Mentel Family Reunion Summer 2012

Every year in July, my mom's side of the family plans a reunion.  We usually rotate destinations; Michigan one year, out west the next.  This year we went back to The Headlands in Mackinaw City.  We stayed in the Guest House property (two years ago we stayed in the Beach House, the sister property, for my cousin Trisha's wedding).
It was great to spend a week with family!  We all missed Aaron and were bummed that he couldn't be there.  It was definitely a challenge and very exhausting to travel and be on vacation with an 11 month old!  I am grateful though that we were able to make it back to Michigan and enjoy time with everyone.

Breathtaking.

After a walk to the peninsula

A little rain never hurt anyone!

Mary Poppins, AKA Aunt Julie

Uncle Tony (grandpa), the baby whisperer. 

This is the newest addition to the family, Drew Edward (cousin Todd and Amy's son, 2 weeks old!)

Emmeline LOVED great grandma's lasagna (still not quite sure what was in it--inside joke! ha)

We celebrated grandma Dolly's 80th Birthday this year.  WOW!  She didn't want to just celebrate her birthday so we celebrated everyone's birthdays by adding up all of our ages and putting that number (in candles) on the cake.  "Happy Birthday to US!" :-)

Aunt Bridget and Jodi going kayaking

I just had to grab my camera when I caught sight of Dawson sitting on a rock, staring off into the distance just taking in everything around him.  LOVE! 

Addison (and Emmeline) LOVED playing with Stella (Todd and Amy's dog).

The guys listening to the Tiger's game on the radio while enjoying the view.  I imagine this is every man's dream.

Waffles with Nutella (a popular breakfast item)!

Playing cards

Looking at stars with Grandma

First trip to the beach!

"I love it here!"

Grandma Barbie and (Great) Aunt Julie rode in on the kayaks while we were at the beach

Splashing with Grandma

Eating sand.  Not sure if this was on the pediatrician's list of "solids".  ;-) 

On the ferry headed to Mackinac Island!


The Mackinac Bridge!

Horses!!

Butterfly house 

"Where's your nose?" Emmeline: "sniff, sniff, sniff"

(At the Butterfly House) Jaramee had no clue we were all putting butterfly stickers on him!

20 weeks.  11 months.  Lord help me. ;-)

 

Watching the big kids swim while we throw/skip rocks.

What a wonderful place to be!!

Next year we'll be headed to a Montana ranch (in Bozeman) for my cousin Jennifer's wedding.  After the wedding, we are heading to a rental on Flathead Lake to enjoy a week of family time.  Aaron and I are so excited to finally get to visit Glacier National Park!!  It's been on our "must see" list for some time now.  Should be a fun (and interesting) experience with TWO kids. ;-)