Beach Vacation

You know it was a good vacation if you're ready to get back to work when it's over. Hello washing machine, my friend! Did you miss me? Are you ready to take on all the sand we brought home?

The first day was a bit chilly, windy, rainy...  But still, isn't this coastline gorgeous?

An adventurous little girl who shall not be named decided to enter the water up to her shoulders on that first cool day.  Yes, in her clothes.  On the way to an air-conditioned restaurant.  The waves were a little stronger than she anticipated, so wading turned into a full-body soaking.

The rest of the week warmed up nicely, and we had plenty of great beach and water time.  It's only fun if you're completely covered in sand, apparently.

I love this angle with the boat in the background. 

On Lake Michigan, you get the beautiful, soft sand without the undertow, jellyfish, sharks... 

And at this particular beach, there's a little stand that sells freshly-squeezed lemonade.  Perfect. 

There's Pada in the hat.  We had lovely calm water (after that first day).  My parents joined us for a few days, along with my sister-in-law and 2 sweet, little nephews. 

That's a snowman made out of sand.  Perhaps he's the sandman. 

I love the sunny sparkles on the waves and the sailboat in the distance.  This guy likes to charge at the waves, like surfing (sort of).

Cousin buddies.  It is so much fun to have this little dude and his big brother (who is only 2) around.  They're leaving for Hong Kong (their daddy's job is taking them there) in a couple months, so we're cherishing every moment we get with them. 

Near our rental house, the beach was a bit rocky, but very peaceful.  Mr. 6 y-o was undeterred by the rough terrain. 

Also on the private beach, we were able to see this snapper up close and personal. 

There he is again, heading up the beach to safer waters.  (See that green blob at the bottom? That's Mr. Snapping Turtle.)

Good times with family...

...and friends!  Our primary reason for traveling to this particular city was visiting our good friends from Pittsburgh, who were also on vacation.  Here we are picking blackberries.  I don't know what Miss Felic was up to in the foreground. 

Grandma and her haul of raspberries.  Yum.

Couldn't resist this photo-op. 

We made a little excursion to another nearby town for a shopping trip.  The baby in the stroller is turning one!!

Here's proof of his official first birthday.  He is such a sweet little guy.  And his mommy makes the coolest cakes. 

Something interesting must have washed ashore.  I like this shot because the lighthouse is visible in the background.  We chose the windiest day to walk the pier, and huge waves were crashing up and over the top.  Exciting, but not my smartest parenting move.  Fortunately, we all survived. 

What a great trip!!  Beautiful scenery is always enhanced by pleasant company. 

P.S. May I humbly request continued prayers for our friend Anna?  She begins chemotherapy on Monday.