After much preparation, the time for us to fly to Illinois finally arrived. Unfortunately, Josh had to stay home for work, but Grammy joined us for the fun.
Both of our kids LOVE to fly - listening to them giggle during take off makes the almost 4 hour flight bearable.
The next morning, we loaded up, along with Gram, Pop, and Uncle Brian and headed to Michigan to spend a few days on the beach.
Our final destination, Buelah, Michigan, was absolute paradise! We stayed at my Uncle Stevens "cottage" on the lake - we couldn't have picked a better vacation spot!
After arriving, the kids needed to stretch their legs, so we checked out the beach.
We spent the rest of the evening at the pavilion watching their annual summer "Music in the Park" concert - He Said, She Said put on quite a performance!
First thing Friday morning, the kids headed to the playground on the beach.
Once Uncle Brian put the boat in the water, we loaded up and spent the rest of the day on the lake.
Cooper and Caedyn both got a chance to drive the boat - it was so fun for me to watch, not long ago, I was the little girl sitting on Uncle Brian's lap learning to drive.
We stopped to swim, float, and relax. The kids took this opportunity to splash around like wild animals!
Once we had our fill of swimming, the kids (Mom included) hopped on the tubes to go for a ride. Their expressions tell the whole story...
Once Grammy had enough, it was my turn!
That afternoon, I brought the kids back to the beach - I swear they were fish in a previous life, they never get enough of the water!
As the sun started to set, all of the boys went out fishing (and actually catching). Caedyn and I stayed behind and sat on the dock, watching the rest of the sunset .
On Saturday morning, the surprise party preparations began. The guys left early for fishing, so we had a few hours to decorate and get the cake before Grandpa got back.
They came home with quite a catch - almost enough for our fish fry later in the week!
Grandma intercepted Pop before he came in the house, so we could all get in our places. IT WAS A TOTAL SUCCESS, he never even saw it coming - we even got a few tears out of him!
Later, we took the boat out for another day on the lake. We swam, relaxed, and enjoyed the beautiful weather, and I mean beautiful weather - the temperature didn't reach 90 the entire week!
After hopping on and off the tubes all day, the kids were ready for another ride. All four jumped on...
... but Caedyn & Anna couldn't hang the length of the ride - Instead, Cae decided to curl up in the cubby and take a nap...
... Cooper & Katie, on the other hand, refused to quit!
That evening, we all met on the dock to watch the sunset - it was so peaceful and serene, I could've sat there all night.
Sunday morning, while the boys were fishing again, the rest of us walked (and scooted) down to Main Street for breakfast.
Once the guys came back with their haul, we spent the rest of the day at the beach...
Either playing in the sand...
On the playground...
Or swimming to & jumping off the swim dock.
We even took the kayaks out for a spin...
We managed to get a few family pictures in, but didn't get a whole group shot - guess we'll all just have to go again ;)
Over the course of the week, we played quite a few games of Uno - now neither of our kids can get enough.
On Sunday evening, my Mom and I took all of the kids to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater to see Ice Age: Collision Course. They had a fun playground & miniature golf course to play on while we waited for the movie to start.
We started our final day in Beulah on the boat - the kids each did a bit of tubing before it was time to get cleaned up for our adventure.
Our first stop was Glen Haven Village - the views were spectacular & there was so much to do!
We got a chance to explore the Cannery Boathouse, originally a cherry cannery, but in recent years houses historic boats that were used around Glen Haven & the Manitou Islands.
We strolled down Main Street, passing lots of beautifully restored historic buildings.
My favorite was the Blacksmith Shop - they had volunteers explaining the equipment & creating all kinds of iron products, which were available for purchase once they finished.
After Glen Haven, we checked out the Sleeping Bear Dunes & Empire Beach, before our final stop at the Empire Bluffs Trail. It was a fairly easy hike, the path snaked through the woods, before letting out at the top of the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.
The views were absolutely incredible, pictures don't even begin to do it justice!
After dinner that evening, we drove to the town of Frankfort for some World Famous MOOmers Ice Cream and to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
Our busy week sure wore the kids out - so much, they actually slept in later than me!
Before leaving, I had to get a picture of the kids with these flowers - Hydrangeas are one of my favorites & these ones were BEAUTIFUL!
On Tuesday, it was time to drive back to Illinois - this sign was definitely fitting, I already can't wait to go back!
During our drive, we stopped at a fruit stand to get some fresh local fruit - Cooper picked out a bushel of peaches & plum, man were they delicious!
We took a trip out to the Meyer Family Farm on Wednesday (thanks Bruce!) - the kids both got to take the old Farmall Tractor for a spin.
Of course we couldn't leave without some sweet corn & a little swinging!
Down the road, they started collecting old tractors for an auction - we strolled through the fields & Grandpa pointed out the kind of tractors that he used growing up on the farm.
Grandma & Papa's house has always been my second home - just the smell when I walk in the door brings me so much comfort. I'm so thankful that my kids are able to bond with my grandparents the way I did as a child - seeing Cooper curled up on my Papa's lap brings me so much joy!
On Thursday, Papa & I brought the kids to the local waterpark, Splash Station. It's no Cowabunga Bay, but we still had a blast!
We spent that evening with my Uncle Jim & Aunt Debb - we swam in the pool and relaxed on the deck. It's always so nice catching up with family that we don't get the chance to see very often!
We spent all day Friday at Uncle Brian's...
Either going for boat rides on the river...
Tubing...
Or fishing...
Even going for a few golf cart rides... we were able to keep the kids happy & occupied all day thru.
On Saturday, the kids & I spent the day at Aunt Tina's - several of my aunt's and cousins joined, too. The kids spent the majority of the day swimming & splashing about in the pool, while the rest of us were able to catch up!
That afternoon, it was time to pack our things and head home. Leaving is always so bittersweet for me - I love coming home to my friends, but leaving my family is always so hard.
Once we got back to Vegas, Josh met us at the airport - we were super excited to see him after being away for 11 days!
We made it home just in time for his birthday on Sunday (I sorta planned it that way ;)) and spent the day with family & friends BBQing & celebrating his 36th year. I love you, my old man!
After our busy few weeks, I'm so ready to relax! Plus, it's almost time to start packing for our next adventure...
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