Even though we live in Michigan we don't make it up to the UP very often. In fact it's been ten years since we were there last. Lochlan was only two and the girls had never been. John wasn't able to join us for this trip, didn't get the time off! 🙁 One of the biggest reasons we went was a family reunion on my mother's side, Thomas Family Reunion. My Mom flew in to GR two days before we headed up. It was fun! The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement. It had been over a year since they had seen my mom, basically their first time over the big bridge and a little vaca to the Yoop.
No matter how many times I go over the big bridge, it feels like the first time! It's beautiful, historic and demands respect.
Both of my parents are from the Marquette area so I have lots of family there. We dropped off my Mom at my uncle Bill's house. I wanted to spend a few days with my Dad and his side of the family before the reunion activities started. We only had two and half days but we fit quite a bit in.
First we headed over to the island. As we were driving around we saw this little guy taking a break.
It wasn't the best weather for swimming but got out to take a look at black rocks and show the kids where people jump off the rocks.
I love this island. It will always have a place in my heart.
Can't leave without getting a little closer to the water.
We ventured around the town and saw a little bit of my Flanigan family history.
I love that left our family name on the building.
This was too good to pass up! Haha ya a you betcha!
Next we headed over to Munising to go on a pictured rocks cruise. My Dad and his fiancé Patricia came with us. It was the first time for all of us.
Mother Nature is magnificent! It was a little choppy but I'm proud to say no one had to chum the waters. Lol! Hey, the struggle is real!! 😬
I highly recommend taking the cruise, it's such a great way to see the rocks!!
The next day we took the kids to Sugarloaf Mountain.
I hadn't seen my Aunt Betty and Uncle Don in ages. So we headed over to their newly rebuilt lake cottage. It was gorgeous!! The girls begged me if they could go in the water. It wasn't the best weather but they didn't care.
I didn't realize it until we were there but this was really the first time my kids have swam in an inland lake. I guess we're spoiled with the big lake and the ocean. So the girls really acted like girls when it was time to go in. Ewww, it's so squishy mommy! lol honestly I really didn't blame them. I'm not a huge fan of slimy lake bottoms.
Next I wanted to take the kids to visit some really special people. So we went to Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette. There are quite a few Flanigan's laid to rest there but I wanted my children to meet two inparticular. My Grandpa & Gramma Flanigan, my Mom's parents.
Oh how I miss them so!!! One day far from now I will see them again!
Then we went to my Uncle Bill and Aunt Mel's house to start the reunion. It was great to see everyone and have them meet my kids! I really do miss having all my family around.
No trip to the UP is complete without Jean Kay's pasties. Yum yum!!!
Before we headed over to the island for the picnic we stopped at Donckers for lunch. This place has been around awhile. My great grandma Thomas worked there in high school and it was the place to hangout when my Mom was in high school. Who doesn't love an old fashion candy shop. It also has a great restaurant upstairs. Definitely worth a stop if you're ever up that way!!
It wasn't the best weather but we didn't let that get us down.
We finished my Mom's visit with a trip to Andrew's Blueberry farm and a date night for my husband and I. Thanks Mom!!
It was a wonderful visit!!! They always go by so fast but we did pack a lot into this one!
Thanks for stoppin' by!!
