We traveled to Manistee, Michigan for a family vacation again this year. However, this year brought some changes. My sister, Kelly, was able to travel with us as were her youngest, Kacey and my nephew, Conner. That brought the total up to FIVE adults and EIGHT kids. It was a lot of activity and a lot of memory making.
We rented a cabin at the campground. My sister and her three children stayed there with Brian, me and our kids. My mom, Jim and two nephews stayed in the camper.
Things I learned in Michigan -
When at the beach, the best place to hide a pop tart from a baby is in an adult's shoe.
Lizzie does not like having a dead fish as a hair accessory.
If your pork chops gets in your taters then you can't eat them because they will smell like taters.
If the pork chop gets in ketchup, you can't eat it because it will taste like hot dog ketchup.
Maquitos bite and hurt.
Wait, not Maquitos, they are Basquitos!!
I took a lot of pictures - over 400 - and it was hard to pick just a couple to post here. So, while there are definitely not 400 in this post, there are several.
Lizzie and Kelsey enjoyed playing in the sand while Katie got just to the edge of the waves.
My mom, Jim and kiddos on the pier.
Going on a boat ride
Jacob is imparting his wisdom upon his daddy.
Katie and Brycen. I think they were picking up dead fish and putting them in the bucket in this picture.
Our cabin
Zach enjoyed stepping out of the cabin and fishing
The crew at the beach. Of course, Jacob is in the water.
Typical "Whatever" face from Jacob.
Jumping off the pier into the sand was fun. I was a little worried that we had started a bad habit and one of them would try it farther down the pier. But no one took the plunge into the lake!
Katie at the beach
Katie and Brycen waited patiently on the dock for Zach to catch a fish. They told him that if he caught one, they would kiss it!
Katie with her glasses, fishin' stick and lollipop.
If this isn't a little Kelly, then I don't know what is!
Aunt Kelly jumps with them.
Kelly and girls
Kelsey checks out the beach
Miss Kacey. She already smiles big when she sees a camera.
Zach and Kelsey hanging out waiting for their turn for a boat ride.
Kelsey did NOT want a cone OR a spoon. She licked it from the cup!
My kids.
Jacob is already out there somewhere. Lizzie is in. Katie is getting closer and Zach has two Brycen and Kelsey.
Lizzie running to the water.
Lizzie and Conner. She tried to have a kid on her hip at all times.
Love this picture of Lizzie feeding Conner. Look closely and you will see that her mouth is open!
Lizzie gets some air.
I took them down to the ramp on the river and let them get soaked. They had a great time. They were very wet and messy. . . but happy!
Poor Sadie was exhausted.
So was Brycen
Jacob sees water and RUNS!
Brycen got in trouble for being on the dock with an adult. He told Jim, "I'm not your buddy anymore." Then he told mom, "I am not your baby anymore." Finally he crawled up with Jacob and cuddled. I think he was hoping Jacob wasn't going to lecture him too!
Zach and Conner on the pier
Watching Zach fish
My family watching a movie one evening.
WRESTLING with cousins.
Miss Kacey. We found the perfect way to keep her happy - just keep feeding her!
It was brrrrrr. . . cold water. But Zach finally took the plunge.
Lots of memories were made and the kids are already talking about next year.
