Simple Traditions Create the Best Memories, Vacation Wins, and a Life-Changing Book

Click to add us as a trusted Google source

For Liam’s 5th birthday, we started a special tradition—a one-on-one overnight trip to the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth.

So, when Connor turned five, we knew we had to keep the tradition alive.

What a wonderful gift it was for all of us to make these precious memories together!

A man and a child sit smiling at a diner booth in the cozy Bavarian Inn. A menu and drinks rest on the table amid retro-style decor with pink and teal accents. Snow gently blankets the world outside the window, adding to the charming ambiance.

Our adventure began with a stop at the 50s-themed Comet Diner for dinner, where we got to catch up with Rich’s old friend, George, the owner.

It was such a fun way to kick off the trip!

Collage of a children's play area with a dinosaur mascot, arcade games, mini-golf, and the iconic Bavarian Inn building. Two Marvel comic book covers featuring Groot and other characters add to the vibrant mix.

A collage of five images depicts arcade games, themed photo cutouts, a Bavarian Inn clock tower model, and people strolling through a carpeted hallway.

Then, it was all about the activities—pool time, waterslides, candy stores, a pajama dance party, crafts, bedtime stories, mini golf, Willy the Dino, movies, the arcade, and more!

A child in a hat stands in an elevator at the Bavarian Inn, clutching a Spider-Man themed suitcase. The child beams with joy, wearing a jacket over a red shirt.

We packed so much fun into such a short time, and Connor loved every second of it.

Two people are walking down the hotel hallway of the Bavarian Inn, each carrying a suitcase and wearing backpacks. The corridor boasts a patterned carpet and framed pictures adorning its walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Connor is such a strong and independent little guy—your classic rough-and-tumble boy with the softest heart.

He’s also the only kid I know who happily asks for a salad alongside his chicken nuggets and French fries!

A young boy in a blue shirt enjoys a salad and fries with a fork at a Bavarian Inn Restaurant booth.

He was particularly impressed by our room at the Bavarian Inn, especially the dresser, the balcony, and what he proudly called his own “master bed.”

A child in a blue shirt sits on a neatly made bed in the dimly lit room of the Bavarian Inn, surrounded by green walls. The cozy room features two beds and a softly glowing bedside lamp, creating a serene ambiance.

Watching his excitement over those little details made everything even sweeter.

On the way home, we made one last stop at Tony’s, where he finally got his noodles with red sauce and was thrilled to have one giant meatball.

A young boy in a red shirt enjoys spaghetti with a meatball at the Bavarian Inn's cozy diner table, with bread and a drink nearby.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be this sweet boy’s Grama.

These moments are ones I’ll cherish forever.

A woman and a child sit in front of a mural depicting a charming Bavarian Inn nestled within a picturesque village scene, complete with timber-framed houses and a towering structure.

More Bavariann Inn, Frankenmuth Posts

Weekly Wins

In case you missed last week’s update, we’re heading off on a beach vacation—so excited!

Of course, no trip is complete without a hiccup.

We realized we’d have to check out of our Airbnb at 11 a.m., but our flight isn’t until 4:30 p.m., leaving us with five hours of beach time… and all our bags in tow.

Since we’re exploring the island on an ATV instead of renting a car, I needed a solution.

I almost rented a car just for the trunk space, but someone suggested asking the Airbnb host for advice.

To my surprise, she offered a later checkout—3 p.m. at no extra cost!

Thanks to her kindness, we can enjoy the island without worrying about our bags.

This little win reminded me that things often work out better than expected—you just have to ask!

A person sports a T-shirt with the text: "Please Be Patient With Me I'm From The 1900's," alongside a covered wagon graphic, capturing an old-world charm reminiscent of a visit to the Bavarian Inn.

Favorite Find

I LOVE this t-shirt that I shared over on Facebook this week!

Please be patient with me… I’m from the 1900s.

This shirt speaks for all of us who remember cassette tapes, dial-up internet, and Blockbuster nights.

If you had to explain one thing from the 1900s to today’s kids, what would it be? Head over here and drop it in the comments—I bet we’ll get some good laughs!

A person clad in a gray sweater and glasses sits indoors, engrossed in a book titled "Identity Theft," with a framed painting providing a touch of elegance. It's the perfect setting for unwinding after exploring the charming Bavarian Inn nearby.

What I’m Watching/Reading/Listening to:

I’ve been reading Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Who We Are in Christ by Melissa Kruger, and I had to share it with you!

It’s such a good reminder that our identity isn’t in what we do or how others see us—it’s in being a child of God. Kruger and the other contributors unpack the lies we believe about ourselves and replace them with Gospel truth.

One chapter about our adoption into God’s family really hit home for me. As someone who’s struggled with belonging and feeling “enough,” it was exactly what my heart needed.

I even got to share some of what I learned with a group of moms at church! If you’d like me to send you those notes, just let me know.

If you’re feeling unsure about who you are or just want to dig deeper into God’s love for you, I can’t recommend this book enough.

Have you read Identity Theft or another book that’s encouraged your faith? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Two people sit on a large wooden throne labeled "Willy's Throne" at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. This majestic seat is ornately decorated, with a "W" emblem on the backrest and a charming hat casually resting on the armrest, perfectly capturing the enchanting spirit of the Bavarian Inn.

Looking back on everything—from making fun memories with my grandsons to figuring out our vacation plans to digging into my faith—it’s a good reminder that life is full of little moments that matter.

Whether it’s starting a new tradition, solving a random hiccup, or learning something new about God’s love, these are the things that stick with me.

Thanks for letting me share a little piece of my world with you!

I’d love to hear about your traditions, recent wins, or even a book you’re loving right now.

Let’s chat in the comments!