Beautiful Michigan

So my heart longs to share with you all that has taken place this month, but reality says it is going to be awhile til that happens (or may never happen).  However, I can share with you in pictures for now.  September was a bit crazy, but mostly a good crazy.  We slept in 12 different beds and traveled about 11,000 miles.  We went from Obulle, Uganda, to Northern Michigan, to Colorado and back.  We had a wonderful time and now have great memories as a family and with old and new friends.  For now I will share our trip up North.  We spoke in our supporting church in the UP then took our kids to Mackinaw Island with Grandpa and Grandma Beute.  Michigan is beautiful and we love it!  

Stayed tuned for the next leg of our journey to Colorado!

We spent hours in our van - and thankfully enjoyed most of it!

Lake Michigan!

We stayed with friends in the UP (Rudyard).  It is a boys playground up there.

Lydia and Grace have friends everywhere they go and are loved.  (Pen pals and new friends in Rudyard.)

Grandpa and Grandma Beute joined us in Mackinaw.
The kids enjoyed finding fossils with them

And skipping stones.

Josh and I remarked several times in our trip how awesome Michigan is.
The lakes, woods, seasons, diversity...we love it here!
How thankful we are for such a beautiful place God has given us.

We had a fun day exploring and enjoying Michigan.

We spent the night on Mackinaw Island (first time for our kids on the Island) and were able to stay at the Grand Hotel (MI days special!).  It was a very special time together.

We had a great history lesson touring the fort on the island.  (Home school at it's best!)

The kids were SO cute dressing up at the fort.

It was such a beautiful day on the island (and Hot!).

We enjoyed our afternoon by the pool and playing games in the lawn.

The evening is very fancy and special at the Grand Hotel.
It was so fun to get all dressed up for the special occasion.

Emalai took took and began dancing with him - precious.

So cute!

Dancing with Grandma, adorable.

Our last day we road bikes around the island - 8 miles.

It was so fun!  It was a highlight for all of us.

Grace loved riding with Grandpa and teasing him.

Crystal clear water and beauty everywhere.

We are so thankful for a wonderful, special time we will never forget!