Has It Been That Long?

I was thinking about the last time we ventured up to Traverse City, and unbelievably, it was right before Christmas!  We couldn’t believe it and had to change that quickly, so this past weekend we headed up to the Great North Country.  Tom took Friday off of work, we decided to leave Thursday evening once he came home from work.  The drive was uneventful, children watched movies, complaints were minimal, it was a nice calm drive.  On a side note, my minivan rocks for long trips!!!!  So much room to pack things! 

Once we arrived the foursome was wired!  They were so thrilled to see Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Alex!  Despite the late time, they were not going to bed for awhile.  I smiled as they sped around the house, finding every breakable object in reach, and rediscovering the house.  Finally, they all settled in and we drifted off to sleep, ready for a day of Roehrig fun on Friday.

Friday was our family day.  My parents and brother were off to work and we had the day to ourselves.  Morning brought unexpected rain, and a lot of it.  So we ate a leisurely breakfast and played around the house, hoping the sun would make it’s appearance and warm up the temperature.  We went out to lunch, letting the children frolic in a near by place place.  We watched the sun emerge and the temperature rise a tad.

 

We decided to head over to my Aunt’s house on Lake Michigan.  It was cool, in the mid 70s, but it didn’t matter, the children wanted the water and sand to play in.  We built sand castles, soaked up the rays, and dipped our toes in the chilly water.  It was beautiful.

Sand was everywhere and blue lips were starting to emerge on the children.  We headed back to my parent’s house.  Earlier we made a pit stop at the dollar store and picked up silly string.  The kids decided to hide and wait for Uncle to come home.  They found a spot and all four of them giggled and excitedly awaited Uncle to pull in.  They jump out and sprayed him! 

 

The plan was to take the boat out on Saturday.  The wind was whipping and the temperature barely in the 70s.  Tom and I knew that it would not be fun for the children with all the white caps on Lake Michigan.  We talked it over and decided to forego the boat outing.  Not sure what to do, my Dad brought up taking a drive out to Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Yes!  I have never, nor Tom, been there, and it being voted The Most Beautiful Place in America, we had to go!

I couldn’t believe how close it was.  Only about a 40 min. drive from their driveway, this treasure was in our reach and ready to explore.  The following pictures speak volumes!

The sun was pristine, the water a deep blue and the sky dotted with clouds.  It truly is beautiful, to say the least.  I can’t wait to make another trip back there, to explore the dunes more, and drink in the treasure of Michigan.

Back at home Uncle and Max dappled in some street hockey and then we had a s’more bonfire.  The children were exhausted from the days nonstop events, but all had smiles and happiness all over their faces. 

Sunday we packed up and headed back South.  Sad to say goodbye, but we all know it won’t be too long before we’re up there again, bringing needed chaos to the calm of the Goodhue house.