Upper Michigan DAY 5

MACKINAW or MACKINAC

Carb Breakfast, but free * driving AGAIN, through Petoskey then onto Mackinaw * Anna Sleeping the whole way * beaver tail woman * Luckily getting gas before * Mackinaw Bridge * fighting time and the rain * Tahquamenon Falls or "root beer falls" * getting POURED on * splashing in the puddles * Lunch in the car * family with matching shirts * White Fish Point * WINDY * Upgrade room for a beach view * swimming at Pirate's Adventure * Anna being afraid, but asking for "more" * Largest Spa in Mackinaw * Looking for the best price on FUDGE! * bought two pounds and became a "fudgie" * Pizza Buffet *

We stopped to get gas before we headed to the upper peninsula, while Dave was in the gas station I saw this woman enter. I made Dave wait outside until she came out so we could snap this lovely picture. WOW, is all I can say, is that a beaver tail? Sewn to a dress?

Welcom to Mackinaw Bridge, you will be traveling across the lake on this thing for 5 miles! enjoy! I started to drive after we got gas, but I only lasted 15-20 minutes and was falling asleep. Ha, luckily my husband is a good driver!

"One of the largest falls East of the Mississippi"

Tahquamenon Upper Falls

The "lower falls" this is actually only one set there is another through the trees on the right.

We were already soaking from our walk back from the upper falls, so we enjoyed "splash splash" in the puddles

White Fish Point on laek or the "graveyard of the great lakes." Over 330 sailors have lost their lives at this beach in approx. 550 wrecks .

White Fish Point- a nice canadian took our picture

Anna looking off our balcony

Yes, another sunset this photo turned out great for how dark it was. Great job Dave!

Upper Michigan Day 4

CHARLEVOIX

Dunkin' donuts for breakfast and onto continental breakfast for tomorrow! * Small towns along the way, one with a rather LARGE swan * Fisherman's State Park * Looking for Petoskey (or as I refer to them "Petot-sky") stones * Awesome Park Ranger * Lunch at Burger King (yes we are forgetting calories counting today...okay most days) * Playing at Ferry Park * Getting in cold water * Anna asking the boy to jump off the pier some "more," playing in the sand * Meltdown * Checked into "The Lodge" * Walked for 3+ miles around Charlevoix * Watched Bridge got up to let boats through * Lake Michigan * Round Lake * Mushroom houses * Belvedere Street * Mexican to go * Anna dancing on the stage * playing by the harbor * watching sunset at Lake Michigan Beach * Getting stuck on the slide * Anna laughing hysterically * A duck seat for the photographer (aka Dave sitting on the duck tetter-totter) * Sleeping in a 1970s hotel, that has not been updated since it was built!

Along the way there we found the home of a Large Swan... ya think? We actually found MANY rather large creatures throughout MI including: a bear, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, and a chicken to name a few.

Fisherman's State Park, it was beautiful, with campsites right along the beach, I would recommend camping here.

We loved playing in the sand, I was trying to write Anna's name and there wasn't much space, so the water kept getting it. Anna wasn't thrilled about it anyway.

Charlevoix Bridge that goes off every 30 minutes to allow large boats to go from Lake Michigan to Round Lake. It was pretty cool.

Dave bought this for me, a large glass house along the beach.

Anyone is welcome next door to the mushroom house with the cool rock gate!

"Mushroom Houses" or "Boulder Houses"- these were all over, they had the funkiest style, especially the chimneys.

We walked along probably one of the wealthiest streets in Charlevoix. Each house had it's own dock along the harbor. I loved the blue one with the gray roof below from the front of the house. Then I couldn't believe it when I saw the back! It is incredible, so are the other ones next door!

Family Photo on the Harbor

Dave uploaded the photos he wanted on this post, so that is why this photo of me is here.

Playing hard before bedtime! I love her hair in this photo, classic Anna.

Ending another fun day. Those buoys always crept in, but still is beautiful!

Yes we LOVE our sunsets, this was probably the most gorgeous one I have ever seen in my life. Dave was again the photographer and I played on the swings and slide with Anna.

The lovely 1970s peach and blue bathroom!

A throne fit for the Smurf King. (actually, it kinda reminds me of the one we had in our duplex. Does this remind you of home Natalie and Trent? (: )

Yeah baby, it cannot get better than this. Wood Paneling, ghetto door locks, old furniture. The best thing was... see that air conditioning thing on the left? That was as loud as if I was riding a lawn mower all night! NICE...

Upper Michigan DAY 3

DAY 3... Traverse City

Waking up to SUN! * McDonald's Breakfast of champions... or not (I thought we got free breakfast at the hotel, but I was wrong) * driving along the river to find parks * swings * dipping feet in the cold lake * Watching ducks * Hanging out, reading, and lunch at the beach *Anna playing with her stroller * finding Rocks along the beach and throwing them in the lake * being encircled by hungry ducks * walk along the beach with a screaming toddler * Back for showers and naps * buffet dinner * playing at Bryant Park * Watching sunset * skype with K- Family * easier time getting baby to sleep * watching end of Body Guard *

Daddy and me

Anna took a nap on the beach

Throwing rocks into the water

One of her favorite past times... finding rocks

The ducks wanted FOOD!!!

Happy couple ( look at how clear that water is!)

Clinch Park Beach and Harbor

Just before sunset at Bryant Park

Yes, we LOVE taking picture of her, she is just so cute!

So much to explore...

Peek a boo!

Watching birds

For those that know me best know how much I LOVE sunsets. This was another amazing one. Though they aren't as romantic when your chasing an 18 month old along the beach. (:

Another amazing shot taken by my husband!

Upper Michigan- DAY 2

Day 2...
Not ready for morning after a LONG night * Yogurt and granola bars for breakfast * cleaning up a wet and dirty tent * Stuffing car full * Traverse City * Lunch at 20th ranked burger joint * Waiting in the cold for a room at Motel 6 * walking along harbor * chasing seagulls * finding rocks * rain and cold weather* swimming * Anna afraid of bubbles in hot tub * Old Mission Peninsula * Old mission lighthouse * beautiful vineyards * Old Mission General Store * walking down Front Street in the rain * eating steak and crab and a random soup * very LONG dinner thanks to the crab legs * fight with little one to go to bed *

I wonder why she was sleepy?

Dave's creative flare, I will post more of the scenic shots in another blog post Old Mission Lighthouse

approaching the lighthouse

Old general store, there were random things from ice cream to old cameras to rustic hats!

view from the car

Vineyards on the peninsula, this picture doesn't do it justice, it was such a beautiful view!