Saturday, July 18, 2015

Summer Vacation - Michigan City

We decided to go to Michigan City for our summer vacation. It is only about a 5 hour drive and we love that there is lots to do there, including going to the beach on Lake Michigan! We asked my parents to join us, which was really nice for the boys. They don't often get to go on vacation with my parents, so it was a nice treat and they go to make some special memories together.

Unfortunately, like most of the country right now, Michigan City got some super strange summer weather, which included a lot of rain and some pretty cool temperatures. This meant we did not get too much beach and pool time, but we did get to go to the zoo, go hiking, visit a local garden, watch some movies, make dinner over a fire, etc. It was actually a really fun vacation, even though we did not spend it exactly how we imagined. I guess it just goes to show that we can have fun anywhere!

The boys were super excited about the trip and were all smiles as we departed. I will be honest and admit that Evan had a tough travel day and was pretty tired and cranky for most of the trip. At least everyone was happy once we arrived!



We went to check out the beach as soon as we got to Lake Michigan. The water was cold, but the boys did not mind one bit!



Preston liked the shallow water and worked on his swimming skills! He is SO close to being able to swim!


On our first full day, we had sunny and warm weather, so we went to check out the little pond where we stayed. Evan liked it and got right in!



We also went to the pool that morning, where Evan and Preston both had lots of fun.




We took my parents down to the beach in the afternoon and it was BEAUTIFUL!


Carl and I enjoyed the beach as much as the boys did!


Preston liked the deep sand and he really enjoyed playing in it, rolling in it, etc. It was lots of fun to watch him!


Everyone likes to be buried in the sand!



Of course, playing in the lake is also lots of fun!



After naps, we went back to the little lake for kayaking. Evan, Granddaddy, Daddy and Preston all went kayaking, but sadly, I only got one picture.

Preston really enjoyed the playgrounds at our resort.


It is always fun to end the day with a delicious ice cream treat on the porch.



It was quite chilly on Tuesday and it rained most of the morning. We took a trip to the store to purchase sweatshirts and then once the rain stopped, we went to the national park.



The storm caused really big waves!


 
 

"Those waves are REALLY big!"



The large waves were pretty, even if they made it too dangerous to swim.



Hiking was lots of fun. The boys saw lots of frogs and enjoyed searching for other creatures.


"Frogs!"


Preston got a ride on Daddy's shoulders!


The scenery while we hiked was very pretty.


Ganddady and Evan


Preston was all smiles while we hiked. He is an outdoor boy, just like his brother!


Carl and I went to Buffalo City, Michigan for lunch at The Stray Dog Bar and Grill. After lunch, we walked over to the beach, so see more of the huge waves.


 


Later that day, we went fishing, but we did not catch any fish. We also went to the park again and tried making dinner over a fire. The veggie hot dogs were a hit with the boys, but they were not fans of the s'mores, which was funny.


Carl walked down to the beach as I got the boys settled and ready for bed. He got to see an amazing sunset!


These boys climb EVERYTHING! We took a short walk before heading to the zoo and they found this pile of sand to climb!

 
The zoo was lots of fun. We saw lots of animals and the boys got to pet a baby alligator.
 
 
We climbed the tower the zoo. Well, Carl and Preston climbed it twice, because Preston liked it so much!


Both boys enjoyed riding the train and ringing the bell!



The petting zoo was lots of fun and the boys liked getting to see what it was like to milk a cow.



The boys had fun feeding the ducks in the little pond.


We went to a local garden on our last day. It had lots of trails to hike, as well as lots of beautiful gardens.


Ding dong! Preston and Evan had fun ringing all of the bells.



This pond was had lots of small lily pads on it, so poor Preston did not realize it was a pond and he stepped right in. He was not upset though, even though he was drenched. We did have to make a speedy exit though, as Preston had to change into Carl's sweatshirt to keep warm.




After the garden and naps, it was nice enough for the beach again!



Of course, Preston found a seagull to chase!




My sweet boys!


On our final night, we went out to dinner. Here is a picture of Grammy, Granddaddy and the boys.

 
We went to feed the ducks on the morning before we left, but the ducks were not interested in eating. Evan was happy to find a small frog instead!
 


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Fourth of July Fun!

We had a great time with out family and friends on Independence Day. We made tie dye shirts, caught fireflies, went to the parade, played with our cousins and of course, we watched fireworks. The boys liked the big fireworks that the neighborhood put on, but they also liked the small ones we did in the back yard. They sure are easy to please!

I was so happy that the boys were willing to pose in their cute new outfits!



Evan and Preston enjoyed making tie dye shirts and they turned out so cool! 



Greg brought Bowie over to play. Evan was REALLY excited!



The kids enjoyed the Prospect 4th of July parade.


Preston's favorite part of the parade was collecting the candy and then eating it!


Alex was entertained by Preston and Caroline!


Sweet Caroline


The backyard fireworks were lots of fun!


We were so glad that Grammy and Granddaddy were able to join us for the party and the fireworks.


Ron and Vanessa


The Girls


Evan had a great time catching fireflies! Since he goes to bed early, he has not had many opportunities to catch many fireflies this summer.


Greg and Alison


Preston enjoyed the neighborhood fireworks!




Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hiking with The Nickels

Aunt Heather brought the kids down from Pennsylvania, so that Caleb could attend camp here in Louisville. As a bonus, we got to spend time with Aunt Heather, Jackson and Emily! We went hiking on Monday, which was messy, but lots of fun. We had to come home to get baths and showers, because the trails were super muddy and everyone was filthy! We were also able to enjoy pizza for lunch. We really miss our cousins and are looking forward to seeing Caleb when they come back to Louisville later this summer for Jackson to go to camp.

My little climber and explorer!


Climbing up the big rocks is always tons of fun!


Emily


Preston didn't want to sit still for many pictures, but he did sit still for a couple! He was just having too much fun hiking and discovering!


Preston usually likes to throw rocks, but on this adventure, he was all about finding shells and squashing them!


Of course, he did find this rather large rock to throw!



So sweet!


Our group picture was pretty successful!


We saw lots of deer on our hike and the kids loved it!


Evan and Jackson


I miss my sister so much. I was really excited to get to spend time with her and the kids

Father's Day and Family Fun Day

Well, Father's Day was really weird this year. Granddaddy was out of town, serving on a mission trip and Evan and I spent most of the day at his swim and dive meet. We did take gifts to both Grandpa and Granddaddy when we were able to, but there were no big celebrations this year, especially since Daddy said he did not need a big celebration. Of course, being the wonderful daddy that he is, he took the day after Father's Day off to spend time with his family!

We spent the morning at The Parklands, where we went on a hike and then played at the splash park and playground. We had a nice, late lunch at home, followed by a family nap! In the afternoon, we went fishing and crayfishing. To round out the day, we made brownies for dessert. It was such a nice, laid back day and it was so nice to get to spend so much time together as a family.

The park was SO pretty!


My boys!


Evan had fun searching for tadpoles.


As usual, Preston had the most fun throwing rocks!



Preston likes to use things like balance beams, so Daddy helped him use this fallen tree as a balance beam and he had so much fun!


Evan liked climbing all over the fallen trees. Of course, he was able to climb without any help!


The boys were tuckered out after the hike, so they took a break! Thankfully, they were ready to olay again after a quick snack!


The splash park was crowded, but fun!



The playground was pretty fun too!




Evan always catches lots of crayfish!


Preston can't catch much yet, so we placed one of Evan's crayfish in his net, so he could get a close look too.



Making brownies was fun and the brownies were delicious!