Michigan 2013

 Our annual Lake Michigan vacation is always much anticipated by everyone in our family.  Now that the kids are older and have more memories of the place they start looking forward to the traditions up there weeks before we pack to go. 

Pretending to surf.  This is the third summer Jack has worn those swim trunks!  From the looks of it he is due for a new one with more coverage next year.

Making snickerdoodles with grandma

Chocolate frosted donuts in Frankfort

One new thing we did this year was go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. 

I included this picture only to document the less than ideal picnic we had before going home.  It was so unpleasant as to be almost comical with whining kids, lack of seating, strong cold wind blowing all the food and bags around, sand everywhere, and rain 5 minutes into it.  I guess there has to be a low point to every vacation....

Beach grass jewelry and crowns were a theme this year.

Sasha and Jake with their Harley second cousins.  We all hung out together on Portage Lake one day.

Several years ago I told Sasha about a game called "Greased Watermelon" that we used to play at kids camp at Little Eden.  It has been her dream to have a greased watermelon competition since learning about it.  Here Mary manages to haul it to shore with a pack of Smuckers in pursuit.

The kids attacked the watermelon like vultures when it broke on shore.

Doing crafts with grandma. 

Sunset before watching fireworks from the boats out on Portage Lake.