In this small area of Michigan there is a LOT to do and a lot that we wanted to do, so we headed to Ann Arbor again. Our first stop was through the college campus to Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger. This place has appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri. My mom was adamant that we try it – and we were glad we did. We arrived JUST as they opened at 11 a.m. and there was already a line. The ordering process is pretty rigid (check out their site) and we decided to eat outside on the benches We each got a triple (each small single is only under 2 ounces) with grilled bacon and onions. (Jim and I also had cheddar cheese). The flavor was great, the portions were decent and the price was right! Thanks, Guy!
We then attempted to try out the Arboretum. Unfortunately, the parking was pretty bad there near the hospital, it was move-in day, AND the hospital was under construction. SO after driving the roundabout a few times, we opted to head out!
Jim heard from his “stylist” at Great Clips that Kensington Metropark was a great place for nature, woods, and family activities. The park is shaped like a horseshoe – after passing Martindale Beach and the Splash n Blast, we opted to head over to Maple Beach….only to find that it’s on the other side of the horseshoe and was CLOSED for the day. We turned around and drove BACK to the other side to Martindale Beach. Charlie LOVED playing in the sand and splashing in the Kent Lake. (MANY photos). Nearby, there was also a Splash n Blast with a waterslide that cost $4 for adults and free for Charlie. We didn’t know how Charlie would like it, so we only paid for me and I took him in there…I COULDN’T get him out! He loved running under the spraying water and sitting in the shallow parts of the ground would 2 or 3 inches of water. As usual, “older” (one year olds) kids were drawn to him and would splash him lightly – one girl kicked water at him, but he wasn’t too upset! I even sat him on some of the water sprays and he would laugh as it jumped out of the ground!! After going back in twice, we opted to head out in the interest of keeping our fair-haired boy out of the sun! He’s definitely our little beach bum and this was probably one of his favorite highlights of our trip!
We were all pretty tired and sun-drenched, so we opted to spend the rest of the evening at home. We finished up some of the dinner foods that were in our house (hot dogs, Pork Ribs (with new Paula Deen sauce), corn on the cob, watermelon, strawberries, potatoes and green beans). We then headed to Ritter’s Frozen Custard for a little icy treat…YUM! Jim and I both ordered Peanut Butter Mountain, my mom got a small sundae, and Charlie received his own small scoop of vanilla ice cream eaten with a taster spoon (YES, we were all upset that momma chose to give him VANILLA! That’s a cardinal sin in our house – although Aunt Sarai would appreciate that!) All in all, a great day enjoying the weather and enjoying Charlie’s first trip to a splash pad!
This kid has a sweet tooth….without the actual TOOTH yet!
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