Family Vacation

We have just returned from about 5 days of relaxation and fun as a family. It was wonderful to get away and have the chance to do some fun things as a family. My parents have a place north of Muskegon that they graciously allowed us to use. Free lodging freed up some finances for some fun adventures. Our first day, it was supposed to rain so we headed into Ludington to see the 3D movie Up. It's a very cute movie despite a very sad first 10 minutes and we all really enjoyed it. Our second day we headed to Rainbow Ranch to do some horseback riding.

All set for a morning of horseback riding.

Our 3 riders never uttered a complaint. This was definately a highlight of the trip.

This hour long ride was quite enough. I wasn't sure if my legs were going to hold me once I got down from my horse, but they did. :-) I was thankful that my horse whose name was Fury did not live up to his name.

Day 3 we headed down to the beautiful beach and braved two of my least favorite things - sunscreen and sand. The kids love the beach so we have to get in a few trips. The weather was perfect and it spite of the rather chilly water the kids had a wonderful time.

A beautiful beach accentuated by gorgeous weather.

The girls built a great castle which they refused to leave until they had filled the mote with water, a rather difficult task this high on the beach.

Mission accomplished - somewhat.


Day 4 brought a trip to Mac Woods Dune Rides. Eric and I have gone several times and the girls have also gone but it was Bryan's first trip and he loved it!!

Ready to go.

The Tower family rides the dunes of Silver Lake.

This picture is Elizabeth's work. Not bad, I thought.

Bryan thoroughly enjoyed his very first dune ride, complete with hands up on the hills.

Check out their faces. :-)

Mommy and Bryan taking a turn.

We stopped at a local orchard on the way home to pick some cherries. They were pretty picked over so we only picked a couple pounds. No one was happier to leave after 10 minutes than my husband who was really just humoring me by stopping anyway. As you can see, he did a great job pretending he was enjoying himself.

A beautiful walk down to the beach. It was nice to not have to carry anyone this year!!

Bryan was thrilled to be involved in whatever his sisters were doing.

Ashlynn planting a tree.

Elizabeth helping Bryan jump over the waves.

We had a wonderful vacation. It ended a day early with Bryan waking up on Tuesday with the stomach flu, but the time we were there was wonderful, relaxing and fun! It was fun to get home and find the garden exploding with vegetables, thanks to my neighbor who gave it some tender loving care while I was gone.