Being together with family and friends in a place that gracefully holds 5 generations of memories is special. We are lucky to experience Northern Michigan this way and we know it. Lucky that we have memories for us and now our children that include a cottage built in 1926 and friends we hold so very dear.
We loved being here. Really being present...aware of how beautiful it is and experience daily activity so different from the busyness of home. Changing the routine is not always easy, but so very worth it. Every second of it. 
While in Michigan we experienced many firsts...
From trips out on the ski-doo, the kayak, the boat, going tubing, naps taken under a tree while the water provided us with a natural sound machine, record time spent awake, record time spent in the carseats (7 hours drive time).
Stafford cottage in the distance as we pull away on the tube for Bennett's first time. He LOVED it...no suprise there. Each time we stopped so they could check on us, he just repeated "I want to go fast, mommy."
We all (babies included) ate nearly every meal outdoors...breakfast, lunch, snacks...all by the water or in the sand. Perfect break in our routine. You know those Michigan commercials...they suck me right in each time - talking about "pure Michigan" and all there is to do or the way you can slow down. It is true, those commercials. Even driving to dinner where the blue sky had turned grey...the back-drop was rolling hills, beautiful wildflowers - interrupted only by the occasional farmhouse.
Bathing suit babies started early and continued throughout the day. No reason to change.
Bennett and Exy.
Bennett playing with Mr. Stafford's bulldozer from when he was a child. He brought it out of storage after seeing how much Bennett loves construction equipment. It is over 50 years old and worked like a charm.
Kevin and Amber don't have children. At least not yet. So, we basically feel like they are saints for inviting a family of four to be part of their vacation. Truthfully, we know they love our children. And you love the people who love your kids. We have always known they were a special couple, but it just keeps growing. They also love to teach Bennett new tricks. On one of the "man trips" out on the kayak, Kevin and Zach taught Bennett that anytime you see a boat with girls on it, he should say, "hey ladies!"
Bennett and mommy on our way to go look for Amber during one of her long, morning swims.
The spring water just outside their house is delicious. I look forward to this water with each trip. Bennett spent so much time playing at the stream...gaining confidence to jump over it, drinking from it, rinsing his sandy feet at it. When Bennett spotted a decorative fountain while out to dinner, he stood up and stated he need to go drink that water.
How many times could he carry a cup of water from the fountain to the beach? Walking on his tippy toes, careful not to spill.
Stafford cottage in the distance as we pull away on the tube for Bennett's first time. He LOVED it...no suprise there. Each time we stopped so they could check on us, he just repeated "I want to go fast, mommy."
We all (babies included) ate nearly every meal outdoors...breakfast, lunch, snacks...all by the water or in the sand. Perfect break in our routine. You know those Michigan commercials...they suck me right in each time - talking about "pure Michigan" and all there is to do or the way you can slow down. It is true, those commercials. Even driving to dinner where the blue sky had turned grey...the back-drop was rolling hills, beautiful wildflowers - interrupted only by the occasional farmhouse. 
Bathing suit babies started early and continued throughout the day. No reason to change.
Bennett and Exy.
Bennett playing with Mr. Stafford's bulldozer from when he was a child. He brought it out of storage after seeing how much Bennett loves construction equipment. It is over 50 years old and worked like a charm.
Kevin and Amber don't have children. At least not yet. So, we basically feel like they are saints for inviting a family of four to be part of their vacation. Truthfully, we know they love our children. And you love the people who love your kids. We have always known they were a special couple, but it just keeps growing. They also love to teach Bennett new tricks. On one of the "man trips" out on the kayak, Kevin and Zach taught Bennett that anytime you see a boat with girls on it, he should say, "hey ladies!" 
Elly Rose and her sweet Godmother. Amber is training to complete a full Ironman at the end of August. We admire her strength, commitment and determination because just thinking about the grueling training schedule is exhausting.
Bennett and mommy on our way to go look for Amber during one of her long, morning swims.
The spring water just outside their house is delicious. I look forward to this water with each trip. Bennett spent so much time playing at the stream...gaining confidence to jump over it, drinking from it, rinsing his sandy feet at it. When Bennett spotted a decorative fountain while out to dinner, he stood up and stated he need to go drink that water.
How many times could he carry a cup of water from the fountain to the beach? Walking on his tippy toes, careful not to spill.
On our drive home, we passed a couple trucks filled with pigs that did not smell so pleasant and without prompting, Bennett perked up both times (hours apart) and announced, "mommy, Elly Rose stinky." Just left Zach and I laughing.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment