Mackinac Island Trip....

Earlier this week, Bart and I took a short vacation (without Ethan) up to Mackinaw City and the Island. We decided this was the best time to go ... before school starts, things got busy this fall, and especially before baby #2 comes along. Nana came up to stay with Ethan while we were away. Here are a few pictures of our trip to Mackinac. (The post below shows the Bed & Breakfast where we stayed.) The weather was PERFECT, sunny and mid-70's both days we were there.

The beautiful Mackinaw Bridge all lit up at sunset.
We took the 10:00 AM Ferry to the Island, which was the only one during the day to take a trip under the bridge before going over to the Island. What a sight to see from directly below.
The Grand Hotel (from the Ferry). We have taken a picture of it every time we've gone to the island, but I told Bart, "It just doesn't seem right going by it and NOT taking a picture."
We took a private carriage tour around the island for the first time. We were able to see several sights we've seen before and a few we have never seen before. We drove right up by the Grand Hotel, which is beautiful, no matter how many times you've seen it!
The "grand" porch of the Grand Hotel. It is magnificent looking!

While on our private carriage tour, we went by the homes on the island, which we have never been by to see this close before. Some big like this, and others that the "common" people who live on the island year-round live in also, which were quite a bit smaller.

The view of the harbor and downtown from up on the hill.
A private home called "The Baby Grand," which we've also never seen before.

We took our bikes to the Island with us. We rode by Arch Rock. We did not ride ALL the way around the island this time. I have not ridden my bike much, if at all yet this summer, so I didn't think I should break myself in with a 7 mile trip, being 5 months pregnant. We probably ended up riding at least 5 miles though. We just didn't go around the back side of the island, which is a little bit more hilly (there's not much to see back there anyway, as we remember it.).

Our last night in Mackinaw City, there was a Concert Band performing. It was the "Straits Area" band, which consisted of members from probably 20 years (or high school maybe) up to several gray heads. An "old" guy was even playing the piccolo! After giving him a hard time (to Bart, not to him), I finally realized he's probably better than I am right now, not being very practiced up. He was very good! We enjoyed the concert, though it was cool outside. We rounded up our evening by picking up some fudge of course. (They don't call us "fudgies" for no reason, right?)

Memorial Day Weekend trips...

We took a few trips to see our families this weekend. Friday we headed to the east side of the state where my Grandparents have a cabin on Saginaw Bay. The cabin is quite small, so they rent the cabin next door for all of us older kids and families to stay in. It is very nice and even has a hot tub! We stayed there until Saturday and left right after dinner. (Ethan travels so well - sleeping or even just riding! We are very thankful for that.)

Ethan talking to Ellie, "I woke up at 6:00 this morning, I think it's time for you to get up too."
Daddy and Ethan sitting on the steps.
Here Ellie, the phone is for you.
"Ha, ha, you think I'm gonna share this ball with you, Caleb?"
My Dad, brother-in-law, Lee, & Solomon went out fishing early Sat. morning. Solomon caught a 19" bass (on the way back in for the morning - good timing!) The other fish was too squirmy for Caleb to hold on to.

Ethan admiring his baby cousin.

We had to return home for the normal Sunday activities at our church. (Bart also went to a local nursing home to do a service Sunday afternoon.) So after a busy Sunday, we headed out Monday morning to Holland, to Bart's Gramma's house.

Ethan sharing a laugh with Gramma Glupker.

All 6 Glupker grandkids all together again with Nana & Papa. (Chadd, Sarah & Hayden came for a surprise visit from Minnesota. Well, we were the only ones who knew they were coming. That way we were sure to come down, even if only for the day. We have not seen them since Christmas, and probably won't see them again until Thanksgiving.) It is fun to watch the 3 youngest boys all playing together, since they are all so close in age - all born within 3 months.

We brought Ethan's basketball hoop. The kids enjoyed playing with it in Gramma's yard. Emily says, "Who wants the ball next." They all say, "ME!"

Ethan by the Dutch children in Gramma's yard.

Slowing down some for book reading time with Bart's Aunt Judy.

I went for a walk, after I laid Ethan down for a little nap. I came home to find this... not a sleeping baby, but a baby mooching a frozen fruit bar from Papa, who was more than willing to share. (He wasn't sure about sleeping in a different place. So instead he crashed within 3 minutes of being on the road on the way home.)

Hayley reading Ethan's book to him. (It was about 80 degrees and Ethan was warm, so we kept his shorts off him. That's why he's not wearing any pants.)

We had some very nice visits with our families. We were glad we could see everyone.