Lake Michigan

 At the end of June, David had a week off of work, so we took a little vacation to Stevensville, MI.  We rented a chalet very close to the lake along with David's parents and brother Ray.  This was the area where David's grandfather used to vacation every summer, so it brought back some nice memories for him.  We had a very relaxing time with not too much planned.  Eliana really enjoyed the sand and playground.  She wasn't so sure about the lake though.  She didn't mind the water, as long as it was contained in a small bucket at her feet.  Mostly she seemed to enjoy spending time with her grandmama and grandpa and Uncle Ray.  David, Ray, and I spent one afternoon on a wine trail going to different wineries in the area.  I guess being close to the lake makes for very nice weather for growing grapes.  I had no idea there were so many wineries in the area!  The hardest part about the trip was the six hour drive there and back.  Eliana definitely does not like being in the car that long.  To help her tolerated the long drive, we had a planned stop in Fort Wayne at a park with a splash pad.  We stopped there on the way out and the way back, which she really liked.  I am getting pretty good at finding city parks wherever we go. 

On the lake at sunset.

At dusk, we played a little game of piggyback catch.  David didn't trust me very much to catch the ball.  I can't imagine why...

Playing in the sand with Uncle Ray.

We brought the water to her.

Daddy, Eliana, and Uncle Ray

Eliana with Grandmama

Listening to music with Uncle Ray.  The best part was when Eliana grabbed his white headphone case and hid with it in a corner and sat on it -- she thought it was a potty!  Luckily she kept her diaper on the whole time. :)

Up at the top of a dune.  You can see the chalets where we stayed in the background.  Our rental though was a little farther away from the shore.

Digging in the sand.

Playing "Up Up" at the beach.

Great Vacation!