Traverse City, Michigan

Dave had one of his 3 weeks off and had heard from a resident friend and an attending that northern Michigan was a must do! Well, they were right! We had such a good time!

All ready to go!! I think it took us a little less than 8 hours and that was with a lunch stop. The kids did awesome! As long at the DVD player and iPhones were charged they were set and happy as could be.

We hiked to this place called Pyramid Point.. it was sooo cool! I was thinking it was going to be this wussy hike but it was a legit hike. We even ditched the stroller because it got so steep at one point. Dave giving Norah a ride.. right before she drooled in his hair haha

Northwestern Michigan fair, we had to check it out. It had some great rides that the kids loved! The fair food... not so good. The weather was perfect!

Fish town, lots of little shops and places to eat.

We went to Empire beach the first day after hiking Pyramid Point and then to Bryant beach the day before we left. The beaches were so pretty. I guess I just always assumed only the ocean had cool beaches but Lake Michigan sure has some nice places to play in the sand and swim. The water was a little chilly but the kids didn't care. Dave even got in one day. I sat on the beach and read magazines... well atleast I tried in between making sandcastles and taking pictures. We also went to Glean Arbor the first day and had lunch at this place called Boondocks. I have to remember this because we have to eat there if we ever go back to Michigan. It was soooo good!

Exploring and getting some energy out of the kids.. next on the list that night.. swimming in the hotel pool.

Cute pic of Dave and the kids

At the top of Pyramid Point. You can see behind us how it drops.. you would think it was a cliff but it was pure sand the whole way down. Lots of people hiking down to the beach. Dave and I both took a turn.. it was sure fun going down but not so fun coming up.. it was so steep and hiking up in a foot of sand wasn't so easy but it was fun!

Looking down at the beach..

Empire Beach, on our way down to look at the lighthouse.

Cherries are big there, they had this big cherry store with different cherry stuff like salsa, candy, jams, etc and they had this pit full of cherry pits that the kids played in forever.

We went to the drive-inn one night.. something I haven't done in a really long time! We saw "Zookeeper" the kids loved the bed Dave made for them on the front of the car.

I don't think we have ever been to a drive-inn together so this was a first!

Lucy making sandcastles and putting rocks in the top and singing happy birthday to everyone :)

Playing following the leader on the way out to the car..

Every friday night during the summer the city closes down the main street down town and they have all kinds of entertainment.. it was so fun to walk around and hang out. We ate at this really yummy restaurant after.

It was a fun, relaxing trip and I am so glad we went. Thanks to Dave for researching and finding cool things to do. Next on our trip list.. Destin, Florida in October. I love having something to look forward too!