Camping in Muskegon

Last weekend we spent a nice, sort of relaxing weekend on the west side of the state with our neighbors. We had our annual camping weekend with the Abbotts, Schmidts, and this year the Navettas. So there were 8 adults and 7 kids in total. We had a really good time, despite a few obstacles including: a miscommunication with Steve-o, the KOA manager; a thunderstorm Friday night with continued showers Saturday morning; an hour detour due to a malfunctioning GPS; and a too windy day on Sunday to enjoy the sand dunes. Besides those few minor things, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had a great time with friends.

First thing accomplished...dinner from Subway and McDonalds

Tents are up and time to relax

Family Pic

Maddy and Momma

Saturday morning, we went to breakfast in town to pass time while the rain subsided. After that we packed up and headed down to Pere Marquette Park down on Lake Michigan to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves. It was a bit chilly at first but it warmed up in no time once the clouds dissipated. It was a great afternoon at the beach.

The kids loved playing in the water

The boys making a sand castle

Nice work guys

Daddy and Maddy

Mike and Hayden in the castle

The Abbotts joining us after Ben's nap in the van

Ben took no time getting dirty in the sand

Maddy playing in the sand too

Cute picture of Kendal

After naps, we spent the rest of the day fishing, swimming in the lake at the campground, eating brats, corn on the cob, pizza puggy pies and smores over the fire, and finally ending the night by playing at the playground.

The kids enjoying the view

Someone push the fish back in the water

Olivia and Brendon roasting marshmallows

Olivia going down the slide

Kendal's turn

Brendon on top of the play structure

Sunday morning, while we packed up the tents the kids watched movies in the cars. It kept them pretty occupied for a few hours so we were able to eat a big breakfast, pack everything up, and still make check out by 11. We decided to enjoy the day together before heading home. We wanted to go to the Muskegon State Park to enjoy the sand dunes, but it was way too windy. We ended up going to Duck Lake State Park instead. It was still a bit chilly with the wind but it was nice enough to have lunch and hang out at the beach for a few hours. Maddy and Ben were inseparable most of the day. It was pretty cute. They would walk around holding hands, sit together, and give each other big kisses. We got some cute pictures of the two of them together. I'm still waiting on one more picture from the Abbotts that I'll add to the list when it comes.

The five older kids at Duck Lake

Maddy, Kendal, and Ben trying to make a sand castle

Ben and Maddy sharing a chair at the campsite

Maddy and Ben holding hands before we left the campsite