Patty Party of 5

Look who I got to see on Saturday again!

Yep! My siblings came to pick me up from Gull Lake!

After turning in my keys and saying a few last goodbyes, it was time to wave goodbye to Gull Lake and head to Grand Rapids together to celebrate Tyler's 24th birthday before returning to Chicago.

Lara had scoped out some fun places to go in Grand Rapids, which was only about an hour's drive from Gull Lake.

Marie Catrib's was one of those places that she found and we enjoyed some delicious and unique gluten-free sandwiches there. What a treat to sit around a table with my family again!

Next up was the real reason we came to Grand Rapids: Madcap Coffee. Tyler and Lara had been in Grand Rapids this spring when Tyler presented a theological paper at ETS (Evangelical Theological Society). Since Tyler works at Intelligentsia in Chicago, he and Lara are pretty picky particular about their coffee - they know their stuff! When they had coffee at Madcap in the Spring, they both agreed that it was some of the best they'd ever had. So of course, we had to make a stop by here.

We took our coffee to go and headed down the street to the boardwalk on the river. A picnic blanket was all it took to make a quaint spot to sit down and enjoy some of Lara's homemade pecan and pear pie and open a few gifts.

It doesn't take much to make a day happy when we're with those we love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tyler!! I am beyond thankful for you. You have taught me so much and have always been an example to me. Your creativity inspires me and your dedication to the Lord and His plans is so strong! I love getting to live life with you and Lara in Chicago these years.