We headed to Michigan for our annual trip with two other families. This was the 5th year of the annual trip, the 3rd year with kids, and as always fun times. I think husbands may have been longing for the office, not this so-called "vacation" when multiple children were crying and such, and I thought at times how we miss our first (childless) trips to Napa and Park City! But, there's no way we could give up the smiles and laughter our children bring us! Case in point, Brooke and Hailey laughing together in a rocking chair.
Play-doh time! Molly and Keira look to the "big kids" for sculpting advice.
Dinner time with 6 little mouths...that 5pm witching hour necessitated early and often opening of wine bottles...
Despite cold weather, we headed out to an apple orchard we visited last year (Jollay). Besides apples, the orchard features pumpkins and fun games for the children.
With lots of walking, picking and rough terrain, Keira and Sam were confined to their strollers, much to their dismay.
To get to the actual orchards for picking, we loaded up on a "hayride". Ross had his hands full with the big kids: Charlie, Brooke and Hailey, while Mike kept Molly warm for the ride, and Brooke and Hailey moved over to Heather after a bit.
The older kids were given a bushel to carry....well, that quickly turned into a game of putting it over their heads.
The picking (and sampling) begins. A fair number of apples were eaten during the afternoon; I'm surprised no one had upset tummies later!
(well, Brooke did, but I think that was something different altogether)
Brooke finds the low hanging fruit, and being a nice big sister, offers Keira a bite.
Dad and Brooke pick, pick, pick!
Mom helps Keira take a bite as she helps with some picking as well. Erin also gets a bite from her hubby.
Our little laborers!
Dad and Keira walking back after a full day.
Smiles from Dad and Keira, but we can't see Brooke!
The next day, we headed to Amazing Acres. A great farm with a petting zoo, fun games, pumpkins and other rides. Bringing many laughs (and dusty clothes) was the corn pit. The kids jumped in and played in this odd "sand box."
There were big tractors and tricycles to ride...
...and a cow train!
(cow carts pulled by an ATV)
Oh, how Keira wanted to ride it -- this was as close as she got.
Even a tee pee was found!
The last day of our trip was Football Sunday, with everyone in the house sporting their Bears shirts. After keeping the children in the house so we could watch the game, we ventured outside for a couple last hours of play and photos.
Hailey, Charlie and Brooke loved this swing set ride..
Mom with Molly and Keira, then with Brooke and Keira.
We attempted a "children-only" photo. Didn't go so well. Ended up just shooting the "big kids."
Despite colder than preferred weather, a Donovan flat tire, and a sick Brooke, we had a great time!
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