Torch Lake

We made our annual trip up North to spend time with my family @ Torch Lake. We had a great time...as always...although the weather wasn't very cooperative!!!

Emma spent most of her time trying to lure unsuspecting adults into playing catch with her....for LONG periods of time! :)

We decided to make a day trip to Mackinaw Island this year. The day started out rainy, but ended up being beautiful!

Here we are on the ferry rideThe first stop was a fudge shop....of course...what else is there to do on the island??? :)

We did find something else to do...we had to work off the fudge anyway! :)

Nicole and Rob just being...Nicole and Rob! :)

We decided the girls weren't quite ready for a 4 mile bike ride around the island! They were great riders!
We stopped about half way around for a rest. We played in the lake and took a bunch of pictures...of course!

Phil was trying to teach Maddie how to skip rocks...she'll get the hang of it eventually!

The bridge (and a random row boat)!

Skippin' the stones with Uncle Robby

Arch Rock

More fudge....Don't judge us!!!

We were hungry!!!

There isn't anything else to eat there, you know!!! :)

Maddie enjoying her chocolate covered Rice Krispy Treat! YUMMY

Although "Philip" means "lover of horses"...he is also a lover of historical signs!!! We stop at EVERY sign..no matter where we are!

This is his signature sign reading pose!

The Grand Hotel.

We were mere commoners in "slacks"

so we were not allowed to enter the premises after 4:00pm!

The dress code is pretty strict when you stay here.

We got pretty close to take some pictures....although we were being watched pretty closely by a security guard!

The gardens around the hotel are amazing!

It looked like it was going to storm so we decided to head back a little early.

It did start to rain on the ride back...but that didn't stop Phil from sitting on the back deck....alone...all wet... :)

Phil and I took the girls Kayaking one morning!

Getting ready for a boat ride...

Sweatshirts in August = Crazy Summer!

My Aunt & Uncle's cottage

The drivers...

It did finally warm up, and we were able to enjoy the lake and the activities that go along with it!

My mom showing off her Frisbee skills!

Emma and Phil getting ready to walk off the sand bar

This lake is always so beautiful

and we are so grateful that we are able to come up here and enjoy it every year!!!