We did it. We lasted a week. Obviously, the weather didn’t hurt. Eight straight days of sunshine. We worried on Night #1, as the most insane winds blew in at 2am and seemed like it would blow over our camper (par for the course, as our camping trips seems always to have some sort of interesting event occur). We recovered, and we went on to have one of the most enjoyable weeks of camping ever.
Our set up was sweet. We upgraded a few things to make life easier (a smaller, more user-friendly storage tent, a new food cabinet to avoid going in and out of the camper, and a new shelter for over our picnic table). We were beach-front, thanks to early reservations and careful scouting last year. It was ideal. Of course, Todd and I started checking out future trailers for us, as we know at some point we will upgrade to something that takes a little less time to set up 
The girls did wonderfully. Mackenzie is a natural. I can see the glimmer in her eyes when we talk about camping and going up north (I wonder if my parents saw the same glimmer in my eyes as a child). Delaney missed home about 5 days in (thankfully, talked about home as our new house and NOT the old one for a change). Days were filled with wagon rides, beach trips, playing in the sand around our site, ice cream trips, a parade, fireworks, Farmers Market, Kooky Golf, and a road trip to Caseville. All in all, a successful trip that is one for the memory books.
With the girls getting older, this years trip was much easier. I know each year, it will get even better (they can help set up camp!!!). I look around and think back on my experiences as a kid (thank you SO much Mom and Dad), and I know Todd and I are doing something great for our kids. Hopefully, it will be something they want to carry on with their kids when they grow up.
With a great trip comes great photos…
Our carefully scouted campsite.
The girls explore the campsite.
A special sisterly moment.
On the shores of Lake Huron.
At the Port Austin parade.
Waiting for the fireworks.
Delaney Jo...we love you!
Mackenzie Rae...loving the parade.
