Michigan 2008 Part 2

Thanks to Great Grandma and Grandpa for a fun and relaxing vacation!

Clara takes the wheel.

Clara and Daddy enjoying the boat ride.

While Daddy and Papa played golf, we went with Great Grandma to the mall to ride the carousel.

Down by the Bay and the small river in Elk Rapids.

Daddy and Clara testing the water in the Bay.

Clara driving Papa's tractor.

Michigan 2008 Part1

By the dock.

On the boat with Great Grandma Larson.

Swimming with Daddy.

She loved looking for rocks in the clear water.

Clara walking to the lake with Daddy.

We went to a few of the beautiful wineries on the Leelenau Penninsula.

Michigan Part 4: Cherries Cherries Cherries

Here are a few pictures we took at the cherry orchard. This was the last day of our vacation, and though we were sad to leave, we were looking forward to getting home to Chris. We missed him a lot during the week; it just wasn't quite the same without him.

Investigating

Tasting (well... almost)



She was surprised by the leaves brushing her face

Michigan Part 3: Fun shots

Here's the traditional picture of Grandpa's boat. One of my favorite things about the lake is the sparkling blue color. The water is so clear that you can see 12 feet down; which is a good thing, since I dropped Clara's sunglasses one afternoon.

Mom, Clara and Joanie on the boat

Our sunset boat cruise put Clara right to sleep in her grandma's arms.

Elk Lake at sunset

We realized Clara matched Great Grandma's beautiful flowers!

Michigan Part 2: First Boat Ride

Since I couldn't water ski this year, we rented a jet ski for the day. While Joanie and my mom were out, Grandpa and Grandma took Clara and me for a short ride. The noise of the engine and motion of the water helped to put her to sleep, but not before Grandpa let her take a turn at the helm (few have been awarded such a chance).

Clara with her Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Larson

Clara drives the boat

Are we ready to go, Grandpa?

Michigan Part 1: Lazy Afternoon Lakeside

Clara and I headed to my grandparents' house in Michigan with my parents and Joanie at the end of July. The fourteen hour drive was a test of Clara's patience and contentment in her carseat. She did very well on the drive up, and Reveille's singing was there to save the day when she started to fuss. Here are a few pictures from the trip. You'll notice cherries as a running theme. Though my grandparents live in Elk Rapids, Traverse City is not too far and is considered the cherry capital of the country.

Happy girl in a cherry dress from Daddy

She loved to look up into the willow trees swaying and listening to the water lapping on the shore.

Clara's new shades