Our week on Lake MI was quiet, peaceful, relaxing...just fabulous! We couldn't have asked for better weather. It rained nearly every night, but cleared out each morning so that we could enjoy the beach.
The cottage has many cherry orchards around it and we enjoyed all kinds of special homemade desserts all week.
Although we spent most of our time on the beach, we also took short day trips.
Petting farm.
Tourist attractions at Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
I even squeezed in some shopping.
Aren't the vintage graphics on this sand pail darling!!
Chris took the girls fishing at an inland lake near the cottage and they caught all kinds of bluegill, sunfish and perch. I believe we have two fishergirls in the family now.
Because it's early in the rental/vacation season for Lake MI, we had the beach to ourselves everyday.
Our view each evening...just lovely.
We had cozy evenings in the cottage playing board games, reading, and taking walks in the woods. Without internet (aka blogging access) I actually read 8 paperbacks. I have a couple of Chinese women's history books I'm going to post about later, and will be willing to lend.
We look forward to this vacation every year and it didn't disappoint. So we are back, refreshed and ready to start into a summer routine. I'll be heading to work on Monday (it's a new summer semester at my university and my schedule is packed). The rest of the family will be enjoying their summer vacation and digging out from laundry. I'm anxious to catch up on my favorite blogs and find out what you've all been up to. I even have a few fourth of July crafts to share. Missed you!
1. Mix up a batch of traditional white cake mix and divide the mix into three bowls.
3. Scoop one color of each cake mix into muffin tin.
I love the graphics.
The cottage has many cherry orchards around it and we enjoyed all kinds of special homemade desserts all week.
Although we spent most of our time on the beach, we also took short day trips.
Tourist attractions at Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Chris took the girls fishing at an inland lake near the cottage and they caught all kinds of bluegill, sunfish and perch. I believe we have two fishergirls in the family now.
Because it's early in the rental/vacation season for Lake MI, we had the beach to ourselves everyday.
Our view each evening...just lovely.
We had cozy evenings in the cottage playing board games, reading, and taking walks in the woods. Without internet (aka blogging access) I actually read 8 paperbacks. I have a couple of Chinese women's history books I'm going to post about later, and will be willing to lend.
We look forward to this vacation every year and it didn't disappoint. So we are back, refreshed and ready to start into a summer routine. I'll be heading to work on Monday (it's a new summer semester at my university and my schedule is packed). The rest of the family will be enjoying their summer vacation and digging out from laundry. I'm anxious to catch up on my favorite blogs and find out what you've all been up to. I even have a few fourth of July crafts to share. Missed you!
The cottage doesn't have a single bit of cell phone coverage or internet access because of the dunes. I'm going through a bit of blogging withdrawal, but I've managed to finish reading four paperbacks. I'll be back. I promise.
and lounging here...
and playing with these...
Be good.
The trick to this craft is to make sure you use lots of tape so that the paint doesn't leak under the edges and to give it enough coats of of chalkboard paint (hint hint).
I used Josie's birthday bucket to hold our rainbow birthday napkins/silverware, but it's going to be re-purposed to hold hair ribbons and barrettes in her bedroom.
Happy Crafting! 
