This is the first year our family took a vacation that didn't involve going to visit our extended family. Although, extended family did join us for some fun! Last year Good Morning America viewers voted Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore as the Most Beautiful Place in America.
My husband and I were determined to make it happen, and because we live in Columbus, Ohio with family up in Michigan it seemed completely do-able on our tight budget. Leaving Late Saturday night, we spent the night at my in-laws home near Saginaw, Michigan. The next morning we headed west for the shore of Lake Michigan.
Our first stop was the Point Betsie Light House. Unfortunately, my camera died before the journey up the tower...so the downside is I came home without some gorgeous pictures....the upside is I have an excuse to go back! http://www.pointbetsie.org/
Next, we headed north on M-22 to Empire, Michigan. Once we checked into the motel and had some dinner we headed straight for the beach. It was a joy to watch the sun go down with my family. The kids of course all wanted to get in the water, but seemed satisfied to skip rocks with their dad.
The next morning after a yummy breakfast of waffles, we gathered everyone up and headed straight back to the beach. We were there by 9 a.m. I think my husband wanted to kill me. Aren't vacations for sleeping in? I can't help it. I am a beach bum at heart.
After a full morning, my husband was bored and hungry. We headed back to the motel room and made quesadillas using a waffle iron!?! Those were the funniest quesadillas ever. Pretty sure everyone wanted to nap, but I was too excited...so we headed further north to the historic fishtown of Leland. There we visited some shops like Manitou Edibles, owned by Kristi Medler, which had the yummiest jams and fruit butters in addition to other tasty treats. Even better Kristi was delightful and managed to bring Max out of his pouting spell. We also visited the Dam Candy Store where the kiddos feasted on some sweet creamy goodness.
Eventually the heat of the day got to us and we wandered back to Empire. We stopped to take a picture of the D.H. Day barn. Then went into town for some pizza and spirits.
The other grown ups seemed ready to call it a night, so I took my three and my nephew back to the beach for another sunset. It was a completely different show. The fiery opal colors of Sunday night were replaced with the iridescent colors of carnival glass. Our daughter played on the beach, while the three boys returned to skipping rocks. I think boys must have natural proclivity for throwing things. They all managed to take a little time out to pose for me though.
On day three, we took a drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and headed over to the Dune Climb. Then we headed north to Glen Haven...I think my husband intended to wander the historic town...but the kids and I headed straight for the beach. Poor guy...
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After we finished up in Glen Haven we drove into Traverse City, MI to see a Lego Exhibit. My favorite was the lighthouse, so Ella and I made one of our own. The kids dug for treasure in the cherry pit, before we headed out for dinner and a visit to Cherry Republic. Shortly after we were defeated by the hot July heat and piled into the van and headed back to the in-laws for an over night stay.
It was a wonderful time and it certainly strengthened our bonds as a family. We've talked about Florida vacations....but Florida in July is a beast of its own. I think we'll be heading back to the crystal clear water of Lake Michigan next year.
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