June 2011

Click here to view these pictures larger

Mackinac Island 2011

Click here to view these pictures larger

We have been planning to go to Mackinac Island for months, and the girls were really getting excited out it. It only took 5 hours to get there, and honestly even the car ride went smoothly! The ferry ride was a HUGE hit of course. We had been there with Payton 5 years ago when she was only 18 months old. So of course it all seemed new to her. Brian and I had been back a few years ago without the girls, but we really were looking forward to the weekend ourselves. It was Lilac Festival time! Of course one of the first comments out of Payton's mouth was "What is that smell?" For those of you that have not been to Mackinac it is an Island between the Upper and Lower Peninsula of MI where there are no motorized vehicles. You get around on foot, bike, or by horse/carriages. It is such a special place, but of course it smells like horse at times! Brian and I have been there many times of the years (it is only 3 hours away from where we grew up), but each time it is just as fun for us as well. We met Grandma Betty at the dock and our first stop was to buy fudge of course! Another big thing there. It is like taking a step back in time. We were looking back at the last time we stayed at the Grand Hotel, and because it is a victorian style summer hotel, it doesn't change either. No 2 rooms are the same, and Betty put it the perfect way. It is almost like Christmas when you get your keys and open the door. You just never know what you are going to get! We stayed in the Barbara Bush Suite this trip, and the best part? An adjoining room to Grandma and Grandpa's room! Although we had some rain we were able to hit all the things we set out to see. The butterfly house, a carriage tour, and shopping. And I can't forget to mention that Brian and I were a bit worried about how the girls would do for dinner. It is a formal event in the Hotel's dining room, and the adult menu has 5 courses... I was all prepared with a bunch of worksheets, coloring, card games, and Brian put some movies on our Ipod just in case. And our beauties were like ANGELS! That may have something to do with the fact that the staff were all calling them princesses and giving them whatever they wanted, but I'll take it! Payton and Addison could not get over that housekeeping came to turn down our beds while we were at dinner. "Why would they do that, and then leave a chocolate for me?" Not to mention lining up their stuffed animals all cozy on their bed. So fun! Sunday was the best weather day, so we had to spend some time throwing rocks into the water. Always a big hit. We had a great time, loaded up on fudge to bring home, and the girls are already hoping we go back next year!