Vacation week.

It's vacation week for the Mr. and me.

We started out with a bike trip with my pretty sister Chris, her husband Kevin, and his brother Keith.

We started out at the Harley shop in Gaylord.

As we walked into the showroom, a beautiful bike was on display.

Kevin walked up to the bike, and sat on it.....SOLD!!!

An hour later, they were driving it up the road for the rest of our trip!

We drove through the Tunnel of Trees along the Lake Michigan shoreline, which was breathtaking!

Had lunch at Cross Village, then ended up in Mackinaw City for the night.

It was a fun trip with great people!!!

After returning home, we unpacked our gear.

Jim's brother and sister in law stopped in for the afternoon on their way up north for their vacation destination.

The next morning we packed the truck with the camping gear (tent) for the drive to Shipshawana, Indiana. We were going to the flea market!!

The first thing on my list was this vintage drainer to display some pretty dishes in.

I was also hunting for white shell buttons.

I found these for the pillows, and lavender sachets that I make.

While there, I try to pick up a couple of iron brackets.

I found more furniture, and pieces for an outdoor fairy garden.

I added these to the little water feature we have.

I love the bridge!

The grandkids are going to enjoy this, with the little waterfall.

This mailbox is heavy!

It's iron. The scroll work is really beautiful!

Can't wait to hang it on the porch.

We also picked up the usual Yoder's chicken stock for soups, and gravy. Also the Yoder's popcorn salt.
The market isn't like it used to be with vendors that sell antiques, and craft items. The place is filled with t-shirts, and sunglasses, and tons of imports. It's very disappointing from years past.
We did have a good time, however. The weather was sunny, and very hot.
My niece that has cancer will be coming up with her two little ones this weekend. So our vacation week isn't over yet!
We still have a lot going on this summer. More company coming up to stay with us to enjoy the lake!
Life is good!
xo

Garden Fairies.

It looks like someone was here last night.

Whoever it was, must have been busy.

I keep this little birdbath in the sun room in the summer months, and in the living room in winter.

It seems a Garden Fairy, or two decided to make use of it this year.

I don't mind.

It also seems to be a haven for flowers, and dragon flies(the kind who's wings move via hidden cords).

If the fairies need a place to play in the evenings.....they are welcome here at the cottage.

It seems they have a bit of a beach-theme going on....with sand, and wee sea stars, and other shells strewn about.

It looks as though they left in a hurry.

I wonder if I startled them this morning?

I love the little chandelier hanging in the arbor!

So sweet.

Have you seen any Garden Fairies at your house this summer?

I'll try to get a picture of one.

They've got to be hiding here somewhere!!

hmmmm.......

Blissful Summer.

I woke up late this morning.

Instead of the sounds of little feet pitter-pattering on the floors upstairs, I heard the songs of the birds outside my bedroom window.

All is quiet here at the cottage once again.

Two of my daughters, Kelly and Melissa were here with their children: Maddie, Charlotte, Olivia, Kayla, and Anson for a few days.

The cottage was full, and noisy, and bustling with energy!

There were towels, bathing suits, and sand everywhere!

And laughter.

Kids laughing, and screaming, and running.

Sounds echoing off the water all day long.

We did some heavy duty power eating, too.

It seems we were always hungry.

But now all is quiet.

As I type this post, all I hear are the keys clicking, and the Robins singing their songs.

I thought I was ready for things to get back to "normal" here at our cottage.

But there is a certain sadness here.

No little people climbing up next to me on the sofa, asking me what I'm doing.

No one asking for a bowl of Fruit Loops Cereal.

No one wondering where their bathing suit, and beach towel is.

No doors slamming.

No one asking to go on a golf cart ride.

No one....just me.

Since the van pulled away yesterday....full of my dear ones....I've felt teary eyed.
I went to work after everyone left. All day it felt like something was missing. My arms felt like they were supposed to be holding on to someone, or hugging someone.  Like a part of me was lost.
Even my Mr. called me at the pharmacy to say he missed the kids. Then he stopped up at work, because he missed everyone.
You would think I would appreciate some peace, and quiet after all of the craziness of the last two or three weeks....instead....
I would love for them all to come back in a heartbeat.
Maybe it's the knowing that Summer is half over already.
All I do know is....this was the best time I've had in a very long time.  I'm thankful that God has blessed me with the moments I've had to spend with the people that I love.

Annual summer fun day.

Here we are, at Michigan Adventure Amusement Park for our annual family summer fun day.

It's an amusement park, and a water park in one.

Most of the kids love the roller coasters...even the youngest ones.

I'm the one that screams the most when I ride them!!!

We spend half the day at the water park, and half in the amusement park.

We all look forward to going every year.

The best part of the day is seeing the smiles on the kids faces, and knowing that they have enjoyed themselves.

What fun things do you do with your family in the summer?
Any special trips, or places that you visit?

Happy July 4th to you!!