August 7 & 8

In the early afternoon we head over to my uncle and aunt’s property to visit with all the relatives and to see the new house they built. It is so nice to visit with everyone. Most of us live far apart from each other in “real life.”

Their cozy niche in the world, a respite from traffic, deadlines, meetings and emergencies. Blessed.

Gavin visits the awesome staircase library ~

Greta and her Dad check out the screened in living space that is underway. The mosquitos up here are horrible. I thought it was very woods-savvy to have the underside of the deck planks screened also. No bugs allowed!

We immediately notice the heart inside ~

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
(1 John 4:12)

Boggy!

The unique tree formations make me pause in wonder.

They also make great hiding spots for little girls during games of Hide n’ Seek!

William, Kelly, Gavin and I head off to The Islander for dinner. Greta opted to stay behind with her cousins. It’s nice (and important) to spend one on one time with each of the kids.

(He doesn’t realize his picture is being taken!!! >:)

Hustla

On our walk down to the Hessel Marina after dinner we are intrigued to see the same boat that we saw just the day before on Mackinac Island. In my quest to find out more about this boat, I found these pictures (<– click link) online of its really cool interior. It is rumored to be owned by the owner of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

“Yes, operator? I’d like to place a text to Melanie to let her know my Instagram screen name? It’s ALEISAAK.”

Okay. Now here we go trying to get a nice picture again. As you can see, the mere sight of a camera (phone) pointed in Gavin’s direction and a request to SMILE(!) elicits this response. I’m all, “Gavin! Come. On. Really? Please?”

I’m completely confused as to where he gets it from. It really doesn’t make any sense.

Haha!!! I guess we’ll see that one on Awkward Family Photos at some point.

We are back to Island No. 8 in time to catch the sunset from the Kissing Bridge where we are reunited with sweet Greta.

It’s not even possible to capture the beauty of this sunset with my iphone, alas.

It’s hard to believe this is our last full day. The two weeks flew by so fast, just as we knew they would. Mom & Dad are out on one first and last kayak excursion ~

Greta and her Daddy head off on a jet ski adventure to explore new lands and islands.

William took this really cool picture of Greta standing on a rock with the vastness of Lake Huron behind her ~

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
(‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭16-19‬ NIV)

Meanwhile, I am off an a shopping excursion with my Mom, sister and Kelly. One cannot have too many Les Cheneaux sweatshirts, T-shirts, etc.

While shopping in the Pine Cone Gift Store I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Rachael T. who recognized me as “Nora’s Mom.” Again, I remind you, we are almost 600 miles away from the Greater Cincinnati area, which is where Rachael is from also! It really is an incredibly small world! We really LOVE meeting blog followers! Thanks for saying Hi, Rachael!

Back home and out on the dock I watch with raised eyebrows as Gavin takes the reins of the jet ski. He stayed close by and docked it like a pro!

Rather proud of ‘eemself!

Ship in ~

Ship out ~

Sarah and I take a trip down to the Kissing Bridge by kayaks.

We’re both so bummed that we are leaving tomorrow and try to soak up all of the beauty in the storehouse of our souls.

This guy. He’s a sweet one. He takes a 5 second rest with his Papa. He’s really, really busy!!

Nana, Dustin and Joe are really, really busy whipping dinner together. Delicious turkey straight out of the smoker. Yes, please!

The kids construct some last minute sand castles before dinner ~

Everything is squared away, and we take a rest before the long drive ahead of us tomorrow. How quickly the days rushed by.

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ NIV)