Tawas Family Portrait 2010

Tawas Family Portrait 2010
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

After a year hiatus, it was lovely to be back at the Beach Club with Marge and family.

Elise with Beautiful Daughters

Elise with Beautiful Daughters
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It was particularly wonderful to spend some quality time with Elise, Izzy, and Zalira. The girls have grown so much – Zalira keeping pace with her older sister, and each of them with their distinct, and joyful personalities.

Tawas Porch Family 2010

Tawas Porch Family 2010
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

While I wasn’t able to stay as long as the others, I enjoyed every minute of the restorative pace of Tawas.

Meet the Crew

Meet the Crew
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The girls had several Lake Huron boating adventures involving everything from a canoe to a Boston Whaler. On one outing to Tawas Point, the “crew” was treated to the beautiful sight of hundreds of recently hatched monarch butterflies.

Tube Full of Fun

Tube Full of Fun
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The beach was where it was at. While there were minor diversions with jump ropes and other activities, hours upon hours were spent on the water and in the sand. No matter the location, the squeals of laughter were omnipresent.

Lighthouse View of Tawas Point

Lighthouse View of Tawas Point
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Chris and Helen spent the end of the week exploring some new territory, including the top of the Tawas Point Lighthouse, and other natural wonders like the miniature golf course.

Green Gate Toll Takers

Green Gate Toll Takers
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Every Tawas trip features a green gate photo.

This year, the freshly painted gate opens up to a brand new dock.

Green Gate Goodbye

Green Gate 2010
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

And here is the solo shot.
Goodbye green gate, until another year!

Taming the Tiger

Taming the Tiger
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Our little tiger is mostly gentle. But make no mistake, she can be fierce, especially when it she's made up her mind that she doesn't want to do something. For example, basketball camp. This is something she wanted to sign up for a few months ago, but now the idea has apparently gone sour. After sitting out the first practice on the sidelines (for two whole hours) she has since flatly refused to so much as get out of the car. Looks like she's going to have a few less activities on her plate this year, and that's a good thing. However, the head zookeepers are trying to figure out how to blend freedom of choice with the importance of follow through.

The Tie Dye Tribe

The Tie Dye Tribe
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It will be back to the school uniform soon enough, so let the tie dye days run free! We've been making our way through many a summer camp, each with its own set of songs, chants, shows, art, and yes -- tie dye accessories. Helen always finds a way to distinguish herself, and in this case, she donned a yellow mask to go with her girl scout jig.