Kalamazoo and its hopping Downtown

I have worked in downtown Kalamazoo for 23 years and never has the downtown been more vibrant!  Over the last ten years numerous restaurants and pubs have opened and Thursday, Friday and Saturday are busy nights in Downtown. An extra bonus for downtown has been the addition of more housing. A long waiting list exists for downtown condos and apartments. 

One of our favorite destinations is the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater. Alamo is a combination of restaurant, micro brew pub and movie theater. This week I went with Phil to see the 30th anniversary of Ghost Busters and saw Guardians of the Galaxy with Keith, Lisa and Sara. 

In picking our house two years ago, one of our main criteria was to be within 15 minutes of downtown.  We are so glad to be close!

Peabody is a Boy

Last night Keith and Lisa had the reveal party at the Vollinks and Peabody is officially a boy. A reveal party is an event where everyone gets to learn the sex of the baby. Today's ultrasounds are very accurate and in looking at the image, there is no doubt!  The surprise was biting into the cupcake and getting to see either pink or blue frosting. Since Brenda was in Houston with Laurel, they got to witness it live courtesy of FaceTime. 

Introducing Peabody Mulder

For Father's Day, I received the best present every - another grandchild is on the way! Keith and Lisa surprised us (although I had been dropping hints for at least three years).  P-body (ask Keith for the correct spelling) is due on January 17th.  The joke is since Matilda ruined Christmas 2011 and Charlie ruined Thanksgiving 2013, P-body will ruin New Years 2015.  We will see.

Keith and Lisa are super excited!!

I think he looks like his Grandpa Cliff?

What a beautiful week at the cabins

Cabin Week 2014 is officially over and it was another great bonding experience for the Mulder clan.  As in past years, we had a mix of people.  Bryan, Phil and Tara were missing, but Keith, Lisa and Hannah were able to spend the entire week.  The weather was perfect - perhaps the best ever.  73 - 80 degrees everyday, low humidity and very comfortable for sleeping.  Thanks Mom for creating this wonderful family tradition.  As I tell my co-workers, it is my most relaxing week of the year!

Lisa was given the non alcoholic choice

wine tasting at Mawby

A beautiful day at Peterson Beach

What a Loss

Robin Williams died yesterday and like so many people, I am very shocked and sad at the news.  Robins Williams touched so many generations.  I remember him in Mork and Mindy, as Mrs. Doubtfire, in Aladdin, Hook, Night at the Museum and of course one of my all time favorites: Jumanji.

 I think the statement from President Obama sums it up well:

“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”

He was a unique talent who has left us much to early.