family vacation

Couple weeks ago, Allen, Tyler and and I packed up the car and headed to Traverse City for a little family vacation. We got there early afternoon and we were staying with my Grams. This was the first time Allen would meet this side of my family, and they LOVED him :). When we showed up like most grandmas Grams was waiting and ready to make us some lunch. After lunch we decided to head down to the Cherry Festival right away. It was SO hot but we had fun. The car show was still going on so we (well Allen really) checked out the cars and just mostly walked around checking things out. Tyler was clearly in need of getting out some energy with being in a car seat and stroller all day, so we headed to the State Park so he could get it all out. They had a brand new playground there and he had a blast! The playground also happened to be on the same side as the State Park Beach and as soon as Ty saw water he was off! He had such a blast playing in the sand and water, running from waves and splashing. Too bad we didn't have his swim suit with us. He definitely was wore out and had a successful night's sleep, staying in his pack n' play ALL NIGHT! We decided night before we would head to the beach again the next day. We just had too much fun! Well unfortunately that did not work out so great for us. Just as we were about to turn the corner, Tyler had fallen FAST ASLEEP. *sigh* So we just kept on driving. Ended up taking a scenic drive up the peninsula to the light house and park. Well there was a beach there and a few playground toys so I guess we did make it after all. We headed out and decided to attempt the "real" beach. Well still did not work out as it was extremely WINDY and you basically just got pelted with sand. Thankfully there was a playground there as well - so what else to do? PLAY! Later that evening we had a nice chicken dinner with Grams and decided we should head back to Cherry Fest to get Gibby's Fries. Getting Gibby's Friday at either Cherry Fest or Old Engine Show has been a tradition in my family as long as I can remember. And to my knowledge, I have missed a year yet :) Since my boys ARE my family, it's time to carry on tradition. It was cold and windy but they we still oh so tasty. Since it was our last night we walked over to the Midway (carnival) for some games and rides. Unfortunately Tyler was only big enough to ride the carousel, but that was good enough for him. The next day we pretty much just packed up and had to hit the road, as Allen had to go back to work the next day. We had blast together and can't wait to go back!