VIEWTIFUL

Traveling up to the peninsula of Michigan to go camping, we saw scenic overlooks that were just that...viewtiful! It was a last minute vacation and very spontaneous too! We knew we wanted to do something with the kids before school started, and camping was on the list, but we weren't sure where to go. Then a friend of mine posted amazing pixs of her trip to Leelanau State Park and I was convinced it would be not only beautiful but fun too! After getting the scoop from her on where to go, we decided to pack up the kids and one very awesome friend of Andrew's, Luke, and head north. After a very, very, very long drive, and so thankful we could borrow my parents van with the built-in DVD player (lifesaver!), we finally made it to the wild beyond. It was fun celebrating our 14th year anniversary and my birthday while on vacation!

Leelanau State Park Campgrounds

The campsite was rustic - okay...very rustic. That meant no electricity, no bathrooms (just one pit pot for our side of the camp), no sinks, no showers, and a hike to get water from a hose thingy. It was challenging with two, two year olds, but with Andrew and Luke's help - we actually made it, survived, and had fun too. I wouldn't probably go that rustic again, okay, who knows...maybe I would, but it was certainly worth the view! And the feeling of being in the wild outdoors and seeing all the wonderful things He has made for us to enjoy left us all so thankful for the inspiring creativity of our God! While we were there, we took in some of the amazing sights!

Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dune Climb

Christmas Cove

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Hike

Leland "Fishtown" and Bluebird Tavern

Van's Beach secluded spot in Leland

We had so much fun with the kids and I don't think I stopped taking photos for hours! There was just too much to take in and everything for the girls was a new experience, so I HAD to capture all those moments again and again. Yet, there are so many things a photo, no matter how perfect, just can't contain...the laughter of my kids playing in the waves, the giggle of two boys who have just discovered a toad, the quietness of the woods at night, the cooing of the birds at dawn, the crackling of the fire as it melts our marshmallows to sticky goodness, the waves of the lake crashing over each other and onto the shore, the grittiness of the sand leaving traces of our vacation all over the tent and floorboards, the coolness of the wind blowing over the dunes as we tug and prod our kids to take a few steps more, the expansive beauty of aqua blue water against azure blue horizons, the feeling of being at the end of the world and realizing the courage of Columbus to sail on without a destination, the way that our tiredness suddenly unfurls itself and we feel alive again to enjoy each other. Beauty that arrests the soul and memories that etch themselves into the story of us. It was a wonderful vacation and I am now, more than ever, thankful for a hot shower and my outdoor loving family! :D