This week we hit the one month mark since we’ve been away from home. We are more than grateful for the opportunity to answer summer’s invitation to adventure in places we love far from home, but we are definitely missing Brett and will welcome the routine and familiarity of home when we begin to make our trek back next week. It’s always in this last week that I open the sensory receptors just a wee bit more–sip my coffee a little slower, pick a few more wildflowers, swim further out into the lake and memorize what it feels like to let my legs dance under the cold clear water–free of salt itch–surrounded by a scene I love so much. Clusters of pines, tall white birches, worn docks that pepper the lake’s edge in between rock ledges and loose dirt beaches, laughter that echoes across the water like a summer song… and my kids, a picture of a July dream I’ll save forever–their skinned knees and dirty hair, half-dried in the sun after braving the “1-2-3 Go Under!” dip; the constellation of bug bites that runs up the back of their legs; the quarter inch I swear they grew since the last day of school; the way they smile and skip and glide into the water with the freedom that only summer can bring.
Among summer’s idyllic story is, of course, the bits of reality we bring with us wherever we go–a good reminder that life isn’t a storybook. Or an Instagram feed. Or a silly standard we set in our mind where we forget to make room for what really happens on vacations with three kids. Reality chirped its tune amid our day at Sleeping Bear Dunes last week–on my favorite patchwork quilt, to be exact, right when I pulled out the sandwiches–with the good cheese, on the expensive bread–and the individually wrapped portions of grapes and pretzels and little vanilla cookies I picked out just for that moment. Right there atop the sandy summit of what Good Morning America once dubbed “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” With all the onlooking tourists. I mean, clearly it was a set-up. Regardless, that’s where Dash got mad about me not letting him be an independent 40-year-old man who drives cars and pays bills and watches for danger in the street by his own damn self, for crying out loud, and launched a 10-minute performance of will that brought out every ugly feeling I’ve ever had in motherhood. I did not feel patient or grateful or loving. I did not gently hold him with the assuring smile of “I’m a good mom who’s handling this fit like Jesus.” I felt angry and embarrassed, guilty and defeated and held him awkwardly, mumbling a stern “That’s enough” as if the ventriloquist “That’s enough” (you know–through clenched teeth and a forced smile so no one will know you’re losing your cool) from an exhausted mom ever convinced a strong-willed toddler to wrap it up.
We hung on, the two of us–made it through after a walk together and finally a let-go–and returned to the picnic blanket where the sandwiches and the scene and my mother were patiently waiting for us. My mom told me stories about the hard days she remembers–about the crying and the fits and the stroller that broke in the middle of the street–and how she never let it keep her from taking us on adventures. “It gets better,” she tells me. And I know it’s true.
The adventure was worth it.
And goodness, my poor mother who is afraid of heights–she nearly had a heart attack watching the kids jump at the top of the dune. Is it steep? Yes. In fact, there are signs warning visitors that if they venture to the bottom, it’s a 2-hour steep climb back to the top, sometimes needing costly rescues. But, the top of the dune has a gradual incline where lots of kids jump before it gets steep a ways down, so I was comfortable giving them a little space for adventure.
For anyone with plans to visit, this was at the top of Scenic Overlook #9 on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. It’s so beautiful–well worth the drive, the heart flutters, the fits.
Nella broke out some yoga, naturally.
I have a picture of my mother, around 25 years old, in a bathing suit, looking all modely and beautiful, sitting in this exact same spot.
A mile or so down the road from the dunes is one of my favorite little beaches. It’s covered with smooth flat stones, handfuls of which we bring home to make jewelry. Dash was running along the shore there and bumped into an older woman who asked him his name. He told her it was Al.
Another three miles or so from the beach is my favorite town in Northern Michigan, Glen Arbor, this picturesque gem planted right along M-22. I’m convinced the entire town grew from magic beans planted by someone who loved summer–and cherries and lavender and bookshops and coffee and families making memories.
Speaking of families making memories, meet the coolest family ever. I saw them eating dinner outside at Boonedocks, all dressed in completely outlandish clothes–men wearing sparkly shirts with “I love Bieber”, girls in horrendous muumuus, pom-pom frills and neon capes, Barbies glued to shoulders. So I had to ask–and I’m so glad I did. They have an annual reunion at the family’s lake house, and the dad (the cool guy in the blue flowered shirt) decided that if they were all going to be together, they had to have fun. So he came up with the idea to have them draw names before their reunion–and they have to design the most embarrassing outfit for the person whose name they draw. Come reunion, they all wear their outfits for a night out on the town. Amazing? AMAZING.
For the record, add a ponytail and some heels, andI’d totally wear that watermelon outfit out.
So much good art in this little town–not one speck of “My grandma went to Glen Arbor and all I got was this t-shirt” crap.
Why yes, that is a children’s art studio, painted with rainbows, tucked beneath the sun setting in a pine. I KNOW.
All good fit days and hard motherhood prayers should end with soft serve at the Pine Cone where kiddie cones equal behemoth towers.
Summering hard with knee scrapes and bruises to show for it.
Michelle says
Just missed you here by a couple of weeks, and yes, sight #9 is a favorite as I wonder which summer will be the one where after the hundredth jump my 9 year old will break his arm. Oh, and by the way, took the posed, all four kid photo shot with the perfect blue water backdrop to have child #4 in a fit of rage. Pure Michigan=Pure Kids!
DHA says
I needed to hear this 🙂
Currently on vacation with our three kids!
Love the part about your mom saying it never stopped her from taking you out on adventures!
Maria says
Your vacation pictures are stunning. I can’t believe it’s been a month already & I can’t believe how the kids have grown! Lainey is almost up to your shoulders!! Enjoy the rest of your trip & safe travels home. xo
Party Box Design says
Your pictures are stunning!!!! The water is so pretty. Here in SC, our lakes are just brown… nothing quite as stunning.
Heathe H says
Head up to Lake Jocassee in SC, it’s blue and green and perfectly clear in places! No brown water up here 🙂
Ps- I agree about her gorgeous pictures and the Great Lakes are so delightful!
Life with Kaishon says
I love your summer adventures. You are having such a fun time and making memories galore.
I LOVE the family and the outfits! So fun.
Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Heather Kulaga says
Yes yes! My littles are working at camp – I stopped by to drop of some stuff and found James with a golden plunger (his trophy for winning “neatest cabin” with his charges what the heck?) – he was sticking it to his stomach and pulling it off again. He said it turns his stomach purple. No he’s not five, but if there’s a part of him that stays five forever I will be so happy.
Beth was handing out life jackets at the boat house and quizzing children about whether they’d “checked in”, and testing the straps to see if they were too loose to be safe and searching for the right size for the smallest ones. She looked up with a brown face and laughed, breathless, “What are you doing here?” I said I just needed a hug but really I just wanted to watch for awhile.
Summer – perfectly imperfect, beautifully dirty – a time to grow. It does get easier, fuller, bigger and emptier at the same time. You are down in the trenches right now and look what you’re growing. Beauty! Nicely done!
Heather Kulaga says
and if you can moderate “of” into “off” like I meant to write that would be grand but if not then here at least I’ve pointed it out haha.
Mary says
I love that family you met and I’m stealing their idea for their crazy family outfits! I just got back from a week with my family and boy would it have just been the cherry on the top to have a crazy watermelon outfit.
Donna Owens says
So fun to see pictures of some of our favorite places on your blog! We have a house on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan in Frankfort so Glen Arbor and the dunes are on our “must-do list” with friends who visit every year. Surf-n-turf at Art’s Tavern is a fave (Smelt and a burger), but this year we did Boonedocks, too (Minus the fun costumes!). We have many pics from exactly that spot at stop #9 where your kids are on top of the world… I think everyone from Michigan does! As for the temper tantrum…we’ve all been there; tooth grinding and all! Safe travels back home!
Melissa Pierce says
If you could just link to all the clothes your kids wear that would be amaze-balls (I’m really liking that word right now, don’t judge. haha ;)). My girls need more red in their lives! Your kiddos always look so cute and festive!
Jennifer says
Beautiful pictures of your memory making summer vacation. We’ve always wanted to take the kids to the Sand Dunes of Michigan – I’m even more convinced that we need to take the plunge.
monique says
♥
Erica says
Just experienced Glen Arbor for the first time several weeks ago. Your pics and words captured all its charm so well. We just loved our time there. We were obsessed with the donuts (the cinnamon-sugar ones—-oh my!) and the gruff, yet endearing friendliness at The Ugly Tomato. You must add them to your stops the next time your in Glen Arbor.
Amy says
Looks like a dream vacation. Beautiful pictures. <3
Jen proano says
You always give such fantastic vacay ideas! You’re the reason I want to go to a lake house… And I am slowly getting hubs on-board my dream of a week long lake house escape. I will let you know when it happens. 🙂 (PS Thanks!!)
Leeanna says
Love a Midwestern summer!
Where in the world do you find Nella’s barrettes?
Kathryn says
I love Michigan! Thank you for sharing! I’m already planning next summer’s vacation there on Pinterest! 🙂 I’m jotting down all of the places you visited. I wish I could take a month, maybe since I’m in Indiana I can go 2-3 different times.
Becky Pulley says
I often wonder how Brent stands to miss your trip. Loved your Dash melt down – when it happened with my boys I just figured it was mother character building- I never remember it happening but once but I think it is like childbirth pain – you must just forget. the pix are absolutely beautiful. safe travels home
Kimberly says
Beautiful pictures, and wow your son looks so much like your hubby!!
Amanda says
Your writing, photos, and children are beautiful. This place looks gorgeous, like the kind of place where beautiful memories are made. Thank you for sharing this.
Gina says
I absolutely love reading about your adventures. So beautiful.
Please write another book❤
Barbara says
Reading your post from “our” lake house in northern New Hampshire. My two “boys” just left. Even at 22 and 27, I’ve discovered this week the memories still to be made with my children, the fun still to share, and the places in my heart yet to be touched by our time together. It’s so precious and fleeting and never, ever enough – but I’m so grateful to have had it at all. Love your writing and your photography. And especially your heart.
Tammy McClellan says
We’re heading there today! Loved your blog – think we’ll stop in Glen Arbor as well.
Andrea Anderson says
My eldest daughter clued me in on your blog (thanks Kelsey). I’ve been enjoying your musings and photos of your beautiful children. It brings back sweet memories of my childhood, and of raising my three girls in the Brainerd Lakes area in North central Minnesota. We were lucky enough to live the dream year round for quite a long time. Water, pines, sunsets, and s’mores. My husband always says, “I do my best breathing at the lake.”
Andie Zimmerman says
Kelle,
I must say, you always find the coolest places to take the kids, as well as take breathtaking, fairy tale kinda’ pictures. So jealous!
Christi says
Always enjoy your post. Loving the pics of Michigan, made me think of a FB friend you should get in touch with before leaving. She is an inspiration. Single Mom to 1 Adult son in the Military, 1 Adult son with DS which has been her inspiration to adopting 3 Boys with DS through international adoption. She’s amazing. Look her up on FB and maybe y’all can meet up before you head home. Amy Lucas is her name.
Mel p says
Dear Kelle
Just wanted to give you a HUGE thank you, and although me & my family don’t personally know you, it was because of you we took a family trip last summer to Michigan and retraced your steps through Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Haven & Mackinac Island. (Simply Incredible!) We stayed in a lake house in the quaint town of Good Hart & also visited the beautiful towns of Harbor Springs (Tom’s Mom’s Cookies…OMG) Cross Village (The Legs Inn…Soooo Cool!) & Petoskey (We even got us some stones 🙂 ) My kids can’t stop talking about this trip & how much they want to go back.. If it were not for you sharing your family adventures, I would never have given it a thought.. So Thank-You Sooooo much for giving me & my family an amazing trip & memories we will never forget!!!
Melissa,
Coral Springs, Florida
Kelle says
This makes me so happy, Melissa and thank you so much for sharing. It’s pretty special, isn’t it?
Lindsay says
I live in MI and Sleeping Bear Dunes is my favorite place in MI! Next time you visit our beautiful state, take a trip to Pryramid Point. It’s a long, uphill walk, but once you get there, it’s the most incredible view you’ll ever see!
Lindsay says
Sorry, I misspelled Pyramid Point!
Lavues says
That’s such a memorable trip with your family, lovely adventures with the kids too!