PJ Hoffmaster State Park

Last week Wednesday-Monday we went up to MI to camp with family at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. The trees up there are such a sight to see compared to the trees in Iowa campgrounds. The weather was beautiful, mid 70's, which made it great for being outdoors and sleeping with the windows open. We had a terrific time hanging out, going to the beach, playing frisbee golf up and down the dunes, but especially just being with family. I think to often we take our families for granted and it was such a great time just getting reaquainted. Bethany had it made with her two favorite Michigan boys being there...Uncle Howard and cousin Joel. By Friday I thought for sure we would need an emergency room before the weekend ended, but certain boys started calming down by then and the tree roots became more familiar. :)
Enjoy the slide show of our trip. I wish I had time to describe each picture in more detail but this will have to do for now.
Thanks Uncle Howard & Aunt Myra for hosting us again this year. We had a great time and Jaren's scheduling next years already...3 weeks long!!! :)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

WOW! What a week!

It's been quite the week with activities and lots of fun.

Our first highlight was getting the boat out for the first time in 2 years. This was Erica's first time on the boat and Bethany didn't remember the last time she had been on so it was a "first" time experience for both of them. I honestly did not think the girls would be okay on the boat and we'd have to turn around and end, but they all did amazingly well. Hopefully we'll be able to take the boat out a little more often now.
The smile says it all...he went tubing by himself and loved every minute of it.

The first time on the tube Kurtis rode with Jaren just in case he didn't like it. The constant laughter let us know that he was have a great time!

Jaren & Grandpa enjoying the ride.

Kurtis & Jaren were the first 2 in the water to check the temp...it was soon followed by the rest of us getting in and enjoying a little swim.

Grandma, Bethany & Erica getting ready for daddy to ski.

Second highlight of the week was the Cadet Counselor's Convention. Kurtis & I went as chaperones, Kurtis in the 10+ group and me in the 4-6 age group. It was a lot of fun and very exhausting. All the sweet hugs were definitely worth it. I had a group of 10 kids, 7 girls and 3 boys. Thanks so much to my helpers...Abby, Megan, Gloria & Helen. Kurtis had 3 boys in his group and 3 chaperones...they know how to work it out in their favor. :) We named our group the Little Green Martians which the kids thought was a great name.

Crossing the bridge at the zoo.

Riding the train at the zoo...definitely a highlight for lots of them and a great way to rest our tired little legs and backs for Megan & Abby. :)

Our transportation for the weekend.

Our little monkeys at the Rainbow play place. What a great way for them to burn their energy and have lots of fun.

Farmer Tony at Living History Farms talking about the sheep.

Playing games

Our animal masks that they made before heading to the zoo.

We are now home for a week before heading out to MI for a camping trip with some family. This summer is going way to fast and school is going to be starting before we know it. God is so good to our family and we truly enjoy the days He gives us together.