Mackinac Island

 Mackinac Island was unreal in its beauty!

More and more I am learning that Michigan is such a beautiful state.

 No cars- just bikes and carriages.

We rode around the island. It was my favorite thing.

 The scenery was breathtaking,

 The kids loved the high speed ferry to the island.

 Eliza is so fun and goofy.

 The water surrounding the island is so blue!

 The Grand Hotel is amazing!

 This is my favorite image from the day. We had just ended our bike tour around the island. Ben and the kids are headed to the Grand Hotel. The horses and bikes create a real charming atmosphere on the island and it feels so relaxed there on the island.

Traverse City

 Best little fans out there.

I was so happy to see my little crew while running.

 We spent the weekend up north after the race and it was fabulous.

 Eliza in her element! 

Best friend and the beach- seriously doesn't get better.

 Love this crew.

 Darling Smith family.

Milk box

We have a little door/box that opens up into our home where 

once upon a time milk was left in the morning for the home owners.

Now the kids love to play with it and do all sorts of funny things.

Sar and Em come!

Our dear friends Emily and Sarah came to visit!

It was the best weekend.

We were so grateful they could come.

We enjoyed it so much and it was such a highlight of the winter! 

Henry Ford Museum

 We love the Henry Ford museum. 

I love all the history and the kids love all there is to do!

Eliza with her friend Eliza

The Snowman

Grandparents visit...

 Mimi is the best!

Williams Soccer

Firewood

Loving our wood burning fire.

Merry Christmas!

 Waiting ever so patiently to come down stairs for Christmas morning!

 I loved the laid back day. 

We had such a sweet day opening presents and eating delicious food.

The kids were so engaged in their new toys!

Christmas Eve

 Delivering gifts to the neighbors, and it started snowing. It was a magical Christmas Eve.

 Ben went around right before dinner and took pictures of our home. 

This home was so cozy and fun to decorate for the Holidays.

I love seeing William's little arm poking out behind the red chair. He was always under the tree playing trains.

 Dinner time!

 We had a delicious dinner. Eliza always has a little friend or two near her.

 This girl is a shrimp lover! Look at that pile!

 Christmas toasts! This guy laid in to the "spicy drink." (Gingerale)

 

 Acting out the nativity.

Christmas pjs and off to bed! 

Thanks Grandma Care for the pjs!

Holiday Nights

First time ice skating.

Thanksgiving Weekend

 Christmas Tree farm.

 Too small coat for William, but too cute to not wear. First snow. 

On our way to church.

Eliza waited days to put up the tree until Dad was home. He was working long hours and 

the kids did not get to see him very much. I love William's reaching arm at the bottom of the picture.