Traverse City 2013

This year we took our first vacation ever as a family of 4.  We have had many wonderful family trips with extended family, but we've never done a vacation just the 4 of us.  We have heard a lot of hype about the beaches in Michigan.  Originally, as die hard Buckeye fans, we were reluctant going to Michigan.  However, we both had many friends and co-workers who raved about the beach towns, the tourist activities and the minimal travel time.  So, we went for it.  Jeremy did lots of research and settled on Traverse City.  It was the perfect beach town, with lots to do, and perfect for our family!

We left Friday, late afternoon after Jeremy got off work.  We had lots of new movies (which I borrowed from family/friends to pass the time), crosswords, coloring books, snacks, etc. 

We drove about 5 hrs and stopped for the night.  The hotel was about an hour away from the resort.  We had dinner, went to bed, and had a nice buffet breakfast and morning swim before hitting the road.

About 1 1/2- 2 hrs later, we had made it to the resort!  I wish I had taken more pictures of the entrance.  It was beautifully landscaped, and as you entered you passed by the greens of one of Jack Nicholas's golf courses. 

We stayed in a 2 bedroom condo.  It was amazing!  There were 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, family room, 2 full baths, and 2 balcony's. 

The resort had 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool (with waterslides, fountains, etc), and a private beach. There were also several casual and a couple formal restaurants on the grounds as well. 

Our first day we unpacked and hit the beach. I had to see my sweet children's toes in the sand.

Throughout the week, we visited several beachers within a 10-20 minute drive.  The weather was high 70's to mid 80's, blue skies and see-through blue water.  We truly felt like we were in the Carribean, and may have repeated the same phrase "I can't believe we are in Michigan" over and over again.

Hasserot Beach:

                                                         Picinic at the Beach

Elk Rapids Beach, best beach playground ever!  Fully shaded and the most spectacular water views.

 One of the entire family's favorite memories from this trip was visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes.  It was an amazing experience climbing the sand dunes and feeling on top of the world.  The views were breath-taking. We also did the car tour and got out at all the look outs and the views were incredible. It was the coolest day of our vacation, in the mid 70's and as you can see from our attire, the wind was really strong. In hindsight, it was the perfect day to go.  I don't think it would've been possible to climb the dunes with hot sand.

 So, as you park your car this is your view.  The picture does not do it justice as far as the enormity of this sand hill.  I honestly thought when you got to the top, you were done.  Oh no, it was just the beginning. This was quite a steep hill too.  Here's a little video to prove my point. (Disclaimer: At one point of the video, as I am clearly out of breath, I have no idea I am filming and you just see my toes making their way through the sand).

 

 So, once we reached the top, we realized, we weren't even close.  There was an enormous, vast, plateau like sandy area. The views were amazing! Then you had different paths (or I like to call them mini-mountains) to climb from there.

I was a little winded climbing a steep 2 mile mountain, so I decided to take a little rest, while the rest of my family went on.

 Daddy and the kids said the views were even more spectacular. I will take their word for it.

Then it was time for the descent. The highlight for me. Running down the dunes was a huge adrenaline rush and so much fun!

 And after making our way up and back down the dunes, we took the most jaw dropping car tour. Honestly, the views from the lookouts were the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

If you are ever in Michigan, this is a must!  Best part of the trip hands down. 

Here are some other highlights from our trip: Miniature Golf.  My sweet 3 year old got 2 hole in ones!  He was amazing!  We had no idea and not to toot my own horn, but I got one too. 

...and it wasn't just putt-putt, there were other fun activities too...

 Who can resist a little zip lining?  Not these two dare devils!

Pirates Cove was a ton of fun for all!

One thing we learned is that Michigan is home to cherries.  There were cherry orchards everywhere.  Of course, we couldn't bypass a cherry stand!

Mackenzie and I loved a little "girl time".  Sitting on the balcony playing cards, taking naps together or just being silly.  We rarely get time together just the two of us, and it was so nice to have!

We even celebrated our 9th anniversary together while on this vacation.  Mackenzie told the cleaning ladies one morning when we were headed to the beach, and we returned to this.

And Jeremy's parents surprised us with a gift card for dinner to any restaurant at the resort.  As an anniversary present to ourselves, we hired a local photographer to take a few family photos of us. The perfect way to end a vacation, and it will help us remember this memory for years to come!

4th of July

4th of July is always a big weekend for our family.  We enjoy our hometown parade, followed by a day of fun with my high school friends & their kids, and fireworks at night.  Jeremy heads out early to set up our tent, chairs and blankets for the kids, while I get the kids ready and things packed up for the day. The past 2 years Nana and Grandpa have joined us, which I hope is a tradition that continues.

Later that weekend, we headed up to the lake house for more 4th of July fun.  My parents, Nana and Grandpa, and little sis, Emily, joined us.  There was lots of swimming, boating, laughing, eating, and hanging out together. It was the perfect way to celebrate one of our favorite holidays!

Takin' a Break at the Lake

We have enjoyed several trips to the lake this Summer.  To say that the kids LOVE it is the understatement of the century.  In fact, Caleb, who has taken it upon himself to say our prayer at meals, never fails to mention "thank you God for the lakehouse and for Grandpa driving the boat."  Melt. My. Heart.

                                      Here are pictures of some of our summer fun!

                                       

Looking forward to many more summer memories at the lake, esp 4th of July.  We love watching the fireworks glistening over the lake and being together with both families! 

Summer Fun

We have been loving every minute of Summer break!  My favorite part personally is that everyone is sleeping in.  There are no morning alarm clocks, rushing off to work, or chaotic schedules.  Now our mornings are filled with bike rides, fort making, and coming up with a game plan for our day.

Many days we  start off our morning with a walk, bike ride/scooter ride or outdoor activity.  Most mornings the kids pick bike rides, and many times I put them in the bike trailer and get in a good workout.  Pulling a 6 yr old and 3 yr old 2-3 miles is not easy.  However, they love eating their breakfast in their and tagging along for a ride.

We usually stop half way to play at a park that we haven't been to before.  It has been a lot of fun exploring new parks in our town!

Biking to Kenzie's Elementary School to show us her cool playground!

Homestead Park!  So fun!

At night, we try to squeeze in a  bike ride, walk, or hike.  We recently took the kids to the Indian Run Falls in town for a hike.  They loved it and have been begging to go hiking again!

                                    And a few weeks ago, we took the kids bowling.  It was comical and so much fun!  We may all have a little bit of competitiveness in our genes.  :)

                                        This year, I signed BOTH kids up for swim lessons.  I wasn't sure how Caleb would do, but was optomistic given the fact that he loved to swim at the lake.  1st day, he was all smiles. He jumped right in (literally), blew bubbles, kicked his feet, learned how to make circles in the water with his arms, and went completely under water.  I was one proud mama!

Typically we pack picnic lunches and stay another hour or so to swim.  Some days, I work on my tan on the side of the pool watching these two cuties splash away!

...and my sweet girl is ALWAYS surprising me with her natural ability at any sport, and her fearless nature. She asked me to video her doing a toe touch off the diving board, as you can tell from my surprise, she did not go for the toe touch....