It was a last minute decision to tack on Mackinac Island to our trip and one that will be filed away in the better decisions of my life drawer–not to be confused with its counterpart, the drawer which houses my tattoo decision, that one box of red hair color back in the day and–oh, choosing to sit on the open deck of Shepler’s Ferry on our ride to the island Monday. They had a bottom deck, all cozy and warm with windows for great views, but no. We’re adventurous. We like the wind in our hair. So we sat down with three kids and smiled as the boat slowly backed out of the marina. But do you know what happens after slowly backing out? It’s called full speed. Thankfully, Dash slept through it tightly wrapped in a blanket, but the girls? Hated it. Hated it. Wind trauma. Enough said.
Redemption comes in the form of the magical island that welcomed us.
Ladies and Gentlemen (trust me, it deserves the introduction)…Mackinac Island.
Otherwise known as the enchanting location from the movie Somewhere in Time and officially the place where I want to spend summers in my imaginary life.
The Mackinac Bridge connects the mitten of Michigan to the upper peninsula and just to the east of the bridge is Mackinac Island–eight miles around, the perfect bike ride distance, appropriate because there are no cars on the island. Bikes and horses, horses and bikes.
Pre-ferry boarding, a little Lake Huron exploring in front of the Mackinac Bridge
Nella was, at first, apprehensive of the horses, their massive size a bit overwhelming, but it wasn’t long before she pointed out every single one she saw with an enthusiastic “Ook! Mom! Horsie!” Lainey, rather, chose to point out every pile of evidence from the horses. “Look. Mom. Poop.”
The island’s energy is nothing short of entrancing, its unique blend of sights, sounds and smells bewitching guests into a relaxed and happy vacation hypnosis. Sweet hints of fudge waft through Main Street, horse hooves steadily clip-clop down paths, fragrant lilac blooms grace every corner and Lake Huron hugs the entire canvas with a different breathtaking backdrop visible from every angle: bridge and water, water and lighthouse, rocky shore and hotel-spattered bluff–all of it beautiful.
We stayed at the charming Island House Hotel, originally constructed as a beach house in 1852 and restored and expanded throughout the century to its present state. The rooms were beautiful and the views exquisite.
Late afternoon, all those adirondack chairs in front are full of folks chatting, looking out at the harbor while a back-up choir of voices echoes from the rocking chairs behind them on the porch. So charming, I couldn’t stop smiling.
It felt very Anne of Green Gables. I admit, we’re rusty on comparisons because Cousin and I threw out Anne Shirley, the Kennedys, the VonTrapps–none of them sharing anything in common except beautiful accommodations and scenery. That we enjoyed.
Dash is a little too small to ride in a bike trailer, so we rented an extra stroller so Lainey wouldn’t get tired, and we walked and walked and walked the island while I pointed and gasped and gushed “this is unreal.”
Watching my girls, I connected so much more to the memories of my childhood vacations–to this very place–and realize that every one of those priceless memories took effort and time and my parents’ decision to load up and head out. Lots of schlepping.
And while the kids really were so cooperative and easy-going, we had our moments. Monday night, adopting the “When in Rome” philosophy, we put jammies on the kids and headed out to Main Street assuming we’d eat, walk, explore and the kids would fall asleep. They did, and it was grand–Lainey hunched over in the stroller, Nella strapped to my back and Dash in my cousin’s arms. But then there were four stairs. Four stairs we had to climb at the very end of our journey, returning to our room. We attempted the two-person stroller lift; but as I led the stroller up the stairs holding the foot rest with my hand and my cousin followed with the handles, the stairs seemed to grow steeper and steeper until the stroller was practically vertical. Lainey woke up hollering “I’m upside down!,” Dash started crying, we dropped a backpack and there, two steps away from the finish line, we just gave up. Dropped everything and sat on the stairs hysterically laughing, unable to move.
Those memories must accompany the more graceful ones, I am sure of it.
A favorite–the red phone booth outside the Grand Hotel. The girls spent half an hour in and out of the booth. Opening the door, shutting the door, talking on the phone, making faces against the glass.
And the Grand Hotel? Holy Mother of Mackinac. You feel like you’ve gone back in time.
I gush annoyingly when I’m amazed by beautiful places.
“Are we in a movie? Because I feel like we’re in a movie. We are walking in a movie.”
Mission Point. We carefully walked along the water’s rocky edge, choosing large flat rocks to sit on and scanning the smaller ones for good throwing stones–the louder kerplunk the better.
We also bumped into a blog reader and fell in love with her little Annie. Annie and Nella had lots to say to each other:
Feeling a little incomplete without the daddy here, but it gives us a good excuse to come back. I now feel like it’s my life duty to introduce people I love to this place.
Pepper, Lainey’s doll of choice to accompany our trip (coming soon to North American Bear)
Feeling grateful, adventurous and full.
Happy Weekend.
Jordan Cole says
Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places in the world! Just the mere fact that they do not use cars completely won me over. It’s one of my best childhood memories, I cannot wait for the day I get to visit and bring my husband along!
...and baby makes five! says
This is where I spent my childhood summers – usually arriving by our own houseboat which we spent all summer living on in the Grand Traverse Bay.
Thanks for the memories!
let-there-be-light.net says
LOVE this post a million times over! 🙂 Gorgeous pics of the most amazing place … I’m a Michigan import (been here in Kalamazoo 7 yrs) and Mackinac is by far my FAVE place in this great, gorgeous state. I love it there and your pics took me back to my 30th birthday weekend there four years ago. We desperately, desperately need to go back! We went in October and I remember how frigid the ferry was! 🙂
Christiana Marie says
I want to go there so badly now! All of the outfits on your kids are SO adorable. I hope my kids can be this trendy and cute! Dash’s little hat makes my heart melt! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lissa says
Love the gorgeous pictures you took of Mackinac Island! My boys absolutely love it up there, and look forward to our annual day trip there. They are also obsessed with the horses and their droppings! I thought it was a boy thing, but must be a kid thing 🙂 Definitely go back when you can rent a bike trailer and have Lainey ride in an attached kid bike (the modern tandum for kids I guess). Hopefully next time will be warmer for you too! Houghton Lake is calling our names this weekend – hopefully it’ll be a good one!
Sarah Joseph says
My husband and I live four hours from Mackinac (less when we move to Ann Arbor in two weeks!) and we’ve never been. I think we need to take a little daytrip up with the baby before law school starts up again!
Amber says
I love, love, love your love for Michigan 🙂 I heart this state, and love when people have good things to say about it. Thinking a maiden voyage to Mackinac island for the rest of my family who have never been is in order after your beautiful pictures! It’s been so long since I went myself!
Jen says
It is a great place! We checked out butterflies, ate fudge, followed horses… It was so relaxing after eight hours in the car with a baby who HATED car rides. Glad you are having a great time!
Laura says
Love the last pic of the girls, how beautiful!
Leah Rose Tickle says
That last photo just melts my heart! Sister Loving.
Marie says
Mackinaw island is good for your soul. I was reminiscing all the time I have been there and the good memories. When our son was 3 we stood outside Mission Point in that exact spot and threw stones for an hour. I dream of living on that island. I wonder if it is as magical as I think it would be.
Nikki says
Now we must add Michigan and Mackinac Island to the list of places we have to go visit! It’s looks amazing.
Mel says
I’ve been telling my husband we should go here for a weekend. So how did the little man do out of his element? (Meaning his crib.) Our guy is 6 1/2 months right now and he’s the only thing that’s been holding me back from pulling the trigger. Did he sleep okay? Thanks!
1141fb20-d438-11e2-9080-000bcdca4d7a says
LOVE Mackinaw Island! Oh, and their fudge too! Did you venture to the butterfly house?!
Meryl says
Gorgeous! May I ask where you got Nella’s barrette? I’m in the nasty process of growing out bangs, and I could use a new cute one.
Andrea Archambault says
Mackinac is WONDERFUL! We go there almost every year but this summer will be our first trip with baby in tow! Looks like you guys had a blast. 🙂
joyfullyyours says
I love Mackinac! You’re right, the island is magical. We went at least once a summer when I was growing up near Windsor. We never stayed over night, always just a day trip. But it holds some of my favourite memories. And the Anne of Green Gables reference…you really are a kindred spirit!
Have a good rest of your time away, and love that the littles are having such a great time.
Nichol Brinkman says
Gorgeous!!
Kelly says
The last photo of Lainey and Nella is hands down my fav picture ever on your blog!
Reenie says
Just getting caught up on all your posts. It is absolutely beautiful there. Adorable and beautiful photos.
~ Enjoy ~ <3 ~
Grace F. says
Last night, my husband came home from work and said he’d like to take me to Mackinac Island. Weird coincidence. I’m originally from Georgia but moved up here to marry him, and we’ve been here four years and I haven’t been.
Jennifer Ketterhagen says
Beautiful post. I love, love, love the last picture of the 2 girls embracing. So sweet, it brings a tear to my eye.
Indiana in B'more says
K – love this post. how do you get there? we live in baltimore & want to fly in somewhere close & then catch a ferry…but where? thanks!
Erica Ladd says
Lived most of my life in Wisconsin and now I’m lamenting the fact that we never went to Mackinac, and by lamenting I mean shouting to my husband in the other room inquiring randomly.
Jessica says
I have lived hours away from the island for my entire life in the UP but didn’t visit until I was in college! It is a beautiful island and we too decided to stay on top of the ferry and ended up getting SOAKED! The captain suggested no one go on top because of the big waves but we weren’t going to let it stop us. haha Glad you had fun!
Jennifer says
I have to go there! What an enchanting place! Like heaven would be!
Ashley Elizabeth says
Beautiful photos – I love the hats on the girls!
Argyrie says
Gorgeous photos! I love seeing how the relationship between Lainey and Nella has grown..you can feel all the love they share. I’m glad you’re having such a wonderful time and bet Brett can’t wait to get his family back again!
Live.Love.Laugh. says
Beautiful!!! I LOVE Somewhere in Time…one of my favorite movies EVER and would love to visit there. It’s now on this georgia girls Bucket list!
Hayley says
THE OUTFITS. OMG, THE OUTFITS.
Lara says
this place looks amazing!!! I think my favorite part is that there are no cars allowed!
Camie says
What a great post! Excellent pictures too…thanks for sharing 🙂
Julie says
Thank you for describing so beautifully the magic that is Mackinac Island. I was schlepped there many times as a child as well, and have continued with my own children and then some. May be going again this week-end. On the surface, it can sometimes look like just a bunch of trinket and fudge shops catering to tourists, not bad on it’s own, but add to that the history, the beauty of nature and those old homes, ghost stories, and a bunch of laid-back people, whether they live, work, or are just visiting, happy to be given the permission to slow down and leave modern life behind for a bit. Magic it is!
Phyl says
Spectacular. Thank you! Phyl
Christy and Wendy says
So many wonderful childhood memories had their start on Mackinac Island! We have a 3 day vacation booked at the Mission Point Resort this summer. Can’t wait! Your post was a nice little teaser:) Oh, and thanks for spelling Mackinac the proper Michigan way;) p.s. Next time you’re in Michigan, stop by Ludington. We’d love to have you!
Alicia D says
Wow, that hotel is UNREAL!! Amazing photos, as always 🙂
valerie says
that looks like such a dreamy place to visit! — love the bathtub full of flowers!!
onemess says
This post made my day! What a lovely trip. And that last photo of the girls just melted my heart!
Ellie says
Oh bother. We moved from MI to NJ almost 4 years ago. I keep trying to bloom where I am planted, but I seem to have been uprooted. Great photos but better memoriest pulled from my inner soul. Thank you!
wonderchris says
That last picture of Lainey and Nella reminds me of exactly what you hoped for in a little sister for Lainey. They just adore each other. What an amazing adventure!!
Mandi Wolfswinkel says
What a beautiful place! I’ve never been to Michigan, but living in the Midwest, it would be a manageable drive. I look at your pictures and they make me take a minute to go through my mental photo albums of the places we’ve taken our kids and the places I was taken as a kid. I love that I can make memories anywhere I choose- 5 blocks from home or a 5 day’s drive from home. Thank you for giving me another place to add to my bucket list of places to take my kids. I love being reminded to bloom where I’m planted, travel when it’s possible, suck the marrow out of life, and take plenty of pictures to remind you of all the memories you’ve made throughout the years. Enjoy the rest of your stay lovelies. We’re about to hit up the pool- memory making 5 blocks from home. 🙂
Andrea Worley says
What a beautiful place! You’re right, it does look like a movie!
PV says
Native Michigander here! Michigan has so many amazing places, but Mackinac Island is definately one of the best. I’ve been going “Up North” all my life and every time I go, it leaves me with this increadible sense of peace and happiness. So many wonderful memories too. I think Kid Rock captured that feeling in his song “All Summer Long”.
Jenrobburton says
The tourism department should cut you a check. You’ve, no doubt, made thousands of people want to visit.
Love the pictures of Nella and Lainey at the end. They look like they are having such fun together.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Elisa says
This is beautiful!! I loved the ‘upside down’ part of the story–so hilarious! …and all those chairs…surreal!
Jenna | je na sais quoi says
Well you’ve given me one more place I need to visit and also that last picture is amazing.
Selby says
Beautiful! Ill have my imaginary life holidays there please:)
Selby says
Beautiful! Ill have my imaginary life holidays there please:)
Daniela McLea says
Kelle you are such an inspiration. The way you portrait your life is simply beautiful and I can see the clarity you have in your life. You make the challenges of life so much easier by having this positive perspective and mostly write about your great memories ( you don’t ever dwell on the negative) WOW!
Thank you for all you do Kelle. Your family is beautiful.
Daniela
Becky says
I should do a blog post about the OTHER side if the Island, when you’re in your early 20’s and living/working with all your friends. Greatest years of my life! Your pictures make me so nostalgic!
Becky says
I should do a blog post about the OTHER side if the Island, when you’re in your early 20’s and living/working with all your friends. Greatest years of my life! Your pictures make me so nostalgic!
Marie says
OH – I worked at the Iroquois Hotel (first photo in your post) one summer in college, and have eaten there for years and years. My extended family has several cottages on an island just a hop/skip/jump away (though MUCH less commercial and much more rustic than Mackinac) and your post has made me even more excited than I am already for our annual vacation there in July. I so love that little corner of the world.
pinepod says
Absolutely loved Mackinac island while growing up with my parent’s, brother’s, and sister. Haven’t been back there since though.
Amy
Rosa says
never heard of the place…but want to live there!!!
Stephanie says
Wow, what beautiful pictures! And I have to thank you for some great ideas because we are going to the U.P. in August and will be exploring Mackinac Island ourselves!
mbbored says
One of my favorite childhood books was “A Girl of the Limberlost” which is partly set on Mackinac Island. Now I’ll have to go reread it with your pictures in my mind.
Becky says
Thank you so much for sharing your trips with us. I always feel like I’m right there with you. Sorry hubby couldn’t go..hope he is mending well. Becky
Julie Swanson says
I love these photos! Looks like a fun trip!
Brenda Hainje says
Speaking of introducing to places…I vacationed to Fort Myers last week (yes, during the lovely tropical storm weather!) and my husband and I made a special trip to Isles of Capri thanks to your blog. I fell in love with that place even more than I thought I would! What a gem. We sat on the deck of Capri fish house, relaxed on the colorful adirondocs as our feet brushed the water, met the owner (would have gone out on his boat if we weren’t flying out that day!), and watched all the friendly and happy people paddle boarding into shore as part of the Special Olympics fundraiser. Such a quaint, charming, beautiful town. We will definitely be back! And my parents will be visiting this fall because my reviews were too hard not to resist.
Thanks for sharing all the beauty of life with us readers!
Brenda
Minneapolis, MN
Cathy K. says
Holy-moly, Kelle!!! This post has some of the most picturesque photos I’ve ever seen. Frame-worthy picture after frame-worthy picture. And this place has been added to my Future Travels list because it doesn’t look like 2013. It’s dated in the most beautiful of ways.
carrieitly says
Mackinack was part of my childhood, and now I look forward to introducing my daughters to its magic later this summer.
In the meanwhile I’ll marvel at the fact that my oldest not only has the same Salt Water sandals as your girls, but the exact same Chicco cardi as Nella <3.
Tammie says
Wow, Kelly,
What a way to make me want a vacation,NOW… That place looks and sounds Amazing. The pictures are Sooo beautiful. I am so ready to just retire and set in those chairs all summer and maybe even make a phone call in the phone booths back home inviting my family to come on down. What a great way to introduce us all to a beautiful place, Thank you and have a great time.
Jeanie says
Absolutely gorgeous! I “Ooooh’d” out loud when I saw the bathtub full of flowers.
Amy Rogers Hays says
I love the northern parts of Michigan! We’ve hung out on the shores of Lake Superior for the past two summers. I love that even though you have Florida beaches that there is something so special about the Great Lakes in the Summer. It really is magical.
Sarah says
Sooooooo “homesick” for there after seeing your pictures!
Monica Fox says
You just tugged at my heartstrings and make me ache for The Mitten State. I miss the summers we would camp on the beach in Mackinac City and wake up super early to take the ferry across, of course riding on the top deck. There is something so magical about Mackinac Island and all the beauty northern Michigan holds.
Lisa says
When I saw your pics earlier, it was so familiar. Now I know why. I love that movie “Somewhere in Time”, even though, I am sure if I watched it now, it would seem super cheesy (in a good way though). I must go there. It looks AMAZING.
Kaylee says
Yeah, I just miss Michigan. And Island House is where I am getting married in a year! That island is just.. so… ahh.
Beautiful. Inspiring. Breathtaking. And you did a WONDERFUL job to capture its essence in your pictures and words.
Thank you.
Cora Anne Designs says
This feels like a Pure Michigan ad, I love it!
Elizabeth says
The island looks amazing and I LOVE the Anne of Green Gables comparison.
I must also say….I’d like to hear more about the tattoo 😉
Farmgirl Paints says
Love the white dress code and then there is Nella in her boooooom here I am awesome pants. Good gracious. Love these:)
Leah says
Kelle!!! Your storytelling and these pictures!!! Perfection, my dear!!! We were just in MI visiting my in-laws last week, but I’ve never been to Mackinac Island… Going on my bucket list for sure!!! 🙂 Actually, it was already on it, but now I want to go even more!!!
Gregg Matthews says
Mackinaw Island is nothing short of magical. My husband and I were married at Mission Point almost 9 years ago. Your photos brought me right back to that amazing weekend! Now with two young boys, I look forward to the day when we are able to return and they are embraced by the same magic you experienced!!
Leah says
PS – And the stroller story was hilarious! 🙂
seetastelove says
So beautiful, you so made me want to go. And that last picture captures true happiness.
DisneyRose says
I can’t believe how grown up the girls look! I need to get to that island ASAP!
Wendy says
I’m hoping to take our Zoe to Mackinac sometime soon. I remember going up there many many years ago during one of our trips to see my grandparents at Houghton Lake. Loved all of your pictures – what a beautiful family!
Donna O. says
The “hug” picture at the very end is absolutely genuine love at it’s best – adorable! It makes me wish I had a sister to share Mackinac Island with and I’m old! 🙂 The rest of the shots made me realize I need to get back there. Soon. Enjoy the rest of your vacation ~
Emily R. says
I love, love, love Mackinac. I spent many summers there as a kid, and my husband and I are going for our one year anniversary this summer. It’s such a magical place — it’s like time stops when you’re there. I’m so glad that you had a good time :)!
Charlotte says
Oh Kelle! I grew up in Mackinaw and it is still my favorite place. My uncle has a little house right on Lake Huron a few houses down from the bridge, the spot you took all those pictures at was practically in his back yard!!! I was dying looking at your pictures there. I am going up there in three weeks and its crazy to think that we are just barely missing each other. Of all people in the world I think I would like to meet you and your darling kids most. You are a huge role model for me. Thanks for sharing your trip. It looks like such a wonderful time.
Johanna says
Oh those 2 sisters together. What precious girls you have, and a sweet boy too! Looks like you made great memories.
Kelly Cach says
Oh, Kelle!!! I could barely catch my breath when you mentioned Somewhere in Time!!!! I spent my summer going into my senior year babysitting for my aunt and uncle and they had cable…or HBO or whatever it was and watched this movie over and over and over! One of the most romantic movies of my youth. I was just SICK when he found the penny in his pocket…Nooooooo!!! No wonder I’m in awe of your pics (what’s new, really;).
Love all the white. And Nella…oh, Nella. Will I ever get to squeeze her? 🙂
heather says
I’ve never even heard of this island but your pictures are making me put it on my bucket list. And I LOVE Somewhere In Time. That last picture of Lainey and Nella? Love! And Nella looks just like you in it. Seriously! Same smile and eyes! xoxo
AnnieBC says
I also went to the island as a child on my visits to my Gigis house. So many fond memories there. I love your photos and it makes me a little homesick for that water, the air, the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and of course the fudge. My grandmothers house is just on the other side of the bridge and on the shores of Michigan. Someday I will schlep my 3 to this magical place. Thanks for sharing your time there. The photos don’t even do it justice…and they are great pics!
jenna says
My husband and I are heading to the island to celebrate our 10 year anniversary next weekend!! Great to see these pics! Visited the island as a kid as well 🙂
Amanda says
One of my favorite places ever! 🙂 I live in Grand Rapids, and we keep saying ‘this year we’ll go back’…these pictures lit a fire under me. 🙂
Funny tidbit: My parents were staying at the Grand Hotel while “Somewhere In Time” was being filmed. One night, my mom was at the bar, waiting for my dad, and Christopher Reeve sat down next to her to order a drink. He looked at her and said, “Hi”, or something equally exciting. One of her favorite memories of the Island. 🙂
Thanks for this post!
Aj Robinson says
Your post makes me long to return. My husband and I were married on Mackinac Island on a gorgegous sunny day, standing on a porch overlooking the boat docks. I have said we need to go back and take our daughter. Your post makes me realize we ARE going back 🙂
Brady says
I absolutely love Northern Michigan – honeymooned up there. Also – someday will you tell us about your tattoo?
Courtney @ One Fine Wire says
Oh my word, these pictures are absolutely fantastic. Your little boy is growing up so fast and is precious!
Thanks for sharing – I’ve never heard of this island before, it’s enchanting!
Renee says
I use to work for this company and we traveled and did trade shows all the time. I was the only girl in the group of 4 guys. Our reward was that when we were done, before we headed back to Florida, was to visit Mackinac Island. I always got my own room, the company paid for it. It was wonderful to have that break from the guys after 2-3 months in a car traveling with them. I LOVED it and whenever they would annoy me I would close my eyes and picture this place. I would picture the bicycle I would rent to bike away from them. LOL Now that I am married I keep telling my husband we need to go there so I can enjoy it with my man instead of those guys. 🙂
T Myers says
It looks truly enchanting. I love that there are no cars…sounds like heaven to me!
arianna says
you’are beautiful ! Hello,dalla Toscana,Italy.
Comfypjs says
Oh my is Mackinac Island every gorgeous! I’m going to have to visit there someday for sure.
6512 and growing says
sisters and babies and family and childhood memories and grand hotels and sweet small things? Are you dying of happiness? xo
Kelly says
Looks amazing! I had the weirdest deja vue seeing the pic of the Grand Hotel…I swear I have dreamt of that place, yet I have never been to Michigan…so bizarre!
robin says
Wow!!!!! I know it was a little get-away but it looks like a photo shoot! Your kiddos are so photogenic and the whole landscape scenery and hotel are amazing! So glad you guys had a relaxing time and I’m going to look up the place/hotel because it looks absolutely gorgeous! I just love your stories and photos! You all look very happy!
Monique says
Your last photo of your gorgeous girls sums up your amazing trip!! Thanks for sharing!! Looks like a bucket list location for sure!! Bikes and horses, horses and bikes…that’s my kind of getaway :)…and the Grand Hotel…WOW!!
Happy weekend to you
Cheers!
Monique
Roksalanna says
Kelle, Mackinac Island is absolutely exquisite and so picturesque. Thank you for sharing these beautiful family photos.
Allison says
Now Im VERY curious about your tattoo!
And Nella’s look on her face in the last pic wearing the palazzo pants? I just died.
xx
Sara says
It IS very Anne of Green Gables! It totally reminds me of Dalvay-by-the-Sea on PEI.
I never thought much about visiting Michigan before, but you’ve sold me on the idea. 🙂
amandamarie says
Your last photo of Nella and Laine made me cry happy tears 🙂 Our little girl was born in March with trisomy 21. I love reading your posts about Nella 🙂
Kris Herbst says
Love this. Thanks for posting.
Sara says
I love Mackinac Island and seeing your pictures makes me remember the times I went there with my parents. And seeing how much fun your girls had makes me want to take my girls there and share it with them.
Raelyn says
Kelle….
I love horse-drawn carriages!! They remind me of Christmastime, when we drive to a neighborhood community where nearly every house is illuminated with lights!! People ride in horse-drawn carriages on December 24th!! 😉
I love the pictures of your girls in that red telephone booth!! I would feel compelled to go in there, too!! ;-D
I cannot help but notice. Sweet little Annie has an NG tube. {I think that is what it is called!!} Poor girl. Do you know why? 😉
–Raelyn
Glenda Quiring says
such fun and such great memories in your mind and in your photos.
we went to this island when my children were about your children’s ages except I had one more… an older one and a nephew along too.
my 5 year old loved the ride on the fast boat to the island and laughed and called the spray a chicken tail.
we went on the wagon or trolley ride around the island as we had limited time but you sure do help bring back all those great memories.
thank you.
love the colours you are all wearing.
glad you had fun.
Susan says
Beautiful pictures! Dash looks like he’s at a fun age now.
knighthaak says
I will have to put it on my list of places to visit. In the meantime, you guys should come to Europe! Hamptons do London. I see it now!
Susan Martin says
♥ this post! My husband always loved Somewhere in Time and always said we’d go there someday. Our
25th Wedding Anniversary is next summer. Maybe…
Love the pictures! Esp one of the last ones of Lainey and Nella hugging.
Xo
Katherines Corner says
my husband is from Brevort and Detour area of Michigan and he has often mentioned he wants to take me there. I am so happy you shared your wonderful adventure with us. Now I want to go even more. Hugs!
Liz says
Oh my heavens! I lovedddddddd Somewhere in Time! I must go find it on Amazon & buy it right now! Gotta re-watch it with my family!
Ali says
Kelle,
What a beautiful post: “Feeling grateful, adventurous and full”. I feel, well, frankly, LOVELY, reading your words, as you take your reader on your journey… then I extrapolate my joy into the many thousands of readers who also read this post (this blog), and I think wow, Kelle’s one experience, because she writes it, brings thousands more ounces, pounds, or is it tonnes(?!) of loveliness to the world!
Lovely stuff!
Ali in Switzerland
(inspired by Anne Shirley, the Von Trapps, and also Heidi)
Kari says
I’ve never commented before but read with joy your blog very often. Just wanted to say that Nella is the image of you in this photograph of her and Lainey.
xo
Jen Biasi says
http://youtu.be/HnFfGSpuX0o
Karen says
I adore the last picture of your girls! I haven’t been up north ever but this place looks amazing!
brigitte says
I just LOVE the way your gets are dressed, love the style! stunning pics!
Ali says
Talk about a postcard-perfect town (and family!) Gorgeous pictures.
Laura Luyt says
Incredibly beautiful photos — every single one a work of art! Love your stripey nautical old-fashioned outfits on everybody, too. Would love to visit such a beautiful place.
walking dot photography says
Oh em gee, that’s GORGEOUS! NEED to go there. Pronto! Love all the photos, too! Your kids are adorable!
xox
giedre
http://www.walkingdotphotography.com
khawk says
I just commented on your other MI post because I hadn’t seen this one yet! We were JUST there this past weekend. I worked on the island in the late 90’s for a couple of summers and we have visited the past couple of years due to my husbands job. We stay at the Grand Hotel and there really isn’t anything quite like it!
Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! says
It is so gorgeous there. I must visit sometime!
Pearl & Piper says
Thank you for bringing so many amazing memories back! I am from New Zealand but spent the summer of 2004 working in a summer camp in Michigan, it was the best summer of my life! We spent a weekend on the beautiful Mackinac Island, so many great memories!
Thank you for sharing xx
Laurie Kutil says
Great blog! My husband and I are going in June and I will be blogging about our visit. My family visited the island in 1971 when I was almost 5. I looked a lot like your older daughter then too. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Laurie, Adventures in Travel