Our family recently made a trip to to Illinois. On our way there we visited in Michigan...pretty much all over the state. Then, on to Illinois we went, afterward visiting in Indiana.
"Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start." :)
Our first stop, after a 23 1/2 hour straight drive, was at the O'Brien's home in Northern Michigan. They kindly let us stay with them in their lovely, lake-front home.
After an afternoon of running about hither and yon to see the sights, Mrs. O'Brien kindly treated us to some delicious ice cream.
Liv with her creamy dessert.
Outside of the ice cream shop, there hung a rock. Just a normal, average looking rock. Apparently, the natives use this rock to forecast the weather.*If it gets wet, the day will be rainy; if it swings, gusts of wind will be experienced; if the rock feels hot, it will be sweltering outside; etc...*
Well, Emily decided she wanted to touch this incredible rock. The moment she presses a finger to its porous surface...the stone comes tumbling out of the sling with a thud. We took that to mean that there would be an earthquake. :D
An Amish homestead nearby, we bought fresh eggs, butter milk, and salted butter. Delicious!Later that day, Olivia and Chelsea (the O'Brien's granddaughter) amused themselves by swimming in the lake. They must have jumped off the end of the dock 30 times in a half hour. :)
Splashing in the drink
Olivia showed me this tiny snail she found in the lake. We'd never seen a black one before, so I figured I should take a picture of the momentous occasion. :)
A view of the O'Brien's home from the end of their dock. When you walk out on the porch, it feels like you're in a tree house.
Daddy shoving us away from the dock. We spent the next hour or so touring a vast lake in a pontoon boat. It was so refreshing.
Yup, I think they're drying. :)
Emily and I
Our pilot, Captain O'Brien, looking quite intent on his task.
The lovely bride of our captain, reclining with their sweet dog, Abbey.
This is a boy dog...named...Silky. My, how masculine! :)
Sigh...
Deeper sigh...
Chelsea with her heat-producing bookends, Emily and Mom.
Another view the ship master. Behind is his son, Mr. Jay.
'Ello Mum!
Isn't it funny how most people that live right off the lake have boats, jet skis, kayaks, or canoes? :)
Who thinks they know what THIS is?
Hmm, it seems the wind is a bit too much for them.
Father and Daughter
By the size of this house, the up-keep of the landscaping, and the flag hanging from the balcony, we figured the owner of this house must be a rich doctor or lawyer with a son that likes pirates. I wonder how close our guess was...? :D
Disembarking after a lovely voyage.
Getting ready to leave the next morning.
The last shot we got of the Mr. and Mrs. They were such kind, gracious hosts and we thank the Lord for the time spent "fellowshipping" with them.
~Anna
