Trip to Michigan

We just returned from ten days in Michigan. As usual, it was a great vacation.  The only thing missing?  Daddy!  We had to go without him for the second year in a row but hopefully it will be the last time he has to miss it! 

We played, stayed up late, slept in, and ate lots of dessert!  We spent time in tree swings, kayaks, carousels, tractors and beach chairs!  We picked cherries, raspberries, black raspberries and blueberries...all without leaving the backyard!  We baked cobbler, cookies, miniature pies and more cobbler (and by "we", I, of course, mean Aunt Amber!).  Add in s'mores by the campfire, a picnic on Lake Michigan, an ice cream treat on the river and a whole lot of lighting bugs caught in every spare empty container and you have one great vacation!

 The tree swing is probably what they both look forward to most!

 Aunt Amber was home from Bangladesh which was a great treat!

 We were also able to see Aunt Edie and Uncle Keith

the first weekend we were there (and cousins Anthony, Sara and baby Xavier but I neglected to get good pictures!) and enjoy the lake cottage.  We've spent time at the lake cottage each year when

we visit but we've not stayed there until this year.  It was a lot of fun!

 Thank you to Aunt Kristen for ALWAYS being willing to get in the water with the girls!

 

Because this one especially can't seem to get enough!

 



Back at the farm we had a great time picking cherries!

 

We spent one day at the beach in St. Joe on Lake Michigan.

The girls enjoyed time in the water and sand and Kristen, Amber and I

all enjoyed an art show nearby.  St. Joe is a great little town we're

excited to have seen and spent time in.  We'll be back for sure!

 There was a carousel near the beach and Natalie chose "Daddy's horse!"

 

 We spent more time back at the cottage at the end of our trip.

It was the perfect place to cool off on a hot day!

I never seem to get enough (or any) pictures of Nana! 
Whether she comes here or we go there it never seems like she
spends any time in front of my camera...only behind hers.

Kristen took a lot of pictures while we were visiting and

 this was one of them that I loved of Amber and Nana!

 But I am always very grateful for the Brooks Shutterbugs so I have lots

of good pictures when I get home!  Thanks, Nana and Aunt Kristen!

 

I'll end with my very favorite Michigan picture. 

The girls walking down "the lane" on the farm.

They have such freedom to roam there. 

 

Thanks so much Papa Franc, Nana, Auntie Kristen and Auntie Ammy

for such a great trip!