Camping Trip

Last weekend we packed up the boys and the van and headed up north for a family camping trip.  We had a wonderful time- it's so nice to be able to spend time as a family without so many of the distractions that occur when we are at home.  We left Caroline behind (chasing a crawling baby through the dirt didn't sound very relaxing!) and fished, canoed, climbed, laughed, and explored.  It was a fun trip!

The first night we camped at Silver Lake.  None of us had ever been there before and it was absolutely stunning!  The dunes are such an amazing piece of God's creation.  The first night we set up the tent, ate dinner, and then climbed up the dunes.  It was fun to run around and explore- the boys were exhausted when we were done!

 

After the dunes we headed to Craig's Cruisers for go-karts (Henry got scared and we had to quit after one lap, but Tommy loved it!) and then got ice cream.  It was a fun night!

The next morning we headed to Mac Woods Dune Rides to explore the dunes some more.  It was a great tour and the boys loved it.  Henry got a little scared, but as long as we held him tight he had fun.

After the dune ride we headed to one of the few working light houses on Lake Michigan.  It was 130 steps up to the top and Henry did every single one of them.  He was pretty proud of himself!

After the light house we hopped back in the van to drive up to Sleeping Bear dunes.  The boys (and I) slept the entire drive!

At the top of Sleeping Bear!

By far, one of the highlights of camping for the boys is the campfire.  They take their stick collecting job very seriously and love to watch the wood burn.  We spent the last two nights at Interlochen.  It was gorgeous there!

Sunday morning we woke up and went for a family canoe trip on the Platte River.  It was so much fun! 

The boys had the best seats in the canoe!

When we got back to the campground the boys rented a rowboat and headed out to catch some fish. 

When they first got off the boat they told me that they had each caught about 15 fish.  The number keeps getting higher and higher- last I heard it was up to 50 fish each!

There is something so cozy and fun about all sleeping in the tent together!  Here was Henry in his sleeping bag :)  We had a fabulous trip and can't wait to go again next summer!