Labor Day Hike

Every year the Klooster family goes on a long walk down a stretch of Lake Michigan beach. It's called the Labor Day Hike. We walk out to the pier and back, it takes maybe an hour each way, and it is lovely. (Yes, that is Jude's chubby, sandy foot.)

The Hike started hundreds of years ago (or maybe 40) with Jono's grandma Leona and her sister Elsie. They are both feisty and smart, and were found bickering over who had the cutest great grandchild. They have one each now: Jude, 9 months, and Elijah, 2 months. (Apparently when Jude exited the car following a lengthy debate between the two of them, Leona said, "Now Elsie, isn't that the cutest child you've ever seen?" Elsie replied simply, "No.")

Anyway, the tradition spread to extended family and now the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren come along too. We always have a potluck afterward and know about half of the people there on any given year. But it's fun to see strangers that are somehow related to us, and to catch up with the people we do know.

Here are some pics. This is probably the first time Jude actually dipped his toes into Lake Michigan. He had "discovered" sand before, but back then the water was too cold.

Can anyone guess what Jude wants in that second shot?
He is a subtle child ;)