June 2015

Yay for summer vacation; staying up late, sleeping in, and playing outside.  We've had a fun month.  We've been to the zoo several times, to the splash pad, played at the park, picked strawberries, went to a parade, went on vacation, and have enjoyed playing in the yard.

I went into Target for one thing and came out to this!

Pure Michigan Vacation - Frederick Meijer Gardens

On our way home we stopped in Grand Rapids at the Frederick Meijer Gardens and walked around the Children's Garden.  It was good for the kids to stretch their legs before driving the rest of the way home.

The Great Lakes water table

Pure Michigan Vacation - Traverse City Area

Even though there was so much to do at Great Wolf Lodge, we ventured out into town.  The girls spent a morning visiting some wineries, the boys went to see a Jurassic World, we took Liam to see Inside Out, we played at the beach, and we shopped.  We also got our fill of white fish and cherry flavored everything.  The kids did surprising well at each restaurant.  They were patient and well-behaved - pretty good for a 5 year old, two 3 year olds, and a 1 year old!

Cherry pit play place at Cherry Republic

Pure Michigan Vacation - Great Wolf Lodge

After leaving Mackinac we traveled along the coast by lake Michigan towards Traverse City to Great Wolf Lodge.  Great Wolf Lodge had so much to do.  The kids loved the water park.  Liam went down every single slide multiple times.  They were able to make their own stuffed animal and their own wand.  The wand made things around the hotel talk and 'come to life'.  The kids were able to go on a quest and slay imaginary dragons with their wands.  The kids also got to meet some of the characters and watch the clock and stuffed animals in the lobby come to life and sing.  There was a section to color, play, and do art projects.  Our room was neat too.  The kids bunk bed was in a wolf's den. The kids' stuffed animals also allowed them to go on an interactive scavenger hunt through the lodge.