Back from Vacation!

We finally took a vacation away from our little ranch ~ something we rarely do.  It's so hard to leave all the animals, but we left them in very capable hands and, of course, everyone was just fine when we returned home.  I'd like to say I didn't worry, but that would be a big lie! 

We left our desert retreat and headed for Michigan to the little town I grew up in.  It's been awhile since I've been back there and Lee has never been there with me.  We also brought along my 10 year old nephew who hasn't been there since he was 3, so it was a real treat for him!

Do you think this Arizona cowboy looks a little out of place? 

He did finally relinquish his hat and donned something more appropriate for a bike ride around the neighborhood....

We had a very small-town-summer visit.  There was the church festival happening all weekend, complete with polka band, chicken dinner (which we missed out on) and even a parade through downtown!  Next was our annual family reunion.  I saw lots of relatives that I hadn't seen in many years plus met cousins I didn't even know I had.  We even had front row seats to some pretty nice fireworks one night (courtesy of my dad's neighbor).

And no visit to Michigan is complete without a trip to the famous Mackinac Island.  We had perfect weather for our day trip there, sunny and mid 70s.  I wish we could have stayed on the island for several days.  (next time!)  It was so lush and green...and all that water! 

Coming in to the harbor:

Arch Rock:

Skipping stones into Lake Huron (Mackinac Bridge in the background):

I could do an entire post on Mackinac Island, so I think that is exactly what I'll do.  Check back tomorrow for more pics and history on this really cool place to visit.