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><channel><title>beach &#8211; MI Taylor Family</title> <atom:link href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/tag/beach/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com</link> <description>We live in Michigan.</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 13 Oct 2019 02:28:40 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.25</generator> <item><title>The Epic Summer of 2017</title><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2017/11/07/the-epic-summer-of-2017/</link> <comments>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2017/11/07/the-epic-summer-of-2017/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:49:20 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[justeeni]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Sweet Family Memories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trips and Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cherry picking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fun]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Cherry Festival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pittsburgh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Haven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[together]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toledo Zoo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traverse City]]></category> <category><![CDATA[triathlon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vacation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vacation Bible School]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false">http://mitaylorfamily.com/?p=1347</guid> <description><![CDATA[We&#8217;re into our third month of school, leaves are falling, and the air is definitely chilly, but I wanted to share some of the memories we created this summer. I&#8217;ve been meaning to write this for months, but with four &#8230; <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2017/11/07/the-epic-summer-of-2017/">Continue reading <span
class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re into our third month of school, leaves are falling, and the air is definitely chilly, but I wanted to share some of the memories we created this summer. I&#8217;ve been meaning to write this for months, but with four Little Ones&#8230;well, you know.</p><p>At the beginning of every summer, our church ladies get together at Hidden Lake Gardens for a retreat. I&#8217;ve made it a family tradition to bring along one daughter each year for some one-on-one Mommy-daughter time. This year was Lydia&#8217;s turn and she was absolutely thrilled about going. The theme was &#8220;Transformation&#8221; with butterflies tied into everything from the activities to the decorations to the talks. There were caterpillars and butterflies adorning the tables at lunch and, at the end of the day, we released butterflies on the top of a hill. Lydia had a blast.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1259" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2300.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="466" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2300.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2300-300x212.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2300-425x300.jpg 425w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1260" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2311.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="454" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2311.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2311-300x206.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2311-436x300.jpg 436w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1261" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2324.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="461" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2324.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2324-300x210.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2324-430x300.jpg 430w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Our family made one more visit to the Toledo Zoo before our membership ran out and we let the kids ride one of the carousels. Growing up, my own parents often took &#8220;carousel pictures&#8221;, so here&#8217;s to carrying on that tradition.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1262" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2359.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="474" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2359.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2359-300x215.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2359-418x300.jpg 418w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1263" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2364.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="459" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2364.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2364-300x209.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2364-431x300.jpg 431w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>The first week in July we spent up North, visiting family and enjoying the Cherry Festival and Traverse City beauty. We squeezed in lots of visits, two beach days, a day at the Cherry Festival, and cherry picking. We had planned on staying in a cabin near town, but the cabin was too musty, and, since Dan is particularly sensitive to mold, we made an emergency call to my parents and decided to haul our Little Crew over there. That turned out to be great because we got extra family time and we were even closer to everyone we wanted to visit and everything we wanted to do. It was fun, but exhaustingly fun.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1264" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2394.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="466" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2394.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2394-300x212.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2394-425x300.jpg 425w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1265" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2399.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="457" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2399.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2399-300x208.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2399-433x300.jpg 433w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>One night, my parents took the three big kids and Dan and I got to go on a free VIP Cherry Festival date.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1266" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2420.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="448" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2420.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2420-300x204.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2420-442x300.jpg 442w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> My sister and her family came too. <img
src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1267" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2421.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="422" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2421.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2421-300x192.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2421-469x300.jpg 469w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>The girls looked so sweet all tuckered out from the fun.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1268" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2424.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="418" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2424.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2424-300x190.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2424-474x300.jpg 474w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1269" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2426.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="446" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2426.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2426-300x203.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2426-444x300.jpg 444w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>One of my favorite moments from the trip was relaxing under a cherry tree after a morning of picking cherries. We had packed a lunch, and we just rested there eating our picnic and enjoying some time together.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1270" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2437.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="417" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2437.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2437-300x190.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2437-475x300.jpg 475w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1271" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2441.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="452" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2441.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2441-300x205.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2441-438x300.jpg 438w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Ever since last year&#8217;s <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2016/12/22/taylor-christmas-letter-2016/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">family Christmas photo attempt</a>, I&#8217;ve taken to a new philosophy: capturing life as it really is. Tears and all. (Some say you can&#8217;t have too much fun. You can. This is what it looks like.)</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1272" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2447.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="452" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2447.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2447-300x205.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2447-438x300.jpg 438w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> Papa entertained the kids for a few minutes while Dan and I unloaded the car.<br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1273" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2450.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="421" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2450.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2450-300x191.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2450-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>A couple more visits&#8230;</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1274" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2454.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="495" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2454.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2454-300x225.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2454-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1275" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2460.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="402" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2460.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2460-300x183.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2460-493x300.jpg 493w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Our kids love the children&#8217;s parade because&#8230;candy.  For once-a-year tourists, they&#8217;re getting pretty good at snagging the candy. Even Paul caught on this year.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1276" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2462.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="463" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2462.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2462-300x210.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2462-428x300.jpg 428w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1277" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2463.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="516" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2463.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2463-300x235.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2463-384x300.jpg 384w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1278" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2471.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="436" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2471.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2471-300x198.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2471-454x300.jpg 454w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1279" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2479.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="420" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2479.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2479-300x191.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2479-471x300.jpg 471w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Toward the end of our trip we realized that the kids really only wanted to go to the beach. We tried to squeeze in a little more time there on our last day.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1280" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2484.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="495" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2484.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2484-300x225.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2484-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1281" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2492.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="467" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2492.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2492-300x212.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2492-424x300.jpg 424w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1282" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2493.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="462" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2493.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2493-300x210.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2493-429x300.jpg 429w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1284" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2496.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="401" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2496.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2496-300x182.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2496-494x300.jpg 494w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1285" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2500.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="460" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2500.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2500-300x209.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2500-430x300.jpg 430w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>And then it was time to head home. The next day was our Church Picnic followed by a busy week of Camp Tikva (our version of Vacation Bible School).</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1286" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2507.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="476" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2507.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2507-300x216.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2507-416x300.jpg 416w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1287" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2528.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="452" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2528.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2528-300x205.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2528-438x300.jpg 438w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1288" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2544.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="464" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2544.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2544-300x211.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2544-427x300.jpg 427w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1289" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2546.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="479" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2546.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2546-300x218.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2546-413x300.jpg 413w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1290" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2547.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="615" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2547.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2547-300x280.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2547-322x300.jpg 322w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Every year the kids learn a large Bible Memory passage set to music. Those who learn it and can recite it for their counselors get a prize. Lydia was so excited to get her prize on the very last day.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1291" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2550.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="478" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2550.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2550-300x217.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2550-414x300.jpg 414w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Once we recovered from the craziness of having a week of vacation followed by Camp Tikva, I gave Dan his first-ever day off. We sent him out of the house to have a day alone to read and pray and bike and think. The kids and I had a tea party lunch and played games.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1294" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2561.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="387" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2561.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2561-300x176.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2561-500x293.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1296" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2574.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="465" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2574.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2574-300x211.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2574-426x300.jpg 426w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1295" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2568.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="470" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2568.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2568-300x214.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2568-421x300.jpg 421w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Lydia lost her first tooth. And then her second.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1297" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2577.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="491" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2577.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2577-300x223.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2577-403x300.jpg 403w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>And I raced in a triathlon. This was actually what made this summer so epic for me. Every other summer since Dan and I got married has had its share of difficulty (pregnancy, NICU stays, temporary living situations, working crazy hours, etc.) so this summer felt epic to me. With Dan&#8217;s help and support (and weekly babysitting help from Dan&#8217;s mom), I trained four days a week to be able to complete a sprint triathlon (1/4 mile swim, 14 mile bike ride, 2 mile trail run). I could write a whole post on this, but I just don&#8217;t have time. In short, it was SO FUN but also so hard. I definitely would like to do another one someday, but I think Dan&#8217;s going to have to do one first. I was by no means near the front of the pack, but I didn&#8217;t come in last place either, so that was good enough for me. The goal was to get back in shape and have fun and both of those goals were accomplished.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1299" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2590.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="323" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2590.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2590-300x147.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2590-500x245.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1300" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2597.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="400" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2597.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2597-300x182.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2597-495x300.jpg 495w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1257" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-041-024h.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="380" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-041-024h.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-041-024h-300x173.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-041-024h-500x288.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1258" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-053-029h.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="402" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-053-029h.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-053-029h-300x183.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/142033-053-029h-493x300.jpg 493w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1301" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2625.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="441" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2625.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2625-300x200.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2625-449x300.jpg 449w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>After the race we spent a day at our church camping trip. Then we stopped for ice cream on the way home. Best ice cream stop of the summer.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1302" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2626.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="393" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2626.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2626-300x179.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2626-500x298.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Since our kids so desperately wanted more beach time in Traverse City, and since I feel like they&#8217;re deprived not living ten minutes from the beach (like I did), we planned a sort of last-minute beach trip to the West Side of the state.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1303" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2675.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="425" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2675.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2675-300x193.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2675-466x300.jpg 466w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>We found a family-friendly bed-and-breakfast and had a wonderful stay. Getting to eat breakfast, play in the pool, then go to the beach definitely brought smiles (and good sleep) to all of our kids.</p><p><img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1304" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2677.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="456" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2677.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2677-300x207.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2677-434x300.jpg 434w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1305" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2678.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="438" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2678.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2678-300x199.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2678-452x300.jpg 452w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1306" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2679.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="424" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2679.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2679-300x193.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2679-467x300.jpg 467w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1307" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2687.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="463" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2687.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2687-300x210.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2687-428x300.jpg 428w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1308" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2691.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="433" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2691.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2691-300x197.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2691-457x300.jpg 457w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1309" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2698.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="468" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2698.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2698-300x213.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2698-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1311" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2704.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="355" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2704.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2704-300x161.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2704-500x269.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1310" src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2699.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="434" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2699.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2699-300x197.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2699-456x300.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2708.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="389" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1312" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2708.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2708-300x177.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2708-500x295.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2718.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="483" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1313" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2718.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2718-300x220.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2718-410x300.jpg 410w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Shortly after our beach trip, we embarked on a long-awaited vacation in Pittsburgh.  What&#8217;s in Pittsburgh?  That&#8217;s what everyone would ask us, and we honestly didn&#8217;t know.  We knew we wanted to visit a big city, just our family, and our first pick was Boston.  We decided Boston was too far away to drive with these kiddos, so we looked at a map and picked something within driving distance.</p><p>On our way down (and back) we stopped at Brandywine Falls in Ohio.  It&#8217;s just a short walk from the parking lot to the falls, perfect for the short break we needed.</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2727.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="495" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1314" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2727.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2727-300x225.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2727-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>We fell in love with Pittsburgh.  The amazing city views, welcoming old neighborhoods, incredibly hilly winding roads, three rivers, a million bridges, and tons of fun things to do.  We visited a science museum, children&#8217;s museum, parks, play grounds, unique restaurants, and a natural history museum.  We stayed at an old apartment building that had been renovated and converted into hotel suites.  One of my favorite parts of this trip was waking up in the morning, eating a casual breakfast together, taking our time getting ready for the day, and talking about the fun we had planned.</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2731.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="441" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1315" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2731.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2731-300x200.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2731-449x300.jpg 449w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2735.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="401" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1316" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2735.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2735-300x182.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2735-494x300.jpg 494w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2740.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="434" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1317" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2740.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2740-300x197.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2740-456x300.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2744.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="419" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1318" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2744.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2744-300x190.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2744-473x300.jpg 473w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2746.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1319" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2746.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2746-300x273.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2746-330x300.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2747.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="419" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1320" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2747.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2747-300x190.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2747-473x300.jpg 473w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>We also took the kids to a Pirate&#8217;s game, starting with batting practice.  The evening turned out to be WAY too much fun for our family to handle, but batting practice sure was fun.  Each of the kids got a baseball while the Cubs were practicing.</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2753.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="401" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1321" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2753.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2753-300x182.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2753-494x300.jpg 494w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2757.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="414" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1323" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2757.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2757-300x188.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2757-478x300.jpg 478w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2756.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="460" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1322" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2756.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2756-300x209.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2756-430x300.jpg 430w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2759.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="451" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1324" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2759.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2759-300x205.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2759-439x300.jpg 439w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2765.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="394" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1325" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2765.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2765-300x179.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2765-500x298.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>We took an inclined railroad up Mount Washington and ate at an Italian restaurant with a beautiful view.  And we took a few now-classic &#8220;take it like it is&#8221; family pictures.</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2792.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="419" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1328" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2792.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2792-300x190.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2792-473x300.jpg 473w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2776.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="390" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1326" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2776.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2776-300x177.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2776-500x295.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2785.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="425" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1327" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2785.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2785-300x193.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2785-466x300.jpg 466w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>And then there were more museums&#8230;</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2797.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="495" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1329" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2797.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2797-300x225.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2797-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2800.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="497" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1330" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2800.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2800-300x226.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2800-398x300.jpg 398w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2803.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="476" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1331" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2803.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2803-300x216.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2803-416x300.jpg 416w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2804.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="443" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1332" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2804.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2804-300x201.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2804-447x300.jpg 447w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>Our last day there we made it to the River Walk, something I had on my list of things to do.  When we got to the &#8220;water steps&#8221; we had to hustle to keep the kids from jumping right in (which would have been a lot of fun if the weather had been warmer!)</p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2805.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="554" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1333" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2805.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2805-300x252.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2805-357x300.jpg 357w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2808.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="468" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1335" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2808.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2808-300x213.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2808-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2807.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="512" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1334" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2807.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2807-300x233.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2807-387x300.jpg 387w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p><p>And so wrapped up our epic summer.  We gradually have made our transition into fall and are currently enjoying the school year, colorful leaves, and lots of apples and pumpkins.</p><p><img
src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><p><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2863.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="450" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1338" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2863.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2863-300x205.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2863-440x300.jpg 440w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2875.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="498" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1339" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2875.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2875-300x226.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2875-398x300.jpg 398w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2854.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="465" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1337" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2854.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2854-300x211.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2854-426x300.jpg 426w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><br
/> <img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2847.jpg?189db0" alt="" width="660" height="449" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1336" srcset="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2847.jpg 660w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2847-300x204.jpg 300w, http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_2847-441x300.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2017/11/07/the-epic-summer-of-2017/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Our Summer Family Staycation &#8211; Part 2</title><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2016/09/21/our-summer-family-staycation-part-2/</link> <comments>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2016/09/21/our-summer-family-staycation-part-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2016 11:15:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[justeeni]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Trips and Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blueberry picking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Plymouth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Haven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[splash pad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[staycation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trip]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vacation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[waffles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false">https://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/?p=1103</guid> <description><![CDATA[(You can read about the first half of our staycation here.) Wednesday morning we got up early, loaded everyone into the van, and started driving straight West, to South Haven. I&#8217;d never been to South Haven before, and had heard &#8230; <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2016/09/21/our-summer-family-staycation-part-2/">Continue reading <span
class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>(You can read about the first half of our staycation <a
href="https://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/our-summer-family-staycation-part-1/" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p><p>Wednesday morning we got up early, loaded everyone into the van, and started driving straight West, to South Haven.  I&#8217;d never been to South Haven before, and had heard good things about it.  When our vacation budget started shrinking this winter (due to unexpected home repairs) we decided to stay home for vacation, but then I had the idea that we could spend one night somewhere on a beach and give the kids a couple of beach days on Lake Michigan.  So, Dan booked a local hotel about as close to the beach as we could get and we planned a two day outing in South Haven.</p><p>When we got to town, we grabbed some lunch and headed straight for the beach.  It was, after all, the whole reason we had come.  Abby wasn&#8217;t too sure about the water, but Lydia loved it.  Paul played in the sand, and eventually figured out that he could sit in the wet sand just close enough to the water to feel the waves hitting his legs.  So that became his little home on the beach.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1067_zpsp1omlkxi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1067_zpsp1omlkxi.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1067_zpsp1omlkxi.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1069_zpsbdv6q63r.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1069_zpsbdv6q63r.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1069_zpsbdv6q63r.jpg" /></a></p><p>Although we had mentally planned on spending the whole day at the beach, it turns out a whole day is too long for our family to do any one thing.  Paul and Mommy, in particular were worn out and ready for a nap after about an hour in the sun.  So we made the half mile trek to our hotel and checked in.  The hotel was fantastic, and I was so glad I let Dan talk me into staying in one of the local ones closer to the beach.  As it was, we spent a LOT of time walking, but it was nice to just park the car and leave it in the parking lot for our whole stay.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1070_zpsmtyabdwy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1070_zpsmtyabdwy.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1070_zpsmtyabdwy.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1075_zps8c0zjorp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1075_zps8c0zjorp.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1075_zps8c0zjorp.jpg" /></a></p><p>After a little rest in our hotel we explored downtown and grabbed some dinner.  Then we headed back to the beach in time to watch the sun set.  The kids loved playing in the sand, while Dad and Mom just relaxed on a bench and watched the sun go down over the water.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1076_zpscp1tzsly.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1076_zpscp1tzsly.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1076_zpscp1tzsly.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1080_zpslehj489t.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1080_zpslehj489t.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1080_zpslehj489t.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1081_zpsesfeyiyy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1081_zpsesfeyiyy.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1081_zpsesfeyiyy.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1082_zpsaidkt0d4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1082_zpsaidkt0d4.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1082_zpsaidkt0d4.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1083_zpsolhtedbw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1083_zpsolhtedbw.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1083_zpsolhtedbw.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1085_zpsy94spxgc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1085_zpsy94spxgc.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1085_zpsy94spxgc.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1091_zpsmc7yokhw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1091_zpsmc7yokhw.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1091_zpsmc7yokhw.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1125_zpssgcr0tkj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1125_zpssgcr0tkj.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1125_zpssgcr0tkj.jpg" /></a></p><p>As soon as the sun set, everyone cleared off the beach and our family called it a night.  The next morning we got up early to get in a little beach time before naps and heading home.  It wasn&#8217;t <em>that</em> early, but we still got the whole beach to ourselves.  It was just us and the sea gulls.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1135_zpsbzwnarn2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1135_zpsbzwnarn2.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1135_zpsbzwnarn2.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1137_zpskiogruhp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1137_zpskiogruhp.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1137_zpskiogruhp.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1141_zpstn4c4vcm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1141_zpstn4c4vcm.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1141_zpstn4c4vcm.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1143_zpspy7nkyh3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1143_zpspy7nkyh3.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1143_zpspy7nkyh3.jpg" /></a></p><p>On our way out of town, we stopped to go blueberry picking.  We had high hopes of picking three buckets.  Soon, however, we realized the girls would not be able to fill their own bucket.  So, we set our hopes on picking two full buckets.  Then we realized how long it takes to pick blueberries and how impatient our children were becoming.  We set Abby and Lydia to work picking blueberries to feed to Paul while Dan and I picked as fast as we could and left exhausted with just under one bucket of blueberries.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1145_zpsas7t57ze.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1145_zpsas7t57ze.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1145_zpsas7t57ze.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1146_zpsmdtzhirw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1146_zpsmdtzhirw.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1146_zpsmdtzhirw.jpg" /></a></p><p>Not to worry, though.  One bucket of blueberries is enough to eat several hand-fulls, to make two blueberry desserts and blueberry waffles, and to freeze some for snacking later.  (Our family loves to eat frozen blueberries for a treat).</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1148_zpsjpdutcix.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1148_zpsjpdutcix.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1148_zpsjpdutcix.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1149_zpse1k8ipfn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1149_zpse1k8ipfn.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1149_zpse1k8ipfn.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1150_zpsj4qmi3hs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1150_zpsj4qmi3hs.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1150_zpsj4qmi3hs.jpg" /></a></p><p>Friday was a day of rest.  Apart from making waffles and taking afternoon naps, we didn&#8217;t really do anything but stay home.  Saturday was going to be our grand-finale: a day at the splash pad.  When the time came, we got into the car just in time to hear thunder and feel the first rain drops of a storm.  We went to the splash pad anyway, hoping the storm would pass quickly.  Then we sat in the parking lot listening to the thunder, watching the lightening, and discussing how irresponsible it would be to let our kids play on the splash pad with lightening in sight.  We finally decided to drive to Plymouth and walk around instead, once the storm lightened up. It didn&#8217;t seem like a day for the splash pad, after all.</p><p>The rain was pretty much done by the time we got to Plymouth, and, as it turned out, there was a free event going on where the kid could do activities and pick out prizes.  So, the kids got their prizes and we had a special dinner out followed up by dessert with Grandpa.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1153_zpsqicyor5i.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1153_zpsqicyor5i.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1153_zpsqicyor5i.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1154_zps4pcktjai.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1154_zps4pcktjai.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1154_zps4pcktjai.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/IMG_1155_zpspicokaqw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/IMG_1155_zpspicokaqw.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1155_zpspicokaqw.jpg" /></a></p><p>We made it home late and fell into bed, exhausted, but pleased that our staycation was a success.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2016/09/21/our-summer-family-staycation-part-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>This is a Fun Time!</title><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/29/this-is-a-fun-time/</link> <comments>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/29/this-is-a-fun-time/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:05:10 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[justeeni]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Sweet Family Memories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trips and Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cherry picking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[downtown]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reunion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[swimming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[toes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traverse City]]></category> <category><![CDATA[visit]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false">http://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/?p=572</guid> <description><![CDATA[We&#8217;re back from our up-North Traverse City vacation, and, while it was far from relaxing, we certainly enjoyed our time. We drove up late Wednesday night and took off again late Thursday morning to spend our first day in downtown &#8230; <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/29/this-is-a-fun-time/">Continue reading <span
class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re back from our up-North Traverse City vacation, and, while it was far from relaxing, we certainly enjoyed our time.  We drove up late Wednesday night and took off again late Thursday morning to spend our first day in downtown Traverse.</p><p>After searching hopelessly for a (free) parking space, we settled in at the library and enjoyed a packed lunch on the Boardman River.  Abby watched us eat for a while, then got down to roll around in the grass.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/wraps_zpsdd28b03d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/wraps_zpsdd28b03d.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo wraps_zpsdd28b03d.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbystrollerlunch_zps6184fd7d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbystrollerlunch_zps6184fd7d.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbystrollerlunch_zps6184fd7d.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbygrass_zps1de33949.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbygrass_zps1de33949.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbygrass_zps1de33949.jpg" /></a></p><p>Then we loaded the girls into their strollers and began the long trek down town.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiastroller_zpscbf1d668.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiastroller_zpscbf1d668.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiastroller_zpscbf1d668.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbystroller_zps7ba0bd34.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbystroller_zps7ba0bd34.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbystroller_zps7ba0bd34.jpg" /></a></p><p>Dan and I had forgotten about the relatively new water playground put in along our walk.  When we got there we schemed together for a while before asking Lydia, &#8220;Would you like to play?&#8221;  She was hesitant at first, but once she got a little wet she started running around squealing and laughing and having a great time.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/thinkingaboutit_zps8e9c3e1f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/thinkingaboutit_zps8e9c3e1f.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo thinkingaboutit_zps8e9c3e1f.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/waterpark_zps367bff4b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/waterpark_zps367bff4b.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo waterpark_zps367bff4b.jpg" /></a></p><p>What happened next was rather epic.  Lydia stood under the &#8220;waterfall&#8221; with water pouring down all around her.  She held out her arms and yelled to no one in particular, &#8220;THIS IS A FUN TIME!&#8221;.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/thisisafuntime_zps83daa5ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/thisisafuntime_zps83daa5ca.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo thisisafuntime_zps83daa5ca.jpg" /></a></p><p>By now she was dripping and shivering, so we brought an end to the water playground fun and continued our walk out to the pier to enjoy the beautiful blue water and to watch some boats.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Pier_zps477f5dde.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Pier_zps477f5dde.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Pier_zps477f5dde.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/DanAbbypier_zpsfdbd64fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/DanAbbypier_zpsfdbd64fb.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo DanAbbypier_zpsfdbd64fb.jpg" /></a></p><p>Then we walked a little more and came to a small stretch of beach.  All of us, including Abby, felt the sand between out toes. Only Lydia ventured into the water, but we had to hold her back so she could continue to dry off.  Silly parents that we were, we didn&#8217;t think to bring her a swimsuit, towel, or change of clothes.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Feet_zps991e2436.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Feet_zps991e2436.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Feet_zps991e2436.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbysandybeach_zpsee544c5a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbysandybeach_zpsee544c5a.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbysandybeach_zpsee544c5a.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiawater_zpsf242c846.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiawater_zpsf242c846.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiawater_zpsf242c846.jpg" /></a></p><p>We spent the rest of the afternoon walking through stores downtown, then headed back to Dan&#8217;s parents&#8217; house for some dinner and some much needed rest.</p><p>Friday we packed into the car once more and drove all the way out to the peninsula after a somewhat spontaneous decision to pick cherries.  (Some of you remember our <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/the-cherry-picking-project/">cherry-picking adventure</a> last year.  This was far less adventurous but equally fun).</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/peninsula_zpsa3e7996e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/peninsula_zpsa3e7996e.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo peninsula_zpsa3e7996e.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbywatching_zps3ceef2f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbywatching_zps3ceef2f4.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbywatching_zps3ceef2f4.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiapics_zps78727092.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiapics_zps78727092.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiapics_zps78727092.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/cherries_zpsdfba9d85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/cherries_zpsdfba9d85.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo cherries_zpsdfba9d85.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/DanJustine_zpsb73306dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/DanJustine_zpsb73306dd.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo DanJustine_zpsb73306dd.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/cherryjuice_zpsa621edc9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/cherryjuice_zpsa621edc9.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo cherryjuice_zpsa621edc9.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/pickedcherries_zpsa251662b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/pickedcherries_zpsa251662b.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo pickedcherries_zpsa251662b.jpg" /></a></p><p>We spent a little more time downtown and visited some of my family with an adorable new baby.  Then we met up with my family for dinner on the beach.  This time I brought extra clothes for Lydia and assured her I would come in the water with her and <a
href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154425017900517&amp;set=vb.535285516&amp;type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank">swim as deep as she wanted to go</a>.  The water was cold, so no one joined us, and afterward both girls had to be bundled up to fight the shivers.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/NanaAbby_zps7d6ab21d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/NanaAbby_zps7d6ab21d.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo NanaAbby_zps7d6ab21d.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiacold_zps279dad94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiacold_zps279dad94.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiacold_zps279dad94.jpg" /></a></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbycold_zps78a4320f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbycold_zps78a4320f.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbycold_zps78a4320f.jpg" /></a></p><p>We spent the rest of the evening at my parents&#8217; house chatting, while Lydia and Nana colored and played.  We stayed out far too late, but everyone enjoyed their time and even slept through the night that night. <img
src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/NanaandLydia_zps6fc4c22e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/NanaandLydia_zps6fc4c22e.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo NanaandLydia_zps6fc4c22e.jpg" /></a></p><p>Saturday was our Dexter family reunion, but that deserves its own post.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/29/this-is-a-fun-time/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>We&#8217;re Off Again!</title><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/24/were-off-again/</link> <comments>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/24/were-off-again/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2014 14:47:25 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[justeeni]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Trips and Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grandparents]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toddler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traverse City]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vacation]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false">http://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/?p=569</guid> <description><![CDATA[Yesterday we packed up some clothes, some food, and our girls and made the four-hour drive up North. This time we brought Dan with us too. For the next few days we&#8217;re planning on being &#8220;Traverse City tourists&#8221;. We&#8217;ll go &#8230; <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/24/were-off-again/">Continue reading <span
class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/suitcase_zps41da6f55.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/suitcase_zps41da6f55.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo suitcase_zps41da6f55.jpg" /></a></p><p>Yesterday we packed up some clothes, some food, and our girls and made the four-hour drive up North.  This time we brought Dan with us too.  For the next few days we&#8217;re planning on being &#8220;Traverse City tourists&#8221;.  We&#8217;ll go to the beach, walk downtown, and spend some quality time with our families.  Even as I write this, Lydia is having a blast with Grandma mixing colored sand and playing outside.  Saturday is a big family reunion, so check back with us next week for lots of pictures of our trip.  Happy weekend everybody, see you when we come back down!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/07/24/were-off-again/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Taylor Girls&#8217; TC Escape</title><link>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/06/17/taylor-girls-tc-escape/</link> <comments>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/06/17/taylor-girls-tc-escape/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:08:20 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator><![CDATA[justeeni]]></dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Trips and Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ducklings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grandparents]]></category> <category><![CDATA[helper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[kiddie pool]]></category> <category><![CDATA[naps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[surprise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Traverse City]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tricycle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trip]]></category> <category><![CDATA[visit]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false">http://mitaylorfamily.wordpress.com/?p=522</guid> <description><![CDATA[Well we&#8217;re back from our week up North. In all it was a great trip visiting family, relaxing, working on Abby&#8217;s quilt, and getting out of our basement &#8220;home&#8221;. And even though it was our first real time away from &#8230; <a
href="http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/06/17/taylor-girls-tc-escape/">Continue reading <span
class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/smilingabs_zps635b77af.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/smilingabs_zps635b77af.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo smilingabs_zps635b77af.jpg" /></a></p><p>Well we&#8217;re back from our week up North.  In all it was a great trip visiting family, relaxing, working on Abby&#8217;s quilt, and getting out of our basement &#8220;home&#8221;.  And even though it was our first real time away from Dan, we pulled it off without any major catastrophes.</p><p>We started the trip off by meeting Dan&#8217;s Dad in Alma, about half of the way up North.  Once we found the right gas station, we took a break to stretch our legs and transfer all of our luggage.  (Even when we&#8217;re only going to be away for a week, and we&#8217;re without Dan, we still end up with a LOT of luggage.)  Then Grandpa Taylor took us straight in to Bob Evans to grab a bite to eat and say &#8220;hello&#8221; to Grandma Taylor, who was working at the time.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/BobEvangs_zps0b316326.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/BobEvangs_zps0b316326.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo BobEvangs_zps0b316326.jpg" /></a></p><p>Soon we were back on the road heading to my family&#8217;s house for the night.  Lydia was getting pretty excited.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiatripup_zps8ec81510.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiatripup_zps8ec81510.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiatripup_zps8ec81510.jpg" /></a></p><p>Monday was our big beach day.  After stocking up on some beachy essentials (flip flops, sunglasses, a new outfit for Abby, and a beach umbrella), Nana took us all (Lydia, Abby, and myself, Aunt Christina, and cousins Colten and Coby) to the beach where we met up with Aunt Steph, Uncle Nate, and Uncle Tim.  It was the first time all of the Carlson kids have been at the beach together since who-knows-when, and it was a lot of fun.</p><p>It wasn&#8217;t long before Coby found a nice stick.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Cobystick_zps185ecc30.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Cobystick_zps185ecc30.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Cobystick_zps185ecc30.jpg" /></a></p><p>And Lydia taught the cousins her favorite beach game: throwing sand into the water.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/throwingsand_zpsa09dcca6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/throwingsand_zpsa09dcca6.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo throwingsand_zpsa09dcca6.jpg" /></a></p><p>At one point a family of ducks came walking right in the middle of our family&#8217;s circle on the sand.  I couldn&#8217;t believe how close they got!  You&#8217;ll notice the duckling in the picture is almost sitting right on top of Uncle Tim&#8217;s foot.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/babyducks_zpsda80fd2d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/babyducks_zpsda80fd2d.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo babyducks_zpsda80fd2d.jpg" /></a></p><p>Nana got in some good Abby-holding time.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/NanaandAbby_zps279ebd82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/NanaandAbby_zps279ebd82.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo NanaandAbby_zps279ebd82.jpg" /></a></p><p>And I did too.  It was so nice to be back at the beach again.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/MeandAbbybeach_zps21b32c8f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/MeandAbbybeach_zps21b32c8f.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo MeandAbbybeach_zps21b32c8f.jpg" /></a></p><p>Lydia looked right at home on the beach with her new sunglasses and flip-flops.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/beachbabe_zpsb908bd68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/beachbabe_zpsb908bd68.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo beachbabe_zpsb908bd68.jpg" /></a></p><p>When we got home that night there was a big pile of dishes to wash.  Lydia insisted on helping Nana with them.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/dishes_zps65ab9f54.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/dishes_zps65ab9f54.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo dishes_zps65ab9f54.jpg" /></a><br
/> <a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/dishes2_zps40391aed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/dishes2_zps40391aed.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo dishes2_zps40391aed.jpg" /></a></p><p>Tuesday we took it easy at home.  It was a cooler day, but Lydia and her cousins had fun playing with Papa in the back yard.  Afterwards, Lydia and Colten &#8220;helped&#8221; Papa edit some of the videos from the latest Disney trip.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/PapaAuntStef_zps99e2e694.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/PapaAuntStef_zps99e2e694.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo PapaAuntStef_zps99e2e694.jpg" /></a></p><p>When Nana got home from work that night, Lydia got to open her birthday present.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Birthdaygifts_zps06d9cf4b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Birthdaygifts_zps06d9cf4b.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Birthdaygifts_zps06d9cf4b.jpg" /></a></p><p>Then Papa took us to visit all of the great-grandparents.  This was the first time Abby got to go to her Great Grandma Carlson&#8217;s house.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/GmaC_zpsbf770246.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/GmaC_zpsbf770246.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo GmaC_zpsbf770246.jpg" /></a></p><p>Great Grandma&#8217;s may not be the place to find all sorts of toddler toys, but Lydia was pretty happy playing with a rug and a pillow, pretending to nap.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/nappingatGmaCs_zps2d4cf392.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/nappingatGmaCs_zps2d4cf392.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo nappingatGmaCs_zps2d4cf392.jpg" /></a></p><p>Wednesday morning we packed up again and Grandma Taylor picked us up and brought us out to her house.  She surprised Lydia with a &#8220;big girl bed&#8221; but Lydia calls it her &#8220;little bed&#8221;.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/biggirlbed_zpsf02ed3b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/biggirlbed_zpsf02ed3b5.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo biggirlbed_zpsf02ed3b5.jpg" /></a></p><p>There was also a tricycle waiting for Lydia.  Grandma had a lot of fun giving Lydia trike lessons.  After a while she seemed to be getting the hang of it.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/trikelessons_zpsb8aa3560.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/trikelessons_zpsb8aa3560.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo trikelessons_zpsb8aa3560.jpg" /></a></p><p>Thursday Grandma got in some quality time with Abs&#8230;</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/bouncyseat_zps29fa691c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/bouncyseat_zps29fa691c.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo bouncyseat_zps29fa691c.jpg" /></a></p><p>And Lydia.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/coloring_zps0f57dc61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/coloring_zps0f57dc61.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo coloring_zps0f57dc61.jpg" /></a></p><p>It was hot enough to spend some time outside, so after planting some sunflowers, Lydia changed into her swimsuit and had a blast splashing in Grandma&#8217;s kiddie pool.  Then she found the hose and watered her newly planted sunflowers.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/swimming_zpsc69d1f65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/swimming_zpsc69d1f65.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo swimming_zpsc69d1f65.jpg" /></a></p><p>In the afternoon, Great Gramma and Grampa came to visit with Great Aunt Debbie.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/GrammaD_zps593f3de2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/GrammaD_zps593f3de2.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo GrammaD_zps593f3de2.jpg" /></a></p><p>Abby tried out Aunt Debbie&#8217;s Tigers hat.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Detroithat_zpsa66d52ee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Detroithat_zpsa66d52ee.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Detroithat_zpsa66d52ee.jpg" /></a></p><p>For dinner, Grandma and Grandpa had the idea to make homemade Qdoba.  Lydia loved getting a big burrito all to herself.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/burrito_zpsd2f0c073.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/burrito_zpsd2f0c073.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo burrito_zpsd2f0c073.jpg" /></a></p><p>Thursday was also the night Lydia figured out how to peddle the tricycle.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/trikemaster_zps3b7977a4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/trikemaster_zps3b7977a4.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo trikemaster_zps3b7977a4.jpg" /></a></p><p>Friday was chilly so we ran some errands and took Lydia to her first garage sales.  She brought that big white purse <em>everywhere</em> we went.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Lydiadressedup_zps0489e5a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Lydiadressedup_zps0489e5a3.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Lydiadressedup_zps0489e5a3.jpg" /></a></p><p>Much to our surprise and delight, Dan took half a day off work and surprised us when he walked in the door about six hours earlier than we expected him.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Danshere_zps36b7c851.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Danshere_zps36b7c851.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Danshere_zps36b7c851.jpg" /></a></p><p>It was perfect timing because he was able to join us for a belated birthday dinner for Lydia.  Grandpa grilled and we enjoyed a delicious meal followed up by some Lydia-approved dessert.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Birthday_zpsa40b1b40.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Birthday_zpsa40b1b40.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Birthday_zpsa40b1b40.jpg" /></a></p><p>Saturday was bittersweet as we packed up and said our goodbyes.  It was totally out of character for her, but Abby slept the <em>whole way home</em>.</p><p><a
href="http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/justeeni/media/Trips/Abbycar_zpsb028ed9b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img
src="http://mitaylorfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/pb/Trips/Abbycar_zpsb028ed9b.jpg?189db0" border="0" alt=" photo Abbycar_zpsb028ed9b.jpg" /></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://mitaylorfamily.com/2014/06/17/taylor-girls-tc-escape/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>