Michigan Summers: Mackinac Island

---------------------picture overload---------------------

For Labor Day weekend, we decided to head up north and experience what all the rave is about.  It's about four and half hours away.  We made the drive to Mackinaw City on Friday night, woke up on Saturday and rode the ferry to Mackinac Island.  We kept asking Millie if she wanted to ride the boat to Macinac Island to spend the day.  She'd get so excited and keep reminding us that we were going to ride the boat.  When we got on the ferry she was upset and kept asking to ride the boat.  I think she was expecting something a little different.  Once we got going, she was ok.

Mackinac Island is an Island in the Northern part of Michigan.  There are no cars on the island.  Only horses, buggies and bikes.  Millie and Ivy loved the horses.  Millie would spot them and yell, "horsie!" and then wave at them and say, "Hi, horsie!"  

Everyone just parks their bikes along the road.  It's crazy to me that people don't just walk away with a bike that's not theirs.  I'm sure it happens, but I guess you couldn't get too far with a stolen bike on the island.

Michigans advertisement is "Pure Michigan".  I always wondered why they advertised the state that way.  But when we went to Mackinac Island, I realized why.  It really is pure.  Blue clear water, untouched land, lush green trees, white clean rocks and just beautiful.

Mackinac Bridge

We visited a butterfly exhibit and Millie would wave and say hi to all the butterflies.  She's a friendly little one.

The island has a trail that goes around it that is 8 miles long.  We rented bikes and did the trail ride.  It took us about 2 hours.  It was gorgeous.  We stopped off at a few spots and explored.  Millie loved to pick up and throw the rocks.  We dipped our feet in the water, and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  

The girls in the "burley" as the islanders call it.

We finished the night with a delicious dinner that ended early, due to someone who didn't want to sit at the table. 

Note to self:  Never let your daughter wear a white shirt on a vacation where there is lots of walking, eating, getting messy and having fun.

Getting ice cream and "fudging".  (sampling fudge on the island.)  They are known for their fudge, so we went to a few shops and tasted the different flavors.

We ended the night watching the sunset, chasing geese, and listening to dad do what he does best...whistle.  The girls love it and I know it'll be a fond memory they have of him as they get older.

On our way home we stopped in Traverse City.  Millie and Cason took a little ride in a kayak.  Millie loved it...for about 10 minutes.  Ivy and I just sat on the beach in the shade and watched.  

We really enjoyed our weekend away from the daily grind exploring a few of the fun, beautiful areas Michigan has to offer.  Come visit and see for yourself! :)

4th of July

It's not too late to post about the 4th of July, is it? ha!

This year for the 4th we went to Utah to celebrate with family.

We did our traditional parade, picnic and a few of us ended the night with the Stadium of Fire.

We tried to get a picture with all four of us, but were very unsuccessful.

You probably know by now, but I am obsessed with matching.

Millie, Kate and Ivy all matched.  Obsessed.

And, of course, I didn't get one of all three of them together.

The Stadium of Fire was a lot of fun this year.   

We boogied the night away to Beach Boys.

We are so thankful for our country and the freedoms that we enjoy.  

And how great is it that we have a full day to celebrate?!  

One of my favorite holidays that's for sure!