Petoskey

 On our way to the Upper Peninsula, we stayed the night in Petoskey so we could spend time with Mark's family and my friend Leslie.  Unfortunately, I didn't do a good job of taking pictures so there aren't many from this part of our trip.  We had dinner at Aunt Julie's house with cousins and aunts.  Will and Erin had fun playing with their cousins Jack, Katie and baby Maria.  It was interesting to watch Erin stick  
with Katie (who is 3 and 1/2) and Will played with Jack (who is 6).  The kids chased each other around the backyard, played in the loft, and shared many laughs.  While we were visiting, Aunt Julie got a phone call announcing that her nephew Will's wife had given birth to their baby girl.  Her name is Lola Pearl.  It was an exciting moment and one I was glad we got to share with the family.  The kids were tired so we put them in their carseats and let them watch Mickey.  Aunt Maureen and Aunt Pam took turns sitting in the driveway with the kids and watched Mickey.  We left around 10pm and got back to our hotel just in time to witness a beautiful sunset. 

It was our first night sleeping in a hotel together.  Will was pretty funny because he kept standing up in bed and saying 'hi' with a huge smile on his face.  We would tell him to lay down so he would dive in his bed and repeat.  We all feel asleep around 11. 

The next morning we got up and went into Petoskey for breakfast, a  
 

 

walk around the marina and some shopping.  Petoskey is such a cute little town. We were able to see Mark's cousin Megan's new house too.  It is BEAUTIFUL and all that I want in my dream home.  Will and Erin had fun playing with their cousins Owen and Cullen (who are going to be big brothers again in December).  (I totally flaked on taking any pictures of our visit. UGH!)

Peanutbutter sandwiches always taste better poolside!
(Will, Erin and Sage)

From there, we drove down one street and visited with my college friend Leslie. We have a friendship where we haven't seen each other since last summer, but it didn't seem like any time has passed.  I miss Leslie and wish she still lived in Grand Rapids.  Will and Erin loved playing with all of Leslie's kids toys. Will went right to the golf clubs, basketball hoop and cars while Erin found the purses, baby stroller and dolls. Nature vs Nuture at its best.  After Jimmy Johns for lunch, we swam in their beautiful pool.  Unfortunately, our all to short of a visit, had to come to an end.  We need to continue to Escanaba to see Oma.  Everyone had fun during our stopover in Petoskey. I am so glad we made the trip and can't wait to see everyone again soon!