Family Vacation 2011

We headed out for our second straight year to Lake Michigan for a family beach vacation. We were lucky enough to have Kay and Tony with us again this year to make vacation memories. We rented a beach house in New Buffalo, Michigan and loved it. Our first day there Carrie and Brandon were able to come visit us. We had a fun filled week on the lake, at the pool, and of course eating :)

Family photo on rocks at the pier

Adam preferred the sand over the water, but he did get in frequently but lost interest as the week went on and the water got colder. Adam loved to have people help him build a sand castle and then either stomp on it or sit on it. He laughed at himself every time. Adam's other favorite past time on the beach was chasing the seagulls and making them fly.

Adam and Mommy jumping waves

Adam chasing seagulls

Adam smashing sand castles

Lucas loved the beach and it was his favorite place to be. He said that boogie boarding was his favorite beach activity. He had no fear and faced 5 foot waves bravely with Daddy. He loved falling off the boogie board on purpose in order to go under water. He also dug a lot of big pools and sand tunnels were a hit this year.

Lucas doing a cannon ball

Lucas boogie boarding

Lucas showing off his snack

One day it stormed and the waves were big and rough. We took both boys out and all had a great time jumping the waves. The water was a little cool that day so the boys got all bundled up and snuggled together to get warm. It was too cute.

Boys trying to warm up after jumping big waves in cold water

Great shot by Kay of the boys in their "pool"

Eating snacks in our beach tent

Our beach house came with a pool and we swam almost every afternoon. The pool was Adam's speed when it comes to water. He wanted a toy in each hand and floated and kicked all over the place. Lucas learned to do cannon balls and to swim without floats underwater while at the pool, which was a huge accomplishment for him.

We ate fantastic meals cooked by Andy and Tony all week. Our house was directly across the street from an ice cream shop, so we had ice cream every day. Lucas ordered Mint Chocolate Chip himself every time (it's green) and Adam enjoyed a variety of flavors.


There was an Amtrack depot just outside our back door, so the boys loved watching the trains go by and got several conductors to wave and honk at them. We also enjoyed trips to the zoo, splash park, outlet mall, movies, blueberry patch, and casinos. We had a great time and enjoyed our time away with the boys immensely. I've added a slide show of more pictures over on the left.