Michigan Vacation Day 6

Dear Baby Bird,

As soon as we finished breakfast this morning, we hailed a Taxi (no really, we did! It was a taxi pulled by a horse!) to take us to the Fort.  

We had a pleasant surprise when they drove us by the front of the Grand Hotel to drop off another passenger. It looked just like Mom and Dad remembered from 10 years ago.

We arrived at the Fort just in time to see the flags being raised for the day.

You and Brother enjoyed exploring the many buildings; you especially liked sitting in the desk in the school room.

The Fort is at the top of the island, and you can see the whole town from there, including our hotel.

 

We got to watch a canon demonstration. It wasn't as loud as we expected it to be.

Then of course you and Brother wanted to do your own version of shooting a canon.

The Fort had tower look-outs in all the corners.

Your favorite part of the Fort was the Rifle shootings, even though you had to cover your ears.

The kids area was really fun, you liked to listen to the phones, especially the ones with sound effects.

Brother really enjoyed learning the marching steps.

Ok guys, pose for a picture and aim your rifles....

... wait a minute, which way are you aiming??

We had lunch at the Tea Room outside the Fort, which included delicious milkshakes from the Grand Hotel menu.

We stopped by the Biddle House to see them making Peas Porridge Pie and some bread.

You didn't really get to enjoy this part of the tour, though, because you were wiped out!

Another busy day!
Love,
Mom

Michigan Vacation Day 5

Dear Baby Bird,

Today we drove the rest of the way up to Mackinac.  We stopped for lunch at an Orchard, where we enjoyed cheese and crackers and cherries, and the cool playground and rope maze.

We took the ferry boat to Mackinac Island. You thought the boat was pretty fun, and enjoyed the ride.

We walked around a bit to explore the island.

 We found our first of many ice cream stops.

 We went for a hike up the hill and had a great view from the top.

 You enjoyed watching people and horses and bikes go by.

 We met up with your aunt and cousins, who were having their vacation at the same time! You were glad to see them and loved running around with them.

 We stopped for fudge and enjoyed trying the many flavors.

Another wonderful day!
Love,
Mom

Michigan Vacation Days 3-4

Dear Baby Bird,

Yesterday we spent most of the day travelling up to Empire, MI.

We had to make a stop to get you eyedrops for pinkeye, so that was a bummer, but you've been a really good sport about it all.

We had dinner last night with our neighbors, you were excited to see familiar faces.

We had breakfast in our room, and Brother showed off his wiggly tooth.

 

Then off to the beach for hiking and playing in the sand!

 

We stopped at the grocery store to pick up some goodies for lunch.

While you napped, Dad and Brother went kayaking on a local river. Then it was time for ice cream.

You hit your eye on the headboard of the bed, and that combined with the pinkeye really made you look sad. But you were in great spirits!

Before dinner, we decided to explore the Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes. We took a family photo by the covered bridge.

Then Dad took a test shot before Brother took this photo of Mom and Dad.

 

This is where Brother had to sit to get the photo! Silly Brother.

 

We had some great views during the drive.

 Dad didn't want to get any closer to the edge... behind us was a steep sand dune. We ventured a little higher to enjoy the view, without Dad or the camera.

 

Then we headed into town for a delicious dinner, followed by (of course), ice cream

Finally, we headed to climb the Sand Dune. You and brother loved the smooth sand!

You didn't love it so much when you took a face-plant and got it in your mouth.

We had a great day together!

Love,
Mom

 



 

Michigan Vacation Days 1-2

Dear Baby Bird,

We're on vacation! Last night we drove to Aunt Loree's house and spent the night there before starting our drive to Michigan.

Today we went to Holland, MI, and got to meet up with my cousin and her daughters. You guys had a lot of fun playing at the beach, and enjoying ice cream afterward.

 

We explored the town a bit after dinner, and found our first set of Adirondack chairs to relax.

 

You've been a great traveler already!
Love,
Mom