Family Vacation, 2012 - Petosky, MI

 Hello August!  Hello family vacation2012!  This year we packed up the kids and headed to Petoskey, MI with Aunt Lori, Uncle Mike, the boys, Grandma, and Aunt Kelly.  It was incredibly beautiful up North and the kids had a blast.  Wesley was on his first beach and loved it.  Mallory has always been a huge fan of the beach and was so excited to get back there ASAP.  I had trouble keeping the sand out of Wesley's mouth, but other then that the beach was a complete success.  Ivan and Mallory waded in the water, found "tadpoles" and played to their hearts content.  Everett wasn't too sure about the sand, but was a real trooper.  He got very intrigued when he learned there were rocks to be collected in the sand.  Since our return, I often hear Mallory say "I miss the bacation house" or "I miss Ivan."

The two of them shared a room and stayed up late every night talking as we made frequent trips to their room requesting they quiet down and go to sleep.  Occasionally I would stand outside the door listening intently to their conversations.  A lot was said about superheros, princesses, and just fun facts about friends at home.  I didn't mind they stayed up late, after listening to the two of them bond at bed time.

We did A LOT on our trip.  We frequented the town of Petoskey, traveled a short distance to Harbor Springs, took the ferry to Mackinac Island, and even made the drive to Traverse City.  It is always so nice to get away and let the kids have fun and break the "rules."  Adjusting once you are back home can be a relief and a burden, but it is well worth it to see them on cloud 9 while we are there.  Here are some of the fun moments caught on film from our trip.

 Wes' first time at the beach.  He refused to keep the binky in, but LOVED playing in the sand. 

 This was the ride on the ferry to Mackinac Island.  Wes loved the wind even if he couldn't keep his eyes open. 

 Aunt Kelly enjoyed the ferry ride as well :)

 Lunch time in Harbor Springs.  Happy as a clam. 

 Posing for a picture.  This never happens.  Glad I got it!

 Daddy's little girl 

 The cousins in matching hats!

 Aunt Lori and "too cool for school shades" Ev

 Checking out the beach with Grandma and Aunt Kelly

 "WOO HOO!  I love the beach!!"

 Ev in his shades.  He seemed to always have them or his hat on.

 Love this picture.  Not incredibly sure what is going on - I think he was imitating The Hulk. 

 More beach time for this beach bum.

 Just Hanging.

The boys :)