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 
The next morning we got up and went into Petoskey for breakfast, a 
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| Peanutbutter sandwiches always taste better poolside! (Will, Erin and Sage) |
Mark's sister Sarah is having a baby and cousin Kathleen is getting married which means a dual shower! We celebrated these wonderful gals one afternoon (during nap time) under the shade of the trees next to the beach. It was a beautiful garden setting. We had fun playing games, making cards to be opened on each birthday (which is a family tradition for each first born) or anniversary, and showering them with gifts. I am lucky to be a part of such a fun and loving family! 
Mark LOVES to put on a firework show for his family. He spends time researching the best fireworks and watches videos of them online. I thought it was funny that there was a firework tent in the parking lot of his work. I think he got to know the workers there pretty well during his lunch breaks. We love Mark and that he loves fireworks. We put the kids to bed so that we could enjoy the show without them crying (despite Mark's efforts to show them videos of the fireworks, they still cried when they saw/heard them). The kids slept through the show and I didn't take any pictures of the fireworks. But you can take my word for it that all of Mark's hard work paid off. He had another amazing firework display and everyone loved the big fireworks! 
Every year we head to Munising (in the Upper Penisula) to spend a few days with Mark's extended family. We always have a great time and this year was no exception. When we arrived on Tuesday afternoon, the weather was a bit cool and I was worried that it wouldn't warm up. Thankful I was wrong and we were able to spend the rest of our days outside at the beach. 
At one time we had 11 adults on the raft! Thank you cousin Eric and Julie for providing so much fun for everyone! 
I over heard Erin say, 'we're going on an abenture (she can't pronounce her v sound)' and they kept swimming all around. We went around the boat house and they kept repeating about going on an abenture. Will kept saying 'swimming, swimming' and they were both having the times of their lives! 
Walking on the beach and skipping stones was fun too! 
Munising has a great 4th of July parade. We always sit in our same spot (which is at the end of the parade route). The kids get tons of candy and this year was no different. Will and Erin have gotten the concept of a parade. They love Tootsie Rolls (Erin at 3 of them when I wasn't looking because she figured out how to open them herself). Will was excited to see the fire trucks (or 'sire trucks' in Erin language), but cried when they sounded their horns. We all had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again next year! 
