Biking Barefoot

Northern Michigan vacation!! We spent some time for an afternoon at the Petersons' property near Crystal Mountain and rode their quad to explore the woods, ate amazing Mexican and Cherry Hut cherry pie; mountain biked at Crystal Mountain; relaxed and kayaked in the pond at the farm and played in the woods; explored a creek and ran in the rain.

Our favorite adventure beach, though, is still Magoon Creek.  The boys and I headed up for just a quiet and beautiful day to investigate whether or not there was much beach at Magoon this summer.  We were thrilled to see that there is and there were plenty of rocks to pick at.  We combed for pretty rocks and beach glass, checked out the farmhouse foundation, picnicked and climbed trees.  Before we met Grandma and Grandpa for ice cream, they played at Rocket Ship Park. It's too bad Luke didn't have any ice cream.  LOL  

Carolyn and I took the boys to a new "adventure beach" in Manistee at Lake Michigan Rec Area and THEY LOVED IT. Joseph said that his favorite place in the world is Manistee. :)  I had moments of wanting to leave my children on the side of the road - complaining, seat-kicking, the usuals - but we had a super time tromping through the woods and finding ourselves on this glorious beach!  They splashed in the waves, dug in the sand, and climbed exposed tree roots on the dune.  They got to be adventurous KIDS for a day and it was perfect.

Woot!!!  The first time we made it up to the farm was for the 4th!  It was hotter than SNOT and I had a terrible cold and got zero sleep, but it sure was nice to plunge into the pond and float like cheerios in a bowl of milk.