Lake Michigan vacation

We just got back from our annual Lake Michigan trip with Lisa, Genny and Jason, and Sarah and Alex and the girls. It was delightful, if sleepless, fun. And a bit of an "adventure" this year. Here are some things that didn't go right:

1) There was a septic issue that closed down two of the buildings at the inn where we've stayed for several years. This led to some room-shuffling, which led to us assigned to rooms that were too small to accommodate all the sleeping bags we need to throw in there. So Lisa managed to book the two Wernet families in an apartment that's part of the inn--enough space for 13 people, plenty of togetherness, but only one bathroom.

2) There was a middle-of-the-night storm that knocked out the power for almost 24 hours. Going to the bathroom in the dark, keeping refrigerated food cold, and dragging buckets of water up from the lake to flush the toilet was...interesting. The kids hardly even noticed, because the pool was still there.

3) When the power came back on, the water didn't. It was fixed the next day, but the water in the house was never quite the same. It sort of trickled out of the faucet along with what looked like sand. What do you suppose is the minimum number of times 13 people need to flush a toilet in a day?

BUT, overall I think we'd all agree the trip was a success. We got to spend time together, both with extended family and then "just us" because we extended the trip by a couple of nights. There were game nights, many swimming hours, long walks, Lake Michigan sunsets and sand dunes, great views, and delicious dinners. Our day at Michigan Adventure was definitely a highlight. I learned that Eddie and Nellie are fearless on the rides. Annie and DJ are more reserved but grew increasingly adventurous. Mary Cate will probably never trust me to take her on a ride again--they were all too 'cary. We hadn't been since we went with the girls seven years ago. In the words of Annie, "I loved that so much, we'd better not wait another seven years to go back!"

Our view of the (soggy) inn and White Lake

Tailgate lunch!

The only ride Mary liked--driving me around

Waiting for their favorite ride: Zach's Zoomer

Late dinner at Dog 'n Suds. We were exhausted.

Current chapter

If this chapter were one chapter in my life, I think the title would read something like this:

Chapter 157

In which we stay close to home 

because the Trailblazer has an exhaust problem 

and no air conditioning, 

but the air conditioning at home is also not working, 

so we learn how to be okay with sweat, 

always.

The highlights would be the newfound joy in simple things like driving above 30 mph with the windows down (heaven), sitting in front of a fan, eating watermelon for dinner, and standing in the shade of a tree.

Nellie, age 12

I'll be honest. I don't know how to raise a 12-year-old! But WOW is this a fun and exciting age. Middle school! Band, choir, musicals, softball, babysitting class, youth group--and probably lots of things I'm not thinking of. Nellie remains her clever, reading, singing, and activities-directing self. But she's increasingly independent and thoughtful. We love her infinity, as Eddie would say!

Nellie at the ledges with a turtle in the background!

Good friends from LCS

What was your favorite memory from the last year?
I guess going to Michigan Adventure. That's the thing I remember most--it might not be my favorite.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
Helping me through trying something new this year--going to a new school, making new friends.

How do you feel about being twelve?  

Happy, I guess. Nervous about middle school.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
Being in band and choir--I've heard both teachers are really nice. 

Who are your best friends?

Avery, Leah, and Emma.

What are your strengths?

Swimming, reading and writing, math I guess. Making iMovies.

What careers are you considering?

Being a writer or an English teacher so I can write. Or a marine biologist.

Why are you interested in those fields?
Because I love marine animals and I want to swim all day! Maybe that doesn't actually happen if you're a marine biologist, but you get to be around the water. I love writing stories because you get to make things up. 

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   
Hamilton music. That's really all we ever listen to, so...

What's your favorite food?
Carrots and celery with Aunt Pam's dill dip. Herbed chicken and tomatoes. Blueberries, obviously (as she eats the whole carton.)

Current favorite movie?   
That's hard, I have a few new favorites. Captain Marvel, or Aladdin--that was a good one.

Current book you're reading?

The Lunar Chronicles--right now, Scarlet.   

Favorite color?   
Blue. [Mary: No, your favorite color is PINK!]

Favorite place to be?

At home or Aunt Pam's house.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, swim, find a spot where it's cool...sleep in the basement. It's so hot.  

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?

I just got a turtle for my birthday! His name is Petoskey (Peto) because he looks like a Petoskey stone. If you have a pool, please invite me over. I'm dying over here. [It's 86 degrees and humid and our air conditioner is broken. Please, invite me too.] 

Fourth of July, 2019

It was another fun long weekend with this crew!

We swam for hours and hours, ran a 5K, went to the parade, did sparklers and poppers, watched the fireworks from the boat, relaxed through a few rainstorms, celebrated Allison's birthday, read lots of books, saw family from out of town, camped out all over Pam's house, and made happy memories! I'm feeling very fortunate to have another year in such a beautiful place with some of my favorite people and all the kiddos. Although, as many people pointed out, the average height of our little group is growing every year.