We had such a great time in Michigan! And the drive wasn’t even that bad – Charlie was excellent in the car. Here’s a glimpse:
He was really excited to be there, and loved exploring my parents’ cottage. Though was there last summer, I don’t think he remembered – but he did remember my parents, who he hadn’t seen since… April, I think? As the ferry pulled up to the dock, my parents walked out to say hello, and I was able to pass Charlie right off to my dad with no fussing or confusion.
He loves his grandparents very much, and had a great time with them, not to mention all the toys they’ve collected for the kids since we were there last year!
Wrestling with Papa Rex:
Playing on the deck:
Charlie thought it was tons of fun to get pulled around in the old wagon my parents have:
Charlie also loved the water, but HATED wearing his hat.
Racing down the dock without a life jacket on was one of his favorite, and my least favorite, activities.
Hanging out in George’s “Circle of Cool”:
Even some random guy’s dog liked hanging out in the Circle of Cool:
We were able to overlap our trip with Katie and Brent’s visit for several days, which was so fun. Ann talks circles around Charlie, but other than that, they’re pretty much on the same level, and they had a great time playing together.
Every morning I’d hear Ann, who is an early riser, saying, “Chayie? Where’s Chayie?” She doesn’t quite have her l’s down, and the way she says Charlie’s name is adorable. I also loved hearing her say, “Aunt Ree!” She’s such a sweet girl, and we were glad to have so much time with her, Katie and Brent.
Two little monkeys jumping on the bed:
Ann with her “Uncle Geoaage”
Ann the water baby:
I love this one because it looks like she’s out there all alone, just floating around:
Rest assured, there were plenty of people just out of the frame of the photo!
Charlie and Ann did some al fresco dining:
And we loved all the family time! We got to see my Aunt Julie and Uncle John, who we hadn’t seen in several years, and they got to meet Charlie for the first time. It was great to see them again! We also got to spend time with my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Mick and my cousin Lee. We’re so lucky to have a place that so much of the family loves as much as we do, and to have a chance to connect with them each summer!
Our friends the Lindquists gave my parents a kiddie adirondack chair their grandkids had grown out of, and my dad sanded and painted it for the kids to enjoy this summer. As you can tell, they both enjoyed it, occasionally at the same time! Ann was ready for her turn, and she was going to take it even if Charlie wasn’t going to get up!
Check out Charlie’s old man slippers, courtesy of Gram, from Shorters, a store in Petoskey that supplied many a pair of kids’ moccasins for Katie and me. It’s fun to be able to continue the tradition!
It was a wonderful vacation, and so hard to say good-bye and get back into real life. Lucky for us, we came home for a week of work and then left again for Cape Cod! That post will come tomorrow. Good night!
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