Michigan
Michigan is beautiful this time of year. It is also home to many of our relatives, so last Thursday, we packed up the car and headed on our first road trip of the summer.
Logistics
The main reason for the trip was for a family reunion. We decided to drive with my parents, so we rented a minivan. It’s always a better driving (and vacation) situation when the adults outnumber the children. Plus, a minivan is way more comfortable for long trips than any of our cars.
I packed up all the kids, my husband packed up the car, and then we had to head to grandma and grandpa’s house Thursday morning. Not only did we have to pick them up, but we also had to take showers.
Why, you ask? Well, our pipes were clogged (old house, old pipes, lots of tree roots) and water backed up into our basement Wednesday night. Since it happened at night, and right before we left, the plumber wasn’t coming until Monday. So, that meant no running water, no flushing toilets, no washing hands. Ugh. I think this was the only time I was happy the twins were NOT potty trained.
Showered and packed, we headed on the road. It wasn’t until the first rest stop that my oldest pointed out he did not have shoes on. Perfect. At least I had packed sandals in his suitcase!
First Stop
We decided to break up the trip, and make our first stop Saugatuck, Michigan. Saugatuck is located on Lake Michigan, and it is a cute little resort town. There are beautiful beaches, and a really cute downtown area with quaint little shops. There’s also a great art community, and I saw many galleries as we were walking through town.
The day before, it had been in the 90’s, but when we arrived it was cloudy and about 50 degrees. I actually bought my oldest a souvenir sweatshirt because he was so cold.
We ate in the town, and then went back to our hotel to meet up with my brother and his family, who were also heading to Michigan for the reunion. Since it was so cold, we decided that the pool was a better option than the beach. Here’s a shot of my boys all ready to go. I think this is my favorite picture from the whole trip.
Tired out from the car, the walking, and the swimming, we settled in to watch a little Mickey Mouse before bed.
The Beach
The weather did a complete turn-around, and it was sunny and hot. We piled in the car and headed to Oval beach, which was gorgeous. I had read a little on the visitor’s website, and read that it was a highly ranked beach, and now I know why. It was clean, had plenty of parking, and plenty of space for our group of 13. Did I mention that my brother has 4 daughters? None of the kids are the same age, but they all love playing with each other.
The water was pretty cold, but the twins were super excited to play in the sand. My brother took turns carrying the kids into the water, which they loved, and Grandpa kept them entertained by making his feet disappear in the sand. Plus, there was treasure to be discovered…or at least some really cool looking rocks.
Family
It was then time to head to our final destination of St. Johns, Michigan, where my Aunt, my Dad’s sister, my Uncle, my Dad’s brother, and my Cousins live. We try to head there every summer for a reunion. We didn’t make it last summer, so I’m glad we could make it this year.
After visiting for a bit, we headed to my Aunt’s restaurant, Main Street Cafe. Her son also owns the pizza place next door, Main Street Pizza. My Aunt is one of the best cooks ever, and the pizza is just awesome. If you are ever in St. Johns, you need to go check them both out. You won’t be sorry!
It’s also pretty fun to know the owners. We got the whole back room to ourselves, the staff was amazing, and we could eat anything (and everything!) we wanted. Good thing I was already done with the Whole30!!!
Needing to burn off a few calories, we headed to the new Splash/Spray Park. The twins weren’t quite sure what to make of all the spraying water, but Mr. B loved it. Even though the water was a bit cold, it was really hot outside, so it felt good.
Mr. B’s lips were turning a bit blue after a while, so we headed back to my Aunt’s house. More food, a few drinks, and time for the kids to settle down with a movie.
Reunion
The official reunion was the next day, Saturday. Before everyone arrived, we took the boys over to look at an old train that we passed by in town. There was even a mailbox slot in one of the cars for Santa Claus, which Mr. B thought was really cool.
Then, it was reunion time. My Aunt made some delicious Italian beef, my Uncle kept the daiquiris flowing, and the kids ran all day. We looked at old pictures, heard family stories,my Dad got to catch up with his siblings, and we just enjoyed being with family.
At the end of the day, the older kids, including Mr. B, headed over to my Cousin’s house to play on the trampoline. The twins were content to stay at my Aunt’s since their older cousin brought all his old Thomas the Trains for them to play with.
Finally, on Sunday, we ate one more meal at the restaurant, and celebrated Father’s Day. I was really happy that we all could be together, and I hope the boys remember how much fun they had on this trip. Mr. B is already asking if we can take this trip again next summer, so I think that’s a good sign.
Looks like fun!! My in-laws live in Michigan, but we haven’t done much outside their little town of Clarkston! We’ll need to plan a Michigan adventure soon π
Looks like you had a wonderful trip. The beach looks so pretty and the sand looks so soft!
Looks like a fantastic trip! I’ve never been to Michigan. And I love that pic of them in the goggles! It must be so cool to have family that owns a restaurant.
What a great trip!!! It looks like everyone had a blast being able to spend time with each other! My family needs to do this soon! It’s been too long.
Looks like a great trip. Michigan is so pretty and I love going there any season. As a child I grew up on the Indiana Michigan border about a 10 minute drive from Lake Michigan. So pretty out that way. Hope you got the pipes fixed quickly <3
Sounds like a great getaway! I’m glad you were able to do it! <3
We went to Michigan last summer. LOVED. IT. We got to use a beach house of a friend and it was so great. You have some wonderful photos there!
Aww how nice. π I’m glad you and your family had a good time!
Your photos are making me wish it was Summer over here rather than disgusting Winter. π
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
Awwwww loving all the pics!!!! Looks like y’all had a fab trip π
That sounds like a fun little getaway! I love how diverse michigan is!
Love how so much of this post revolved around family. The pictures are wonderful! And the fact family owns not one but two restaurants… NICE! The beaches look so pretty there! Thank you for sharing this!
What great memories! Summer adventures are the best!
Looks like you guys had a great time! The beach looks so inviting, no wonder your kiddos wanted to play in sand in spite of it being cold. So glad you guys were able to enjoy some family time together with your extended family.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Your boys are too cute! Looks like such a blast! π
Fun trip. We can’t wait to go visit our friends in Michigan one day! Nothing like a family vacation.
It looks like you guys had an awesome time! So glad you enjoyed it. π
Very cool – we love Saugatuk! I hope you had a chance to visit Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St John’s – they have fabulous fruity wines and free tastings. π
You had a wonderful time there. And the beach… I wanna go there right now!
Looks like you had a great time! My husband is from Michigan and we hope to do a road trip next year.
This sounds like a perfect Summer adventure. I’ve heard great things about the beaches in Michigan, looks like your boys had a fun time in the water!
Sounds like such a great family trip and reunion! I’m from Michigan, but have never actually been to Saugatuck–looks pretty!
What a fun trip! And yes, knowing the owners definitely has it’s perks!
Sounded like. Great trip considering how it started. You do so good with your troops.
The kids look like they were having fun. I wanna go to that beach.