Michigan Trip #2

As another little break from the daily summer days around here, we planned a second trip to Michigan. This time we went with some friends and spent one day in the Saugatuck area and another day in St. Joseph. We left early Thursday morning, and got home late Friday evening. When we got home and thought back over our trip, it seemed crazy that we had only been gone one night! We packed our two days FULL - and spent the entire time either outside or in our vehicles aside from the 10 hours we were in the hotel :). 

our first adventure was a dune buggy ride after enjoying a picnic lunch on Thursday. It was a first for all of us... but a new favorite! 

We placed a lot of trust in that driver of ours :) 

Made a pit stop on the top of a dune to take pictures and run up and down a few small dunes! 

and we made it back alive :). 

Our next adventure was hiking up Mt. Bald Head - 300 steps up. That's a lot of steps, by the way. 

But it was worth it! We enjoyed running down the other side and all the way to the beach. Some faster than others perhaps :).  

We spent Thursday afternoon swimming, walking along the beach, soaking up the sunshine, playing in the sand and riding the waves! 

The afternoon went fast and soon it was time for another picnic - supper this time! 

play hard, eat hard. repeat. 

After supper, we traveled back to the St. Joe/Benton Harbor area where our hotel was. We checked in and then loaded back up to head to a different beach for the evening. 

We stayed out to watch the sunset! It was hidden behind the clouds towards the end, but was still worth it :). 

Some of us walked to a lighthouse...

enjoying sparklers on the beach! beach tip: if you ever need a friend on the beach, just bring some sparklers :). "Hey, do you want to be friends? Are these things just for anyone to use?"

We arrived back to our hotel pretty late and crashed for the night. After breakfast and devotions the next morning, we checked out of the hotel and got ready for another day of adventures! 

Friday morning we did some hiking which was a good mix of nature, dunes, and beach trails. 

After hiking and yet another picnic lunch, it was back to the beach! 

the moms and younger kids spent all afternoon at the beach, while the dads and us older kids enjoyed mini golf! 

what's better than an afternoon on the beach with friends? 

We packed up early that afternoon and started the trek home, stopping for pizza and ice cream on the way. It was a great little getaway! 

We came home with hearts full of memories, shoes full of sand, a van full of rosy cheeks (that's putting it way too nicely...) , and a full calendar for the next day (we accomplished 69 quarts of corn, 21 quarts of peaches, and 8 quarts of beans that day!). We're thankful for the friends who went along with us, and for the beautiful weather God provided + safe travels! Now, come Friday... we're off again (not to Michigan, though;)).