Two years ago, while Craig and I stood at a beautiful peak on the Sleeping Bear Dunes looking out over the gorgeous Michigan scenery, we agreed that we really needed to bring the kids back there and make that climb with them. It's so much fun and so beautiful up there.
With that in mind, the dune climb was pretty much the only thing we had on our agenda when we planned this weekend. :) The rest just kind of filled in around it.
We woke up in Houghton Lake and got ready for our day.
After breakfast in our hotel, we packed up and headed out with a couple stops in mind before getting to the dunes.
First a quick gasoline fill-up.
And then the kids and my first time trip to Goodale's Bakery - a nationally reknown hot spot in Grayling, Michigan. I found the suggestion in a travel book, but after mentioning it to Craig, he remembers stopping by on his family's many trips up north for snowmobiling when he was younger.
We each selected a donut for right away and a cookie for later. :)
From there, we drove into Hartwick Pines State Park where we took a couple of short hikes to see some very old/tall trees (which used to cover a lot more of the state) and a couple of small, beautiful, inland lakes. The logging industry was huge in Michigan and there are several spots in this park that showcase that party of history with camps set up as they used to be when the men would need temporary living arrangements for work. And the large equipment that was used is set out on display.
Bright and Glory Lakes were small and beautiful. Almost made me want to sit out on a little boat for hours and fish. :)
Racing.
Size 11! This girl's feet have grown so quickly this summer! It does depend on the brand because she can still wear some 10's but all her fall/winter shoes are 11's.
Teaching Will proper arm carry for sprint races. Haha!
On your marks...
A wink from my girl.
Mama-razzi :)
These advertisement flags cracked me up.
Driving through Traverse City, we stopped for lunch and ate food that I'd packed. Driving along the bay is so beautiful. How great would it be to park a little boat along a sand bar with friends and spend the whole day out in the sun?
Enjoying their bakery cookies before we hike it up the dunes.
Here we go!
The initial hill is pretty steep!
Resorting to bear crawling. Haha!
Can't believe she chugged right along without complaint! She didn't ask to be carried till much later and then I just piggy-backed her for a short chunk.
Pausing at the first plateau.
This was our favorite spot two years ago and our final destination this time. Gorgeous views.
Making our way back down.
Do you see Sophie down there with her arms out like she's flying?
Ready or not, here she comes!
Love him.
Favorite pic of the trip, I think... with the dock at Houghton Lake a close second.
Heading down the final steep hill.
You almost can't stop once you start running. :)
High five!
Making our way through Traverse City towards the bay and then down the main road to our hotel.
We stayed at the Bayshore Resort, which is where Craig and I spent our first anniversary nearly eight years ago.
The kids had a snack out on the patio before we walked down to the private beach - a major selling point in our hotel decision.
A little windy, but a gorgeous day!
Wave jumping.
Makes my heart smile.
A few of Craig and me, compliments of our littlest photographer in training.
Chasing sea gulls.
For dinner, we went to our favorite restaurant in Traverse City: the North Beak Brewing Company. Everything there is good. :)
So good that the wait time wasn't real short. But totally worth it.
Watching our blinker thing and willing it to go off. Haha!
We did some more swimming at the indoor pool after dinner and the baths and bedtime again. We love fun, active days!
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