Family Vacation - Holland, Michigan

Holland Michigan is the home of our friends Tom and Debbie Ayres and their son Austin. We met Tom and Debbie early in our life in California. In fact, Deb was Chris' first friend after our families, unbeknowst to each other, both moved to Southern California from Waukesha WI in 1991. Tom and I attended his first auto race, the Long Beach Grand Prix the following year and we have been friends ever since. Tom moves quite a bit for his job and we have remained close friends, through 5 moves on there part and 3 moves on ours. Tom and I usually meet up for a race at least once a year, with the US Grand Prix at Indy our meeting spot from 2000 through 2007. With no US F1 race this year, we took advantage of our family vacation to connect.

It seems as though Tom & Debbie and Chris & I are pretty much the same as when we met. This however is some seriously wishful thinking on my part, just look at a photo of me 17 years ago for proof. It's really the most noticeable when you look at our children. Nik was 2 years old when we met, Austin was 1 year old and Chris was pregnant with Alex. Now, Nik and Austin are both High School graduates, Austin is getting ready to head off to Michigan State and Alex is entering his senior year of high school! Don't even get me started on the fact that Catie wasn't born until 2 Ayres moves after we met!

Tom and Debbie have lived in Holland for 4 years. This was not only our first visit to their home here, but our first time visiting the state of Michigan. Holland is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan about 2 hours up the shore from Gary Indiana. However, it is nothing like Gary. Holland has beautiful, clean sandy beaches and a very nicely managed shoreline. Nik kept commenting on how much the Holland beach reminded him of California. Of course the sand here is cleaner that the beaches in LA, and much less crowded. Being summer vacation there where still quite a few students and families hanging out, but is was a very tame and relaxing atmosphere.

It was really nice being with Tom and Debbie for a couple days. we enjoyed being in a home and able to spread out. The home cooked meals were a treat after several days of restaurant food. The kids also enjoyed getting reacquainted with Tom, Debbie and Austin. In the end we had a really nice visit and are grateful for our friendship. Thank you Tom and Debbie for your hospitality. We will definitely be back!