Well, I think it's safe to call it "tradition" now.
I don't remember exactly what year we started our July 4th trek to Mackinac...but it's now a yearly thing.
"Are we there yet?"
"Can we play the sign game mom?"
I don't know if you've ever played the Sign Game with your kids...but any time we take a lengthy trip, that's the first thing Nate wants to do.
You start with the letter A and have to find words on signs for every letter of the alphabet.
First person to get to Z...wins!
It's pretty fun...until you get to Q...LOL!
Our chauffeur...
Selfie!
We spent our first night in Mackinaw City.
The boys always love playing in Lake Huron.
Me...I'd prefer to lounge on the beach.
Being in a swim suit it not my most favorite thing to do...
But the boys have such fun on the beach...
Nate playing in the water.
When the ferries come in, they create some huge waves.
The boys love being knocked around by the waves.
They hold on to each other so they don't fall!
Jamie went out with them and played in the water too.
Evan playing in the water.
They love the beach...
And after they've shriveled up into prunes in the lake...
They move on to the pool!
So did dad!
I even got in too!
HUGE fish in this tank at the hotel!
Hello ferry boat!
Strike a pose Natee!
Smile!
Unfortunately I missed most of the lilacs this year (though there were a few)...
But the peonies were amazing!
So fragrant!
Beautiful!
We stayed at the Murray Hotel our first night on the Island.
I love the quotes they have painted on the ceiling beams!
Up at Arch Rock lookout point...
So pretty!
I almost forgot this photo...
These baby ducks were so cute on the beach.
Momma stood close by while they played.
She chased the seagulls away from her babies!
Yes, it's gross.
I don't know why I took a picture...but this was seriously the biggest ant I'd ever seen.
Random sillies with Nate and me!
We had to try out the new Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor at The Grand Hotel.
It was a success. And it wasn't even expensive like one might expect being at The Grand!
The biggest disappointment we found this trip was Twist N Sprouts.
So not a fan. Seriously...$27.00 for four dinky cups of yogurt? I'm so not a fan of the whole "pay by the ounce" thing.
Sadie's gives you an ENORMOUS bowl of ice cream for $4.00 per!
That's only $16.00 for the four of us!
I highly recommend Sadie's!
The hubs and me!
My three guys at Sugarloaf!
We biked up into the Island one day and stopped at British Landing.
We had to make a run to the Cannonball for fried pickles!
After our first night at the Murray, we stayed at Harbour View Inn the rest of the week.
This little bunny greeted us daily in their garden.
He was there each morning, afternoon, and evening!
We always make many trips to Mission Point...either for refreshments at Lakeside Marketplace or meals at Round Island Bar & Grill. This adorable little kitty is always there. On this particular day, he was curled up in the birdbath/statue sunning himself and napping!
Fourth of July fun!
My patriotic manicure!
Some beach time on the 4th...
Cheese!
Me and my babe on the 4th!
We spent the day at Fort Mackinac on July 4th.
They put on the All American Picnic sponsored by The Grand Hotel.
It's lovely.
Ribs, chicken, burgers, dogs, salads, sides, chips, and desserts of all kinds!
Then there's demonstrations, games, dancing, and more put on by the interpreters.
That night we went aboard the ferry for Shepler's Fireworks Cruise.
They take you out under the bridge and then right up near where the fireworks go off!
Nate always gets us glow bracelets to wear on the 4th!
"Portrait of the day!"
I was yelling this all the time on the trip.
The boys grow quite tired of all my photo-ops, LOL!
But I tell them they'll appreciate the memories some day.
We had the sweetest housekeeper.
She'd make up the bed...and then place Nate's stuffed bear on top!
Cute!
I told you...
Mr. Bunny was there every day to greet us!
Another day of chillin' on the island!
We always make time for golf at Mission Point.
Nate and I think it's odd how dad always wins...
Another of our favorites is The Island Slice.
We ate there several times!
We were sitting in the Round Island Bar & Grill one night at dinner commenting on how we hadn't seen Mac The Moose in years...when who should walk down the stairs?!?!
MAC!!!
BEST place on the island for breakfast and burgers...
The Chuck Wagon.
It's tiny and there's always a wait...
But it's totally worth it.
We HIGHLY recommend it.
Smile for goodness sake...you're at Mackinac!
Nate bought this hat when we first got to the island.
We went into Sander's fudge shop and discovered they had this little "gumball machine" with 9 collectible button/pins. Nate immediately made his "mission" to collect all nine. This was to be his souvenir for this trip. Each time we'd pass Sanders, he'd get a new one. He got up to 7 and then was afraid to try anymore due to doubling up (as we had already done a couple times). So, a very kind lady who worked at Sanders told him that the next time the guy came in to fill the machine, she'd pull and save the ones he needed! Sure enough, she did! What a sweetheart! He got all nine! He also found another machine at Sadie's that had different pins...so he added two Sadie's/Grand Hotel pins as well! A kind young man working at Sadie's GAVE him one of his because it was rare and difficult to find! How sweet! There are some of the most kind workers from all around the world at Mackinac Island.
I had another little story about one of the workers I wanted to share...
When we visit Mackinac, I love conversing with all of the workers from many different countries. I have to say though, that we always seem to form bonds and friendships with the Jamaican folks. They such kind, friendly people! We were talking with our server at a restaurant there and I commented on how we were so glad she was our server as she did such a lovely job and was so sweet. She said to me, "I don't believe in bringing my problems to work. I am here to do a good job for you and my attitude reflects my performance." She shared with me how she was married and had two children but her husband's visa was denied for some reason and he couldn't come to the island to work with her. I could sense sadness in her voice and her eyes were watery. I have been praying for her, that God would give her peace and comfort and that her family would be reunited. I believe God puts us in the paths of people for reasons.
Can you see why we love going to Mackinac?
Not just the rich history of the island, the peace and serenity, the family fun we have...
But the wonderful, kind people we meet!
This was just another random silly of Nate.
I dared him to suck on the lemon that was in his Coke, LOL!
Our trip was wonderful...and I have to say, I don't feel sad right now...
Because...
WE HAVE ONE MORE TRIP PLANNED FOR THE SEASON!
Yes...we are able to go back for one more long weekend!
We had a lovely time...and until next time...
See you soon!
