Michigan: Our Annual Summer Visit

Day 1: We drove. And drove. And drove some more. 

For 13 hours. 

With only two stops. 

But we finally made it, in once piece, and were glad to be with family!

Day 2: My parents gifted my brothers, my SIL, my nephew, and our family with a day at Michigan Adventure... roller coasters and water slides all day! 

In spite of an unusually hot day, near vomiting experiences, and minor sunburn, we had a GREAT time. Amusements had minimal wait times and there were plenty of things for all of us to do together. 

My kids have since asked if this can be a new summer tradition when we visit Grandpa and Grandma... I think my parents may have unintentionally started something fun.

Day 3: After a morning at church, we enjoyed a relaxed afternoon before a fun evening of grilling burgers, playing yard games, and celebrating a couple of June birthdays.

Day 4: Grand Haven, Michigan! A day at the beach - digging holes, playing games, and jumping off the pier. The best!

Day 5: Finally... Incredibles 2!

After the movie, we stopped to visit my Granny's grave and also the graves of other great-great family members. It was the first chance I've had to visit since her death this past February.

That evening, the High side of the family gathered for a potluck picnic so we could all visit together. And, (highlight!) we met our newest family member... whom Annalyse never wanted to put down.

Day 6: Fourth of July! The kids enjoyed gathering candy during the annual neighborhood parade; Grandpa was thankful for the candy the kids gathered on his behalf (!!); we lit off fireworks in the backyard; the kids ran around with sparklers; and we all ate ice cream. A good day!

Day 7: Back to Grand Haven for the day. When the weather is nice, the beaches of Lake Michigan beckon. With beautiful beaches only a half hour away, it's easy to load up the cooler and make the drive for a day of fun. The waves were big and the kids played for the longest time in them!

After dinner it was GAME ON for a family race go-carting, followed by a stop to visit my Papa's grave and reflect on the incredible man he was.

Day 8: We loaded up and headed home. We drove. And drove. And drove some more.

For 13 hours. 

With only two stops. 

But we finally made it, in once piece, and were glad to be out of the van and sleeping in our own beds!