GAGME 2016: Grand Rapids

My family likes a theme, I mean we take it seriously. Our family weekend getaway would be no different as you might imagine. This year we took GAGME (the Garber annual gathering: Michigan edition) on the road but not very far. We just drove up to Grand Rapids after having considered Mackinaw and the Upper Peninsula (not exactly baby friendly as we decided). You can read about our original GAGME vacation to Washington D.C. here.




Our first day was a camouflage  themed. Everyone wore something with camo and the grand-girlies were matching with outfits that could only be found at Walmart. It was adorable and gross at the same time, pink and camo. We all drove up to Grand Rapids and met at Founder's brewery where we had lunch. We then headed over to our hotel and went to the pool before going out to eat together downtown for dinner.


On day two, Saturday, we went to the Grand Rapids Public museum which was right by our hotel. I thought it was pretty cool. It was organized by letters of the alphabet so that each exhibit or display corresponded to something that was in the collection. For example, 'h' for hats or 'o' for oddities. They also had a new exhibit of robotic animals which was a big attraction for all the kids for whom I would say the museum was more suited.




One of the must-see things at that museum is the big, indoor carousel which Daphne had to ride with my dad. I felt bad for the guy selling the tickets since he had to listen to the same music on repeat all day but he told me that he only had to do it a few times a month. They must rotate that job to keep their sanity. I also liked that both the museum as well as the city had lots of places to take selfies and pictures with hashtags posted around to share your experience with others. One of my favorites was the carouselfie or the one we took on the blue bridge. It was a great way to promote the city!




After visiting the museum we went to Grand Rapids Brewery for lunch and a beer. I was kind of surprised by how kid friendly the breweries ended up being. We had no problem getting not only our big group accommodated but also having four children ranging in age from infants to Daphne who is four.


Our theme for day two was superheroes as you may have noticed in the pictures. We decided on this one because we ended up going to the Grand Rapids Whitecaps game that evening to celebrate superhero night. I didn't last long at the game with the babies but everyone else stayed much longer.



Day three's theme was GAGME which is just wearing our green t-shirts that had been made for D.C. We met up for lunch and everyone ended up going their own way. 


Grand Rapids is a great place. In fact, if I were still living here in Michigan I would consider moving there. It is a biggish city with a lot to do, both for kids and adults. Plus you can't beat the beer scene. We ended up going to five different breweries while we were there (not just over the weekend since Jose and I stayed with the girls at my sister's house for a few more days after everyone went home). Katie lives in Grand Rapids and served a bit as our tour guide. We also got to finally see her new house, which I loved!

All in all it was a successful family trip. 

Comments

  1. cljusinoAugust 8, 2016 at 3:37 AM

    I see that poor Andie got stuck pushing the hippo stroller..

    ReplyDelete

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