to the cottage.

From my blog posts so far, you really can't tell that we actually spent any time  AT the cottage.  Those pictures will be coming in the next post....hopefully soon!