Ahh, Pure Michigan!

This time last month, we were savoring the last few moments of our family vacation. 
Between visits with family in Detroit and a days on Lake Michigan, this year's vacation was action packed!

Detroit:
As we did, last year, we headed to Detroit, before heading to the lake. We (my parents, Beth and her kids, and Aunt Abby) stayed with my grandma and got to visit with lots of our extended family, that we rarely see.

 Lake Michigan
Earlier this month, we took our 2nd annual family vacation to the lake house in Ludington, MI, and had the immense pleasure of relaxing, hanging out and spending time on the beach and in the lake. Lake Michigan was in fine form this year, and during that particular week, with warm(er) temps and water. We spent time at the beach most days, and even went down a few times a day. The days were warm and sunny and the nights were cool and beautiful (except for one hot night with no breeze!)! The sunsets were awe-inspiring, too!
There were more of us this year, with Aunt Abby and Nathan's parents joining us, the Robbins and my parents for the fun. Thankfully, there is so much space that we all got along well together and even had fun!

Monday morning:
We loaded up the mini-vans and headed west to the lake!

We arrived safely and immediately went to the beach!

Dan and Nathan were on dinner duty for the week and they did not disappoint! We enjoyed grilled pork tenderloin, veggies and salad for dinner that night. Oh, and super yummy wine!
After dinner and bedtime, we put the kids to bed for a rousing game of Squidge!

Tuesday:

Wednesday:
Happy fourth!

Thursday:
Fun around town and around the house!

Friday:
Quick Notre Dame photo shoot and impromptu Irish dancing!

Friday night, we celebrated Amos and Dan's July birthdays.

That night, we hit the beach while it was still light out and did family photos and more swimming!

 

The sunset was beautiful that night.

Me and my team!

Bath time with all five!

Saturday:
That morning, The Partains, Robbins and Abby all went back home. We said goodbye and then spent a beautiful afternoon and evening on the beach. It as so wonderful to have them all there with us. It was hard to believe that the week together was already over!

(My mom: the source of the gene that loves the water and swimming!)

Another beautiful sunset.

Sunday:
We got dressed up in our Sunday best and played for awhile, waiting for the Berend men to arrive.
They arrived that afternoon and we were all so happy to be with them!

Amos and his big "brothers!"

The Palapa was beautiful, and as always, we were so grateful to be there with friends and family.