Sleeping Bear Dunes

We are moving away from this beautiful state next summer and thought that if we didn't visit some places "up north" then we may never have the chance again!  So we took 2 1/2 days, drove 600 miles and camped for two nights to see some absolutely amazing sights!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Dune Climb

Adam emptying out the probably 1/4 cup of sand in each shoe by the time we hiked for 20 min or so.

"I. Am. Amazing!"

"mmmmm, sand.""

North and South Manitou Islands off in the distance

The dunes went on for miles.  We began climbing and hiking, thinking we may reach Lake Michigan.  Um, no.  Not possible with 4 small children! 

... and by the end of the day, we all felt like this.

Mighty Mac & Camping at Tahquamenon Falls

Crossing the Mackinac Bridge on our way up to the U. P.

Rain.  Lots of rain. 

Rain?  What rain?  We don't care!

the lower falls

lower falls

she always poses like this!

the Upper Falls
They are 2nd largest to Niagara east of the MS River 

Oh, just munching on wood sorrel.  

Shrekerdoodle

Our Zoo has grown.  Well, we lost our cat, Kitty, last summer.  And our dog ran away last winter, sooooo, we needed to restock our inventory.  Haha.  Two dogs and a lizard just wasn't enough for us!  We needed a baby kitty in our lives.  

Meet Shrek.  

His other names are:

Shrekers

Shrekerdoodle

Shrekster

Shrek Chevron Franson

His first meal was ultra-interesting to the girls!