Father's Day really marked the beginning of our summer, so it is only fitting that we begin with a few pictures of the best Daddy in the world!
The kids and I got Kris a waffel maker, the professional grade version he has been wanting to get for a while but hasn't felt like he wants to waste his calories on. Well, we figure he can afford the calories, especially now that he is training for a marathon. Go Babe! 
Last year we made a family goal to explore more of Michigan this summer, so we planned a week long trip to accomplish it. First, we stayed one night in Otsego State Park on our way to the Upper Peninsula, and then we stayed three nights at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Lastly, we camped two nights in Young State Park just southeast of Charlevoix, Michigan and then returned home. We took a lot of pictures, and so, as you scroll through our blog, we'll fill you in on our daily adventures and highlights. Enjoy!
Swimming in Otsego Lake.
We came across this store in Mackinac City that we had to stop at because Alyson's middle name is Ashley and this little store, as you can see on the sign, is called "Allison & Ashley's Summer House". We each chose to purchase a ceramic bird that we can display so that we always remember our trip.
Our kiddos in front of a light house at the northern edge of Mackinac City, just before crossing Mackinac Bridge that leads to the Upper Peninsula.
A glimpse of the Lower Tahquamenon Falls.
We rented a camper instead of braving the unpredictable Michigan weather with four children. You can catch a glimpse of it in the upper right hand corner. Good choice because it rained off and on 4 of the 7 days we camped. We were also able to bring more gear like our bikes. And we used them a lot!
After a few days of camping we decided to live the high life and eat at a restaurant. Actually, we ordered a couple of appetizers to tide us over until dinner, and we drank Ella's weight in water. Does anyone else find that they don't drink enough when they go camping?
The Upper Tahquamenon Falls
The kids said that the falls looked like root beer. Really, it is the tannins from the trees that causes the water to have a brown color. It was pretty neat going on a guided tour so we could learn more about the area.
Kris ran 10 miles on this trail, part of which was through the pouring rain and thunder and lightning. Seriously, the girls and I wondered if he was ever going to make it back. About half way through his run the skies opened up and the rain came tumbling down. Turns out Kris had to find shelter under trees when he saw the lightning come rolling along with the rain and thunder. Thankfully, Kris made it back safely and got the shower he needed to rinse off in...just not the conventional way he usually does.
We took a drive about 20 minutes north of our campsite and visited Whitefish Harbor. It was a beautiful, cool and foggy day on the beach along Lake Superior. We listened to the fog horn as we ate lunch, then we collected all kinds of rocks on the beach. Kris found one shaped like a heart and gave it to me. How sweet!
It rained a lot of the time that we were on vacation, so we took full advantage of the little windows of clear skies and sunshine. We heard about a bear ranch called Oswald's Bears, a ranch that rescues black bears from all parts of the United States, so we went there while we were in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula). It was so much fun! We petted a baby bear and took a little stroll with one of the bears. It literally walked beside us, of course on the other side of the fence, for about 1/4 of a mile. Maybe she liked the smell of Kris' deodorant. We don't know, but she was sure cute!
One of the most memorable moments of our trip happened at Oswald's Bear Ranch. Kris was filming three female bears climbing up and down the trees, and we were all watching in awe when Kris spotted one of the bears quickly look to the left-down hill. Something caught her eye and so we all looked in that direction too, and there was Keegan in the double jogging stroller going down the hill backwards. Kris got the whole thing on film, even his sprint with camera in hand to rescue our son who for probably the first time in his life realized that something was very wrong because he looked like he was about to bust into tears. The female bear ran the length of the fence until Kris caught the stroller just before it hit another bear enclosure. Boy, were we lucky that the bear saw Keegan rolling along, otherwise the ending could have been much different.
Ella caught eye of this stuffed bear at Oswald's Bear Ranch and had to give him a kiss. She sure knows how to pucker up!
After staying three nights at Tahquamenon Falls we drove to Charleviox, MI and stayed at Young State Park. We spent the first evening in Charleviox to pick up my race packet and to explore the little town of Charleviox situated on Lake Michigan. It quickly became our favorite town we have seen along Lake Michigan's shoreline (if you call it that). We really liked watching the draw bridge open up for the big boats and grand yacht's. It was a neat site. We also walked to the end of a pier and looked out into Lake Michigan that truly looks like the ocean. It just goes on and on with no land in site! One advantage that water in Michigan has over the ocean is that it's fresh water-no salt that stings your eyes or leaves a bad taste in your mouth. We have definitely fallen in love with all the water in Michigan.
On Saturday the 26th I ran the "Run Charleviox" half marathon, the second half I've ran this year (I ran the Provo Half Marathon on June 14th). Wow-it was fun, and boy, did I have the best support crew ever. It was an out and back course that hugged the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline so Kris and the kids met me in 6 different places along the course. Other spectators began calling me mom, saying things like "go mom," and "good job, mom!" Thank you Kris, Alyson, Kourtney, Ellary and Keegan for being so supportive and encouraging me to run.
We also went to church at the Charlevoix Branch in Petosky before coming home.The kids and I had never been to a branch before.
We had a wonderful time on our camping trip. We are so glad we saw more of this beautiful state we live in. Going to the U.P. was exciting but probably something we won't be doing again for a while. Charleviox on the other hand, we are heading back next year. We can't wait!
4th of July
We have spent the last 5 years in Colorado for the 4th of July. Although we couldn't be there this year we kept with tradition and went swimming on Saturday. We also saw Toy Story 3 and let off some fireworks. Fun! Fun! Fun!
This picture documents Alyson's last trip down the froggie's tongue. She was informed by the lifeguard that she is too tall to go down it now!
We have spent the last 5 years in Colorado for the 4th of July. Although we couldn't be there this year we kept with tradition and went swimming on Saturday. We also saw Toy Story 3 and let off some fireworks. Fun! Fun! Fun!
This picture documents Alyson's last trip down the froggie's tongue. She was informed by the lifeguard that she is too tall to go down it now!
Poor Keegan has his mom's fair skin (reason for a t-shirt and a hat.)
Sparklers, snakes and glow sticks...Oh, my!
So, as you can see, we have had a busy summer already! Alyson and Kourtney also spent a week at a nature day camp and two weeks learning how to play tennis and taking swim lessons.
Now two of my nephews are visiting us, and we are having a blast with them here. Soon we will be getting ready for our anual visit to Colorado and we are very excited to see friends and family. Love to you all!
