This 4th of July was probably my most favorite in almost 32 years.
We spent the 4th Up North in the U.P. It’s our favorite place in the world. I haven’t been too many places…Aaron, more than me…but I can safely say that we could go anywhere in the world and the shores of Lake Superior would still be our favorite.
It’s the first trip we went on together as a couple.
Aaron was the first person to drive me over the Mackinac Bridge.
He was the first person I went to Mackinac Island with.
The very first time I went blueberry picking up north, I was with Aaron.
That same trip he asked me to marry him.
I love Northern Michigan.
We left around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and we were enjoying Burger King breakfast at the bridge by 8:15 a.m.
We arrived at the falls around 10:30 and took a canoe ride over to the little island. The water was higher and a little more rough than the last time we played here so the kids weren’t able to do as much, but I loved it just the same. It’s the first time Maggie has been to the Falls. Max first visited the Falls when he was just 4 weeks old. Molly was around 4 months. It warmed my heart to have all of my kids here.
We finally got to Grandma & Grandpa Jarvie’s house around noon….just in time for some lunch, but no one wanted to eat. They ran straight for the beach.
Max had Uncle Andy digging for gold for quite some time.
We finally made it inside for a snack. Aaron left with Ben & Chaz to do some golfing. Maggie made her successful escape attempt when everyone else was distracted with Uncle J.J. & Uncle Steve’s arrival. She didn’t put her on bathing suit before heading back down to the beach.
None of them did.
Max spent a little time burying Molly, but would NOT let anyone bury him.
Always such a helping big brother.
After getting cleaned up yet again and enjoying another snack we headed out to Uncle Tom’s place. From there we headed out to our first of 2 fireworks. They found some suckers in Uncle Tom’s truck.
Max & cousin David horsing around before the fireworks began.
Maggie was a trooper. This photo was taken around 11:30 p.m. She hung in through the day until zonking out on her sister’s shoulder.
Sunday morning, Aaron and I went for a walk on the beach and then I went for a run. I think I could honestly say that I would run almost every morning if I woke up to the beach right outside my window every morning.
We spent the day decorating bikes for the parade, riding/walking in the parade, cooling down from the parade (the weather reports we kept seeing were mid-70’s with a chance of storms….it was in the 90’s), playing in the water and on the beach, grilling out with family, cupcake party for the kids with Grandma & Grandpa while Aaron and I headed to the fireworks. 
Max & Molly were supposed to be inside getting ready for bed. Well, they got their pjs on and then headed back outside…why did I pack bathing suits???
Monday, Aaron and I slept until 9. I can’t remember the last time we both slept that late.
We spent the day at the Point, the Pier (where Aaron & Ben thought it would be fun to jump off into the freezing water below), snacking, taking pictures with family, & picking a few blueberries.
Max did NOT want to leave. We all thought it a good idea that he have an overnight at Grandma & Grandpa’s closer to home before he tries it 5 hours away for the first time.
We can’t wait for our next trip up there.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us home and closer to our favorite place on Your Earth.
