VACATION

Well we survived our first vacation with 4 kids. My mom rented a house on Platte lake in northern Michigan and it was a lot of fun. My mom, Donna and our dear family friend Fran got up there a day early and had things all ready for us when we got there. I can't imagine driving any longer than we did with 3 11 month olds. It took us 5 hours to get there with a million stops along the way. It was rainy and dreary the first 2 day's we were there but we still had fun. On Monday afternoon when it started to dry out we took a ride into Glenn Arbor and went to Cherry Republic. If you like to try new and different things I highly recommend the mild cherry salsa. Monday night Clyde, Nick & I went to the Cherry Bowl Drive In and saw Up. It was a cute movie and we had a good time.

Tuesday We went to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dune Climb and did what else? Climbed the dunes! It was fun and Nick had a great time. We came back to the house and Nick wanted to go in the water, it was COLD!!! But he did not care and splashed away. He wanted to try out the Kayak and I told him to go with dad first and learn how to do it but he told me "No!! I know how to do it!!" and he did, he got in and took off.

Wednesday was a special day as it would have been Fran's son Chris' 25th birthday so first thing in the morning we said a prayer for Chris. Chris was an amazing young man who was taken from this earth WAY to soon. He was struck by a truck walking to school almost 9 years ago. I had known Chris most of his life and our families were close, I used to babysit for him and will always keep him close in my heart. It was a beautiful day and we spent it outside with all the kids. Sand castles, splashing and more kayaking. Nick and my mom went out and kayaked for a long time, I think they both had fun. We had a bon fire at night and roasted marshmallows and had smores. My mom lit the entire stair way and walkway to the lake with candles and set two candles out in the lake in memory of Chris. it was BEAUTIFUL!!! Donna and I sat out with the fire and just watched the candles in the lake. We watched at least 3 boats go by and I was so sure someone would put them out but everyone left them alone and I remember looking away for a few minutes and as soon as I looked back the candles burned out and I told Chris goodnight. It was a beautiful end to a great day!!!

Thursday we headed home and I'm sure my mom, Donna and Fran were glad to see us go. My family is a lot of work LOL It was a great vacation and I hope we get to go back next year!!

Here is a LONG slideshow of all the FUN that we had on our trip up north!!