Michigan Vacation

We just got back from vacationing in Michigan, near Hart. This was the first time we went by ourselves (without any extended family), and the five of us had a pretty good time! The weather was wonderful- everyone thought it would be too cold in June, but it was perfect for us. Most of the days were sunny and in the 70's, so we were on the beach a lot. Usually we can use the beach right by the cabin, but for some reason this year there was no beach- the lake just ran right up to the dunes. So instead we drove about 10 minutes to Silver Lake State Park and beached by the lighthouse there, which was actually kind of fun, even though not as convenient.

Hannah mostly liked the beach...

Jacob and Mary loved the beach, as usual...

Maybe we're not true beach combers with this tent, but I like to have some shade around.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse:

Wednesday was the only really overcast day, so we chose that day to take a little roadtrip up to Ludington. We stopped at Ludington State Park, where Big Sable Point Lighthouse is. To get to it, you have to walk 1.8 miles on a sandy/gravel road (a 3.6 mile round-trip). We thought, sure no problem. Well, we were definitely questioning our decision when we had to walk back carrying Hannah the whole way, and Mary part of the way. But, it was fun to see the lighthouse.

Enjoying a little rest before the walk back:

Ice cream in Ludington:

Hannah on the deck at the cabin:

More time at the beach:

And this is what Hannah looks like when she's had enough of the beach:

The kids enjoying lunch at the cabin:

Our last day we decided to ride the Mac Woods Dune Ride (a big attraction at Silver Lake). Jacob and Mary have ridden it before, so they were really excited. Hannah did pretty well, sitting between me and Brian, but she didn't want us to hold on to her- she kept pushing us away. It's a pretty wild ride, so I guess she's a daredevil. Here are Jacob and Mary getting ready to start the ride:

The tradition is to take a family picture on the deck at the end of the vacation, so of course we left that to the last minute, when everyone was a little testy and ready to hit the road. Mary decided to be difficult:
But, she finally came around: