A Special Place

St. Clair, Mi is just one of those special places to me. I lived there until the age of 5. Both of my parents grew up there, my Grandparents always had a summer place there, a few Aunts live there, it's a place I have gone to all my life.

The St. Clair River is the ultimate back drop. The river sparkles in the sun. Noelle always comments that it has diamonds in the water. Max refers to it as, "Great Grandma's River" still. Violette lights up and exclaims, "pretty water" when we drive by it. The large boats constantly making their way down and up the river mesmerize the children and beckon adults to take a moment and enjoy the terrific view.


Great Grandpa was ready for our visit, pulling out all the sand toys for our arrival. The kids didn't wait long to get down to the sand and test the chilly water with their tiny toes. Zane loved the sand wiggling his toes and grasping handfuls. It was his first experience and he was enthralled. Of course a fair amount of sand found it's way into his mouth. His chubby cheeks were smeared.



Noelle, Max, and Violette ran up and down the beach throwing rocks, digging holes, and to say that they were loving it would be a bit of an understatement. Aunt CC joined in the fun too, bringing along her puppy and finance. Just what the kids needed, more family to share the beautiful weather with.




A few hours passed and it was time to head over to Aunt Judy's house for a barbecue. Leaving the beach was a hard one, but the promise of a dip in the hot tub was just the incentive they needed.

Zane was happily passed around as family came in and out of the house. Everyone talked and ate and enjoyed each other. Grandpa told incredible stories, capturing and captivating the attention of the older cousins, stories that will surely be passed down.


Noelle, Max, and Violette dunked themselves in the hot tub, or a mini-pool just the right size for them, as they like to think of it. Water any way is always the highlight for their little selves.



More time passed than anticipated and droopy eyes were seen. We loaded up the masses of stuff that we, a family of six, now travel with and said our goodbyes, knowing not too much time would pass until we would be back again.

Cousin Desmond was graduating and just before we left I was able to see him all dressed in his gown and give him a hug before the big diploma ceremony. Time marches on as I remember him being born. He was a very sick little guy, spending more time in the NICU than a little baby should have to. I vividly remember phone calls and tears when my mom would receive info on his progress. He's healthy, happy, and now graduated from high school, on to the next important journey in life.
Yep, St. Clair is a pretty special place. The children fell asleep within minutes of leaving, snuggled up to their new pee-wee pillow pets from Grandpa (these are SO cute and loved greatly since getting them!). Before they fell asleep, they each waved goodbye to the sparkling, diamond water. It is greeted with smiles and anticipation and given a farewell of tired, droopy hands, and thanks for the great day.