Last week we escaped to the great, wide open North Country for a family vacation. It was an opportunity to bond and talk and laugh together as the five of us anticipate changes this fall season. The calm before the storm (as school starts next week) allowed for two nights at Shanty Creek resorts, boating on Torch Lake with Roger & Laura, and three nights camping near Macinac Island.
We have come to Torch Lake, and the crystal clear water. We have come to believe that Torch Lake is like a 2nd home for us all... we wandered from store to store, looking for clothing apparel claiming where we're from. We love Michigan, and our roots are deep.
You laughed your butt off on the tube, as we skipped over the waves and bounced into oblivion. You and Teresa both fell off... and at times, you and Mariah stood up to free surf on the tube, at full speed. Because DePoy.
Then, of course you got up on your first attempt at Wakeboarding because you're a daddy's girl, and you love adventure. You're going to be better than me at Wakeboarding by next summer!!
Then we drove around the area, and headed to Pyramid Point in Glen Arbor to capture the most beautiful view. You stood over the cliff and took videos and pictures of the splendor. We drove to Leland and got ice cream before heading all the way to the foot of the Macinac Bridge.
Once we made it to the cabin, we all felt a little cramped. We tried to avoid cabin fever by driving north to the Upper Peninsula (hello nothingness!) and made it to a Bear Farm just before they closed. We were able to pet a cub for a few seconds, and then we were rushed out of there!
Once we made it to Macinac Island, the clouds parted and we had an AWESOME time! It was far more beautiful than we had anticipated. We rented 5 bicycles and biked the 8 miles around the island, stopping around every corner for photoshoots. We also stopped in about 15 different fudge shops, to "sample" each kind, laughing our way out - promising to return!
Afterwards we walked all the way to the Grand Hotel, and the DePoy's invaded the royal palace with our bandaids and garage sale bathing suits. We sat out on the front porch, and took photos of the bridge in the distance. It feels weird to be surrounded by so much excess wealth...
When we took the ferry ride back to our camp site, you and Teresa went for a run around the campground. You are getting ready for Cross Country to start in a few weeks... The next morning we all got into a big fight and everyone was crabby. You readily admit an addiction to your phone, and Mariah announced that she didn't want to go out west next summer on our epic road trip. So... kinda painful.
I am so proud of you, and the choices you are making to follow Jesus. I love spending time with you, and making each other laugh!
