Forgive me for my tardiness. We have been very busy lately and I have been a bit absent in my blog duties. The summer and many life changes will do that to you. Also forgive the length of this blog update. It’s gonna be a doozy. My rule is 400 to 600 words and no more than 8 pics. I’m gonna go way over that. However, take heart that the pics are worth viewing and the writing worth reading…

Whilst on vacation, the boys were able to get out and do a little fishing. We have a good family friend in Muskegon named Bill Novak. The thing you should know about Novak is that he’s got a sweet boat and he’s a fishing fool. We spent a lovely morning on Lake Michigan and feasted on this beautiful Salmon for lunch. It was delicious!

The old man and the fish!

Laura Bryan was nice enough to get all the kids outfits for the fourth and we posed them like most psychotic parents do:

Mira and Luna

And all the kids got together:

Awwww!

Here is your standard family photo. Love it!

The Mitchell Family

And Erika and Luna got a nice shot.

Buna!

Mira was a sweet and beautiful as ever.

Mira Hanalei

The following day we were off to the festivities in Manistee with Erika’s extended family. It all started with the amazing bed races. Here’s the winning team. They looked way cooler than the races actually turned out to be.

Let's race

We were able to find another carnival and Mira and Erika went for a lovely ride on the ferris wheel. It really did have a beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the top, or so I am told.

Ferris Wheel

And of course, don’t forget about the annual fourth of July parade in downtown Manistee. Hands down, it’s the longest parade I’ve ever attended. Ummm, is that a good thing???

All the kids at the parade.

The family that grew up across the street had a huge party on the princess boat in Muskegon Lake to watch the fireworks. It was a just wonderful evening with lots of friends.

Wonderful fourth of July boat ride!

The last official day of our vacation, we made a trip to Pentwater and visited with Brenda, Sydney and Annika. We had a large time at the beach all day, then into town for some ice cream in the evening.

Sydney and Luna

Sydney spent most of the time watching and taking care of Luna. I spent most of the time digging a giant hole in the sand so that Mira and Annika could have a little lake to jump and play in. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “There is nothing better todo at the beach than dig a giant hole!”

Jump in the hole!

Of course we spent a bit more time that evening getting some ice cream. Mira discovered the joy of chocolate and the rest is history!

Awesome!

It was an amazing vacation. But we were tired and excited to get back home in Cleveland. At least for a few more weeks, until bigger news would come for the Mitchell family!