I can’t believe summer is almost over! Here in central Michigan we treasure every single day of our warm summers because winters are SO long. From about mid-Oct. through mid-May (7 months!), our days are cold and the landscape is gray.
Needless to say we pack a lot into our few months of sunny, warm weather. Most Michiganders head out to campgrounds or state parks for long weekends. Many friends and neighbors own boats and/or big RV’s. (My preferred mode of camping is in an air-conditioned hotel with a continental breakfast!)
Even though I don’t do boats or RV’s, this summer has still been especially busy!
First my oldest son graduated from high school, and so I was occupied during the early part of June planning and executing a big graduation party for him. Just last weekend, we drove him five hours away to begin his college experience at Cedarville University in Ohio (outside of Dayton).
My son’s graduation cake!
Besides the transition stress with my oldest, this summer has been full of all the usual activities for my other kids: swim team practices, swimming lessons, basketball camps, mission trips (for both my older daughters), American Girl Doll camp (for my youngest), dog-sitting, life-guarding, baby-sitting, ACT prep classes, Level 2 Drivers Ed, and more.
In between all the every-day-craziness, we’ve managed a few trips.
The first was to Tawas Lighthouse on Lake Huron. Not all lighthouses are open to the public, but thankfully we were able to climb this tower. The walk up so many narrow, winding steps is exhilarating and the view is always stunning. Afterward, we hiked a couple of miles of trails along the lake which was gorgeous.
Tawas Lighthouse, Michigan
The second trip was to the Indiana State Dunes with my extended family. We went over the 4th of July weekend (which I DON’T recommend doing, since the lines to get into the park were backed up for miles). We did manage to squeeze into the park at sunset one night, but otherwise spent our time visiting other attractions in the area that weren’t quite as packed.
Me with my two youngest children at the Indiana Dunes at sunset
While on my way home from the Dunes, I stopped off in St. Joseph Michigan and took in the sights of St. Joseph’s Pier Lighthouse in Silver Beach County Park. While I wasn’t able to climb it, I did get some great photo opportunities!
St. Joseph Pier Lighthouses
We took another quick day trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan which is a historic German town full of quaint shops. It has two restaurants (Zehnders and the Bavarian Inn) that are directly across the street from one another and both are known for their authentic German food and home-style chicken dinners. And of course, whenever we visit Frankenmuth we have to stop at the Christmas Tree Shop (the world’s largest Christmas shop).
Our fun trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan
Finally, at the end of August I’m taking my twin daughters up to Mackinac Island for a long weekend to celebrate their sweet 16 birthday. We’ll hike, ride bikes around the island, and of course visit some lighthouses! (And I’m happy to say that both my daughters passed their written and road tests and will be getting their licenses soon!)
To top it off, this summer we had two bathrooms and the master bedroom updated. So that meant lots of workers were trekking in and out (during a time when I was on call for jury duty)! And in the process of having the work done, we were told that all of our upstairs ceilings were caving in (since they were originally glued). And so, lucky us. We had to have even more chaos upstairs as our ceilings were all fixed!
So that’s what I’ve been up to this summer! Believe it or not, the summer has actually been somewhat relaxing compared to my school year. And I’m planning to relish every single minute that’s left!
Did I mention we also added a new kitten to our family this summer ? Simply because we needed a little more chaos! 🙂 And yes, if you’re counting, this is cat number FIVE!
Meet Jackson, the newest member of our family.
How about YOU? What have you been up to this summer?
Jody Hedlund
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Hi Jody! Wow, you have been busy! I don’t think I could accomplish that much! I just gave birth to my second child last week! I have two boys now! I did a lot of prep before he came, and now I am trying to adjust to having two little ones now that he is here. (Though it is nothing to your five!)
Hi Courtney,
Congratulations on your new addition! I don’t think life can get much busier than having a newborn! And it’s really an adjustment to get used to juggling to little ones. I remember those days all too well! 🙂
What a busy summer, Jody! If you ever come to Holland to see “Big Red” lighthouse, stop in to see me, too!We can walk to the beach from my house, and I would love to get together with you.
Hi Lynn,
I would LOVE to do coffee together sometime! I will definitely look you up once I come to Holland to see the Big Red! That’s one lighthouse on my must visit list! 🙂
I loved seeing all your pictures and getting the inside scoop on your summer activities! I’m wishing your son all the best with college. I remember my college years ever so fondly — not the classes [who cares about those? ;)] — but the friendships and the fun.
Thank you, Becky! It was fun to take him down and help him get settled in. It brought back lots of fond memories from my college days at Taylor University (which is very similar to Cedarville).
Wonderful pictures and lovely family. Love your new kitty. 🙂
Hi Lenora! Yes, our new little kitty is a fun addition this summer. He’s SO full of energy! And always curious! 🙂
Congratulations to your son!
Macinac Island, I’m so jealous. Take lots of pictures to share. Going there one day is on my bucket list and I’m still sharing the fudge recipe you shared a while back.
Hi Gail,
Aw, hope you get to visit some day! It’s always a pleasure to go (and eat the real fudge!). 🙂
You have been one very busy lady this summer! Our kids went on vacation without us for two weeks, and we spent a week at the beach to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Other than that, just life in general. Glad to have the kids back in school and back in a routine.
Hi Karen,
That must have been a relaxing time without the kids! How nice that you could do that to celebrate your anniversary! 🙂
Jackson is a cutie ~ you will have to have a lineup photo of your felines. Love those round eyes! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Oh Jody…. Bless your heart !! (said sincerely with my strong southern accent) – – I am exhausted from reading about your busy summer. But (with the exception of the home repairs) it sounds like your family has had some great activities these past few months.
You are a woman after my own heart, LOL – – FIVE cats (the same as me!) and you love lighthouses! (Hmmmm…maybe you’re the younger sister I never knew I had) 😉
Jackson is absolutely PRECIOUS!!
And Lord willing, one of these days I’ll be able to visit Michigan and see some of the lighthouses. Since I’ve never visited any of the Great Lakes, they are on my wish list of places to see (including viewing as many lighthouses as possible!).
Do enjoy the trip with your precious daughters – – how special!
And prayers that your son will have a wonderful college experience.
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo (“CatMom”) 😉