Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

Whether climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes, visiting a museum, or looking forward to the perfect rocks Laurel, Elisabeth, and Henry had fun with Auntie Kristen. It is always a special time when she joins us. This time found me working in Texas so I missed out. But everyone else had a great time.

With our own coffee maker in our cabin (the shed roof cabin) and some carefully stored breakfast materials we enjoyed many mornings on the beach before everyone else woke up in the morning. Playing on the beach with the toys and draft wood with the kids and a good cup of coffee (thank you Higher Grounds) was one of my most enjoyable moments. By the time the folks were getting up it was usually about time for Henry to take his morning nap. Here the big windows on the cabin proved detrimental as Henry could stand up and keep an eye on the activity in the area (and not sleep). So judiciously placed cardboard solved that and although he usually didn't like it he did get some sleep.

Collecting rock, whether on the shores of Lake Michigan or Superior was a constant activity for Elisabeth. We finally had to limit the number of rocks that came home. I think that we set the limit at 5 and let her pick. I believe that the rest stayed in Grandma and Grandpa's cottage for another time.

Riding with Grandma , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . RIding in the rear compartment of Grandma's kayak was a highlight for Elisabeth. We enjoyed some calm days that made launching the kayak fairly easy and the lake less frightening. I don't think Elisabeth ever did to much swimming though - to cold.

DSC_0285 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Returning from the island you couldn't leave Copper Harbor without a stop for some ice cream. I like mine with local wildberry topping usually bilberry or thimbleberry. The ice cream enabled us all to smile for a family picture - those don't happen very often so we take any chance we can get, even if it is on a playground next to an ice cream shop.

Returning Home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Coming back from the island was another smooth journey and it was nice to see our family their waiting for us.

Dad and Andy , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Hiking on Isle Royale was amazing in that we saw so few people and the trails were very narrow. It really felt remote despite the hundred or so people that came over with us on the boat. Away from the lodge area it was rare to see anyone on the trails. We saw one moose (swimming), plenty of loons (also swimming), and Andy saw a wolf (on land). Many, many mosquitos had a piece of me on the island - they are relentless.

Dinner , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Andy served as our guide for most of the trip, including taking on the lion's share of cooking and cleaning duties. Shown here is our dessert on the first night. I know it was dessert because dessert is white. Breakfast and dinner were usually brown.

Storm coming in , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . The photo is of a storm coming in while we were hiking the ridge of the island. This storm stayed mostly to the North so we didn't get to wet. The day before, however, we were soaked as we hiked all morning in the rain. Luckily when we arrived that day at McGargo's Cove the rain stopped and we could hang everything up to dry.

Boat home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Waiting for the boat home we did the same thing that we did at every campsite - sit on the dock. We were blessed to have calm water across Lake Superior in both direction. I was fully prepared to be sick.

Petting the goats at the zoo is always a highlight of the visit. This goat is getting double attention. After climbing up on the rocks Elisabeth is on top of the world. Climbing the geese Laurel is chasing the rest of us trying to get us all headed the same direction, at least Henry is tied down.

Enjoying the parade Henry tips his hat to the Birth of our Nation - Huzzah! Elisabeth is enjoying a balloon animal, a gift from a passing clown. Really, while it was fun in the beginning we left the parade early because the bands were a little to loud for Henry and we all found the multitude of passing politicians a little tedious.

DSC_0176 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Bardon's is the place to meet and eat at Garfield and Front in Traverse City. We have to visit it every time we are in TC (this picture is from a second visit). Here Elisbeth and Grandma Marva are showing off their matching shirts.