Baby Killdeer

Day 8 & 9: Heading Home

Since we had two days of driving ahead of us, we headed out on Saturday morning. We were up early enough to see the geese and their babies come to shore. We missed out on family olympics today.

We never did see the big part of Lake Michigan while we were in Michigan, so on our way back, we stopped at Michigan City, Indiana.
B in Lake Michigan.

Lighthouse... we walked out there!

Sailboats.

At the lighthouse.

Trying to find diesel in Michigan City, IN. This one tricked us. The bottom price is coffee!

B in the truck. He would say "Tickle me!" and I would. Then he would say "Tickle me again!"

We finally arrived in Herman. Here is Bailey, Ardel and Caden going to see the cows.

Tractors!

In a combine!

Alan started up the combine. B looked a little frightened at first. I think the combine was the highlight of Bailey's day.

A big thanks to Harold and Geralyn for letting us stay for a night. They also hosted a small family gathering Saturday night. It was great to see everyone!

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We had another day of driving on Sunday. It was a great trip but we were glad to be home.

Day 7: Just Chillin', Hanging Out and Movie Night

My one big regret from the trip is that we didn't go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes on this day. We were just exhausted from the rest of the week. Yes, this picture may seem like a silly one to post, but you better not do with with the ants in Texas. Michigan ants would just walk around and not bite at all!

Travis with Bailey walking around in the background.
Bailey still walking around...

Travis won an extra cinnamon roll in a drawing. He gave it to Uncle Joe, but then Bailey wanted some. They split it, but I think B at more than half.

Hanging out on the balcony.

Playing with Bella and her doll.

Picture time! These are all of the Rampi grandchildren.

Everyone at the reunion.
Back of the kids posing on the beach.

Another shot of the kiddos posing.

Tonight was movie night outside. I don't have any pictures, but the screen was set up on the sidewalk by the beach and everyone sat on the hill on the back side of the house to watch the movie! Bailey loved it!

Day 6: Ski Boat, Traverse Bay & Christmas

Uncle Joe rented a ski boat for all of the kiddos to enjoy today. This was Bailey's first time on a motor boat.

About to go tubing!

Bailey was scared at first, then he calmed down a bit.

Later we headed to Traverse Bay (I think this is the East Arm of the Traverse Bay).

Christmas! Bailey is opening his present from Dominic.

Cool Thomas backpack, movie and a Lightening McQueen!

Travis and I ended up with $20 in the adult gift exchange. We almost stole this M&M dispenser from Megan. Bailey sure was eyeing it!

Later the teams decorated gingerbread houses. I personally thought this was the most creative one.

This is the one I worked on. We somehow got first place!
Travis worked on "Ginger Hood." He personally bit the snowman's head off. See the big crack in the front wall?

Day 5: Cherry Picking, Hanging Out and Mountain Biking

The kids are about to go cherry picking!

Travis, the biggest kid with us, picked the most.

Beckham, Travis, Bailey and I headed to the end of the peninsula. We found the 45th parallel.

And a lighhouse.

Bailey hanging out.

Posing!

We headed to the Vasa Trails in the afternoon. Travis was pulling about 90 lbs! We only went 3.4 miles, but it was a pretty tough ride.

It was pretty flat at the top of the hill. It didn't last long.