Summer Vacation in Charlevoix: Cherry Picking

It had never really crossed my mind to go to an orchard to pick cherries. Well, I'm here to tell you that it is an absolute joy and you simply must do it if you ever get the chance!

We had such a marvelous time picking cherries at a beautiful orchard and God blessed us with the most gorgeous weather to accompany our little outing, too.

Makenna equally adored our outing. She'd actually never eaten a cherry before. She popped several into her mouth and ate them whole, pits and all! I'm not surprised one bit that she took to them after her first taste.

She was quite intent on getting up onto a ladder, so her Papa helped her.

We wandered from tree to tree, filling our buckets and sampling the bright red fruits as we went to test their sweetness.

Makenna held four cherries clenched in her two little fists the entire time, claiming them as her very own.

It was a really dreamy morning.

In fact, we enjoyed cherry-picking so much that we went back another day. We truly couldn't pass up the fun or the unreal bargain of these delicious little sweets.

On our second outing, I stocked up on sour cherries to freeze and use later in tarts and pies. I've never made a cherry pie before...hopefully it will be a success and I can share that with you here.

I've picked many different types of fruit throughout my lifetime at various farms and orchards, yet I've never enjoyed it nearly so much as with cherries. Cherry-picking season only lasts a few weeks each summer, but if you can manage to find the venue, you must experience this treat for yourself!

Summer Vacation: Charlevoix, Michigan

Not too long ago we went away for a little family vacation. We didn't go too far, because the gorgeous state of Michigan that we call home offers endless destinations ideal for a summer holiday.

We drove north to Charlevoix, Michigan, which is a gorgeous little town nestled on the northernmost shore of Lake Michigan. We met up with family and friends who were already staying at a campground for a church camp; thus, we had free lodging! When I say "camp," I need to elaborate and explain that this campground was filled with beautiful, modern campers so we were by no means "roughing it." In fact, there was a family we know who had left their camper vacant on the campgrounds specifically so Matt, Makenna, and I could have our own comfortable and spacious camper all to ourselves. It was lovely!

I am quite enamored with the charming little downtown of Charlevoix. You'll see that I was unable to stop taking photos of this adorable place.

One morning, Matt and I had the luxury of wandering the shops, just the two of us, while Makenna stayed behind with her Papa and Nana for naptime. It was such a gorgeous morning, and we shared an "Almond Joy" latté whilst strolling and taking in the local farmer's market set up downtown.

There were so many wonderful things to look at and we picked up a few special treats to take home with us.

We were also able to enjoy a leisurely, toddler-free lunch at a Charlevoix staple.

If Charlevoix weren't located in northern Michigan, where the winters are even longer and more brutal, I might be very tempted indeed to relocate our little family there.

Downtown Charlevoix also has a small "Splash Pad" for the kids. Our fearless little water-loving babe had the time of her life frolicking in the spray.

We treated ourselves to Kilwin's ice cream more than once and even made the drive up to Petosky to tour the original Kilwin's chocolate factory. Makenna loved eyeing the sweets...

...and she was so tired that she was barely able to stay awake to enjoy her ice cream cone!

The weather was perfectly ideal, with the nights being cool enough to make it necessary to wrap ourselves in sweaters and blankets as we sat outside chatting.

One evening, some of our friends launched a paper lantern into the sky, which I had never witnessed before. It was magical.

It was such a delightful trip! Makenna loved every moment, taking in all the new surroundings, but she especially enjoyed interacting with so many people. She is such a social little lady.

I have a little more to share about our Charlevoix adventures, so stay tuned!

A Delightful 4th Holiday Weekend

Oh was a very fun holiday weekend we had!

Happy Birthday, America!

 We went away to meet up with my best friend and her family in my old hometown of St. Joseph.

The reunion of the red-headed best friends!

Laura and I loved getting our three girls together. And of course we loved dressing them up for the 4th!

Left to right: Addie {2 and 1/2}, Eden {4}, and Makenna {16 months}

We spent the majority of the 4th laying on the soft sands of Lake Michigan and swimming in the pleasantly warm water.

Silver Beach, where I spent my summers growing up. It was so good to be back!

St. Joseph has added a beautiful carousel since I've moved away. It was Makenna's second time to ride {with last year being her first}, but her first riding on a carousel horse.

Makenna held onto my cardigan with a death grip the entire time. Still, she didn't cry!

We spent a lot of time snapping pictures of our kiddos.

We ate out at a lot of our favorite restaurants in St. Joseph. And apparently Makenna loves eating lemons?!

If you look closely, you'll see some "ouchies" on Makenna's nose; she face-planted mid-run!

As per usual, here's Makenna approaching strangers to make friends.

Another thing added since I've moved away is the "Splash Pad" water fountains.

Oh how our little water baby loved this!

Running, and running, and running...

Makenna's hair seems to be getting blonder and she's looking like quite the little summer babe.

We're finally {finally!} getting to the stage when we can use coloring to help her sit patiently at restaurants.

We loved our little getaway back to my "home." I miss coming here so much and even after many years, I still find it hard to accept that my parents don't live here anymore, making my return visits few and far between. But I guess that makes them all the more special in a way.

Still, I marveled as we drove through old familiar streets, dined at our old haunts, strolled the quaint downtown, and relaxed at Laura's parents' house, how it felt like I'd never even left. A big part of my heart remains in St. Joseph and always will. Matt equally loves St. Joseph, so returning for little getaways will always be a priority for us. I hope Makenna and any future siblings of hers will come to love this very special town on the Lake as much as we do.

Until next time, St. Joseph!

Labor Day Fun

We spent this past Labor Day "back home" where I grew up in Stevensville/Saint Joseph, Michigan. We went to meet up with my best friend Laura, her husband Chris, and their two adorable daughters.

It was such a breath of fresh air -- both because I rarely go "home" anymore since my parents now live in Ohio and because I so rarely get a long weekend with my best friend.

It was a weekend filled with good food, laughter, the beach, shopping, relaxing, and catching up on sleep. Of course it was a weekend full of "firsts" for Makenna and I was devastated to discover that I had forgotten my SD card for my camera at home. Thankfully, not only did Laura let me borrow her digital camera, but she was kind enough to take some practice shots this weekend with her brand new, professional-grade camera.

It was the loveliest weekend, one we wished would never end...

Beach babe

Too bad our beach day was cloudy during the time we were there.

Makenna's first test of Lake Michigan's waters--they were a bit cold for her liking.

Makenna had her first ride on the St. Joe Carousel, but on my lap on the stationary benches, of course!

Makenna (6 months), Eden (3 years), and Addie (22 months)

Makenna, Eden, and Addie were the cutest together! Eden and Addie would bring toys and pile them up in front of Makenna. It was so incredibly sweet, and Makenna was so delighted!

My favorite shot