We almost didn't go to Glen Lake this year. With moving, a new job, new schools, and owning 2 houses, I just thought it would be too much. Greg didn't think so. :) So he worked some magic, got a good deal, split the good deal with his parents to make it even better, and some how convinced this old stick in the mud to go. I had a great time.
I had the most fun that I have ever had. More relaxing and actually like a vacation. I enjoyed sharing a cabin with Greg's parents. Kathy cooked big, yummy meals for everyone, and Greg and Garry took turns cleaning up. We also had TV this year and as much as it pains me to say, I think the TV helped. After hiking 3 miles and swimming for a few hours, the kids were tired and watching Cloudy with a Chance for Meatballs on the Cartoon Network was just what they needed. I wonder if melt downs would have happened normally but because of the TV people had the chance to rest.
The kids were wonderful. I can't remember any one crying but Liam. Liam was his normal self.
This is Lake Michigan around 1 1/2 hours away from Glen Lake. We stop on the way up to break up the ride and everyone enjoys it. The kids started out with their clothes on. Mistake.
Letting the clothes dry.
We made it all the way up! Our first stop was where Otter creek meets like Michigan.
This is Liam and Greg in front of our cabin.
I have a new really awesome swim suit but didn't really wear it. Typical.
Climbing the Sand dunes. The hill was across the street from where we stayed this time.
We had a fire every night and made s'mores. This was very important to Shadrach so we did it. I think everyone ended up really enjoying it. The last night we ( except Liam and Enoch) actually stayed up until it was dark out side which is really late for my kids since the go to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 normally. We all told stories. It was so much fun. Papa even told a scary story.
There were lots of games played. Pandemic mostly. The world was saved several times.
Here were are at Pierce Stocking Drive. The Giant Tree. The children were really looking forward to the tree this year.
Nana and Papa took Ali and Shadrach on a car ride at dusk. They saw 11 deer and 1 ratcoon.
Empire Bluff Hike. We took turns holding Liam. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't been so wiggly.
Sand Castles with Army men.
Ali outside of our cabin. Ali and Shadrach really both want to be on a swim team. Swimming seems to be a big sport where we live now. To get on a team you have to be able to swim free style across the length of a pool. We practiced at the lake and was really surprised at how well Ali and Shadrach did. We will have to see. Maybe we will do a swim team.
Ali and Nana. Somehow Nana never gets in the pictures!
I thought Liam playing under this Warning Sign was funny.
We had great weather the whole time. It was sunny and 80 every day and that is unusual for Northern Michigan in September. I loved it.
It makes me truly grateful for Greg. I am so glad he makes me have fun.
