"Memories are Made at the Lake"

{First Trip}

The first “Girls Getaway” for my mom, grandma, and I started in the Summer of 2010.  I remember sitting on the back patio of our hotel room and hearing grandma say “Well…I guess I better call your grandpa and tell him where I am.”  Mind you...this was after driving three and a half hours to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, driving an hour back south to Mackinaw City, and finally checking into our hotel.  It is a moment I will never forget, because it truly reflects my grandma's spunky, humorous, and honest personality.

Dinner in Mackinaw City

{Second Trip}

The second trip landed us in Traverse City, Glen Arbor, and Frankfort.  My great-grandparents spent several years in Frankfort, so for my mom and grandma this is a very special place.  A place I am certain generates a swarm of memories and even a longing for what once was.  I am a mere 25 years old and there are moments when I ache for the times when I was a short drive from my grandparents, the lake, my high school friends, and surrounded by support that I believe many small towns possess.  END TANGENT.

Lunch at Boondocks in Glen Arbor, MI

{Charlevoix, MI}

{Perfect Pillow Pic}

This year we chose to stay in Charlevoix and explore Petoskey and Harbor Springs.  We were lucky enough to spend our weekend in a small, cozy, cottage near downtown Charlevoix known as Cottage on Wood Street, owned by Bridget and Grant.  It is their first year renting the cottage.  I must say we were all very impressed, especially with the perfectly-placed pillow on the couch that made a wonderful prop for our must-have group photo.  It would be great for a small family or couple looking for a retreat that is within walking distance of downtown.

Saturday morning was slower than anticipated...like leaving the cottage at lunchtime kind of slow.  It was COLD…the house was WARM…end of story.  I would say this was Michigan’s first “chilly” fall weekend this year, hence why the trees were still as green as ever despite our plan to catch them during their peak {chuckling at our attempt to predict nature’s color reveal}. 

Our first stop that late morning was Bridge Street Tap Room where I had enjoyed lunch earlier this summer.  The Cherry Chicken Salad Wrap is delicious and we could not resist.  After lunch we found ourselves sippin’ sangria and tasting chocolate covered cherry’s at Cherry Republic…a must if you are in the Traverse Area. Grandma may have visited the samples a few too many times during our browsing…I actually think she might owe them for a bag.

Grandma's Favorite Sample Stop...looking back at pictures from our last trip this seems to be a trend! 

{Lavender Love}

Earlier this summer my husband, Evan, visited Lavender Hill Farms in Boyne City, MI and it was top on our list of places to go while on this trip.  The lavender fields are in bloom during July and August, so we were not able to see them in full bloom, but I can only imagine it during those months.  We walked away with lavender goats milk soap, dried lavender for baking shortbread, and gifts for a couple of my friends who are expecting. 

I have already broken into the lavender goats milk soap…talk about the perfect treat for relaxation. Oh and did I mention?  EVERYTHING was on SALE {Fist Pump}.

Pictured from left to right:  cooking lavender, lavender and goats milk soap bar, and finally a goats milk soap bar and baby cloth.

{This GREAT Lake}

As we made our way to our dinner spot we were able to venture through the “Tunnel of Trees” and snap a few photos of Lake Michigan at it’s finest.  I grew up within five minutes of Lake Huron and currently live 25-30 minutes from Lake Michigan, yet I am still in awe of these bodies of water.  The view never grows old.  The sound of waves crashing is enough to create a stillness within me that is rarely felt in the city.

Dinner was served at Legg’s Inn.  We had quite a wait, so we browsed the local art gallery and visited a pumpkin farm near by where we were able to pick up some Michigan apples.  

I apologize, but I didn’t venture out into the garden at Legg’s Inn to take pictures of the garden + water.  It looked absolutely beautiful, I was cold, seated by the fire with a hot tea in hand…I hope you understand.

{My heart is full}

These two are the most beautiful women in my life.  I am well aware of the struggles that can be present between a mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter relationship; therefore I am beyond grateful for my relationship with both.  

I am not naïve to think that our next trip is guaranteed.  I have lost enough to know life is fragile and time on this Earth is conditional.  I can only hope and pray that we are able to remain strong and healthy throughout the next year.

{End Note}

I leave you with something to consider.  My husband has reminded me of the following many...MANY times and yet I am still practicing!

Be Still.  Be present.  Be thankful.

You have one life.  It is so easy to focus on the future.  Maybe it’s that college diploma, the shiny engagement ring you’ve been waiting to see, or your children finally graduating from college.  While looking ahead and being excited for your future is important, it is equally important to stop and remember who and what you have in your life today.

It is a MINDSET.

Practice it.... 
EACH moment COUNTS.