Mackinac Island

This summer we decided to take an overnight vacation to Mackinac Island. I had never spent the night there and was excited to spend more time on the island. It is so beautiful. Most of it is a state park and its historic homes have been beautifully preserved and restored. It is home to the only state highway in the US that doesn't allow cars.

We stayed at the Murray Hotel, where Dave's family stayed for years when they used to go up and stay with their extended family. In fact, it is the place where I first met the aunts and uncles and cousins on his Mom's side.



We had a wonderful time. It is such a beautiful and relaxing place.

You have to take a boat to get there; no bridges

Dave's parents joined us for the day the first day and we enjoyed a lovely bide ride along the 8 mile perimeter road.

Our family :)

Charlie slipped in a nap

Davey and Dave stopped to build a cairn

Davey is sporting his self-named "skunk smile"

We found a great spot for lunch on the water

Dave and his mom

A natrual rock arch along the ride

After Dave's parents left we enjoyed a nice dinner as a family and played around on the grass at the park before heading to the hotel for an early sleep.

The next morning we headed to the Mackinac Fort...

It had to be one of the cushiest posts in the US when it was in use. So beautiful and quite quiet as far as battles go.

The volunteer "soldiers" getting ready for firing a salute.

Cute soldiers, huh?

The kids loved the cannon-firing deomonstration

A glimpse of the beautiful view of the fort.

Another view.

And another. Just so pretty.

The MI Governor's summer residence.

The kids also enjoyed a playground at the island school, ice cream and the island's famous fudge. I did too! Mmmmm....

We had fun throwing pebbles at the beach

Sweet, loving Davey

Headed home... see you next year!

We'll definitely stay again next year since we have a free night at the hotel thanks to them not getting our luggage to the ship on time. An inconvenience worth the trouble in my book!

Darling, exhausted Charlie fell asleep on the boat ride home.

Please ignore how silly I look!