Michigan vacation ~ Part 1

We went to Michigan the day after school let out for summer break.  There is something about Michigan that keeps us wanting to go back again and again. The towns are charming, the water is beautiful, and the weather is perfect. There isn't much more you could ask for in a vacation.  

We were so ready for a vacation once school let out. This was a great way to kick off summer vacation. 

We had a great drive there. It takes about 8.5 hours which is not a bad drive for us. Paige and I start getting antsy the last couple of hours, but it's all worth it once we get there. 

This is our third time staying at the same cottage, Point Sunnyside, in Sutton's Bay and it's absolutely wonderful! The view can not be beat. 

When we woke up it was a sunny, beautiful Michigan day. There is nothing better than a sunrise over the bay. I was able to sit outside and enjoy my morning coffee with this view. 

After a slow morning we got dressed and headed to Leland, MI (aka fishtown). I love Leland. We visit first thing each time we come to Michigan. We love eating at "The Cove" and visiting "That Dam Candy Store."  There are so many cute stores to shop at, and we always stop at the coffee shop. Leland is probably one of my favorite Michigan towns. 

Paige tried fish for the first time at "The Cove" and loved it. The first time we came to Michigan she was three and now she's seven. Time flies! 

I saw a video on TikTok about Van's Beach and we just so happened to stumble upon it. I had no clue it even existed, but it was so pretty. There were quite a few dead fish that had washed up unfortunately, but once you passed that it was a great view of Lake Michigan. 

This picture doesn't even do this beach justice. It was so gorgeous. I used to love the ocean and Florida, but I would choose the lake over the ocean any day. 

We headed back to spend some time on the water. We wanted to try out the SUP boards, and none of us could do it. I stood and held onto a tree branch for a good ten minutes before finally giving up. It is way harder than it looks. 

Kayak's were a much better, easier option. 

I thought for sure Ella would be able to do this since she has good balance but no such luck. 

Our rental had the best sandy area to play in. We spent a lot of time there that week. 

I loved the kayak. It was a good way to get some peace and quiet since no one could get to me once I was out. 

Michigan mornings are the best! Adam and Paige were out searching for rocks. 

Paige and Adam didn't want to do anything that morning so Ella and I took off. We went to an overlook on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I am a sucker for pretty overlooks. 

After a short half mile hike uphill we came upon the overlook, and it was beautiful. 

It almost doesn't even look real. 

We had a fun little morning together doing this hike. 

We headed into Glen Arbor to get some drinks to refuel, and I ran into M22. I wanted to go there last time we were in Michigan but didn't get to. I love Michigan gear! Funny story, we couldn't find a fountain drink anywhere in town. I finally stopped at a gas station. In the back was a fountain coke machine which ended up being broke. It had probably been unusable for years. An older man owned the gas station. Another older man was in there telling him all of his problems. Not only can you get gas, but you can also have a free counseling session while you are at it. Just don't think about getting a coke in the process...

If that wasn't enough fun for one day, Paige wanted to go to the public beach in town. 

It was such a beautiful day, but it was HOT. We were just roasting in the sun. 

We played in the sand and played on the playground and by that time I thought I was going to pass out from dehydration so we headed out. 

We ordered dinner and enjoyed a nice evening at the house. While Adam picked up dinner I found a chipmunk finally. These little guys are running all over. 

The restaurant we ordered from had alcoholic beverages to go. Sign me up!

May Happenings

Pool season is finally here, and Paige had to be the first one to jump in the pool. The water was COLD that day, but she didn't care. 

Pool days are the best days, especially when the pool is functioning properly. Lol! 

 Every spring we usually have a family of ducks or geese over on the golf course. This year it was ducks, and they were so cute. This mama duck has a huge responsibility taking care of these babies and keeping them safe. It amazes me how well animals take care of their babies. 

Paige finally got to go on her first field trip with her kindergarten class. They went to Audubon Park. She said it was kind of fun and kind of boring... lol! Due to COVID, Paige (and a lot of classmates) had never been on a field trip or even rode on a school bus. I'm so glad they can get back to some of these normal activities.

Instead of a party this year, Paige chose a fun day with her friend Tinley. Tinley and Paige met in Pre-K. They exchanged phone numbers toward the end of the year and stayed connected by facetime phone calls all last summer. They started tennis lessons and gymnastics together at the beginning on kindergarten. Even though they don't go to school together, they still manage to stay friends. They have the cutest friendship.

First up on our fun day, they had a nail appointment to get their nails and toe nails painted. This was a first for Paige, and she really enjoyed it. 

 

Looking good and onto our next stop....

Next up, Paige wanted to go to Claire's. They both did a little shopping, and then we headed to lunch. 

Paige loves MOD pizza so that's where we went for lunch. Tinley had never been and loved it. 

Our last stop was the zoo. I was so excited to go and see the new penguin exhibit. It was unfortunately closed due to bird flu. UGH! It's always something these days. 

Tinley is such a character. I get the biggest kick out of her. Unbeknownst to her mom, she stashed red lipstick in her purse. I looked over and she was reapplying it as we were looking at the rhino. 

Paige had to get in on the action as well. Red lipstick at the zoo is a necessity. 

The more they applied the lipstick... the more they started resembling clowns. 

The went on the carousel multiple times. They enjoyed riding in this seat together. I think they applied lipstick the entire time. 

We celebrated Easton's 9th birthday at Skyzone. Paige had never been there so she was really excited to go. That place is a little too chaotic for me, but Paige had a lot of fun. The best part was eating a piece of his awesome birthday cake! 

I worked my very last lunch duty a couple weeks before school ended. I loved seeing Paige during lunch, and she loved having me there. I have a love/hate relationship with lunch duty, but it's good to get a glimpse into her school day.