Boaters Delight

The planning started about a week before we left. The lists were scratched out, added to, and restarted again and again. Our first trip up to Traverse City, as a family of 6, was upon us. I was nervous, scared, and excited.

A lot of emotions for just driving up to visit my parents and brother! I wanted everything to go as well as it possibly could. A forgotten favorite blanket, animal, or clothing item could turn an hour of good into excess whining and screaming. Must avoid as many unnecessary meltdowns as possible was my theory. That theory along with many deep breaths and a lot of concentrating of sitting back and just enjoying the moment made for a kick ass, one for the record books, awesome weekend trip!

After a cloudy Friday morning the sun sprang through the clouds and the air warmed up. A beach excursion was in the cards. Found crayfish, toes dipped in water, shovels of sand shoveled, smiles planted of faces - it was as it should be, lovely, and enjoyable.






Late nights are rarely experienced, but this was a special trip. The melting sun, slowly dipping down to the horizon made for a picturesque backdrop as we indulged in ice cream.
Our chunks had his first taste of ice cream and loved it. Instantly turning on the tears when it was taken away.



The other three ran around, loving the treat of staying up late, inhaling the sweetness of life and the love of Grandpa and Grandma Goodhue.





Saturday came with sun shine blazing and temperatures rising. It was a boat day. No one was sure how the munchkins would handle their first boating experience. We all prepared for a short jaunt, just enough to wet the whistle and get them used to the boat. No one expected the great reaction exhibited by the children. They were in water heaven. They wanted to go faster and loved all aspects of the outing.


The water was chilly, but sparkled with beauty and crispness.



Anchored in a secluded cove, a drifting tube, throwing rocks, finding treasures, and soaking up the sun was the way we spent many hours. The pictures speak for themselves to the amount of fun we all had:








The chit-chat, dreaming, and constant reminders of their excellent time on the boat means another trip will be soon had. My tedious planning wasn't necessarily needed, sitting back and enjoying it all was.

A quick pic of Grandparents and all four children ends a post about one kick ass trip!