Sixty Years

My grandpa and grandma Nykamp just celebrated their 60th anniversary. 60 YEARS!
We had a great time celebrating with them this week. We heard a lot of stories about their courtship, their engagement, their wedding, their honeymoon, their experiences with the Korean War, and all their years together; stories that we never heard before. Times have really changed!

As my grandma said, "Sixty years is a long time."
Congratulations Grandpa and Grandma!

Up Close and Personal with ELK

We took a drive farther north this weekend and decided to check out the Amber Elk Ranch in Ludington. To write that we really didn't know what we were in for would be a tremendous understatement. First, we ended up on a tour all by ourselves. Second, we fed elk. Third, we got REALLY CLOSE to the elk. Yes, elk are the giant animals you're thinking of easily confused with moose or caribou. At least, I am easily confused. I don't think I could identify them in a line-up. Do you know the difference?

There were times I felt I was in Yellowstone National Park. Nope, just checking out a really unique experience quite close to home. We took home smiles, lots of pics, and some elk burgers as a souvenirs. The burgers are on the menu for lunch.

It's Not a Witch or a Wench

Last night we hung out with a winch. This is my husband getting ready to be pulled by the winch.
Now would be a good time to pause and make sure you are not confusing winch with witch or wench. I am not referring to a Wizard of Oz character or a woman with loose morals here. You see a winch is a revolving machine that in this case has a 600 foot rope and ski handle attached to it. This machine pulled my husband as well as the other young men from the extended Nykamp family across the water and over various aparatus if they so chose all while on a wakeboard.

And here are the rest of us hanging out around the winch choosing not to be pulled by her, but we'll play by her...she's not a wench or a witch.

Pickin' Peaches

I had never picked peaches before until yesterday!
We went to Crane's Orchard in Fennville. It was a short walk from the car, and it was super easy. We had a great time. We even went with 4 generations of peach pickers.
I don't can, but be sure to let me know if you have a peach recipe I need to try.