Is it really vacation?

We spent 10 days in Michigan on vacation this month. The kids had a great time seeing Grandma & Grandpa Brown and their Aunt, Uncle and cousins. Allison really loved going in Lake Michigan despite the fact that it was freezing cold.

It wasn't so much a vacation for mom & dad however. I was sick the day we arrived. Whatever I got I gave to Allison who was sick Tuesday & Wednesday and then Peter was sick Friday & Saturday. At first I thought Allison had been Patient Zero since she'd had a runny nose before we left home. Turns out it was Mr. Brown. He had told me he had a headache but failed to mention the fever, chills and other aches.

We stayed at a nice little cottage on Grand Traverse Bay (don't be misled by it's name as The Lake Michigan Cottage). While it was a nice place with waterfront access, it wasn't exactly kid friendly. No cabinet locks, no grassy area, and poison ivy in the brush just off the deck. That meant someone had to be constantly vigilant of the kids. This was very difficult to do while still trying to help make meals, keep things tidy and actually enjoy ourselves. Add that on top of being sick and it was just a lot of work. Still fun. But lots of work.

A few highlights from our trip included:
* an afternoon spent in Frankenmuth where we enjoyed sampling 10 year old cheddar cheese, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride and chowing down on a bratwurst and soft pretzel.
* a trip to the Battle Creek zoo (after learning that our original plan to go to Kellogg's Cereal City was not to be because it's CLOSED). The kids got to pet pygmy goats and we got up close with giraffes who will eat right out of your hand.
* Allison rode the boogie board with her cousins
* Eating lots and lots of cherries and cherry products

Overall we did have a great visit and look forward to going back again in a few years.