Tawas Family Portrait

Late summer along Lake Huron...  We were so happy to join Marge in Tawas along with Elise, Ben, Izzy and Zalira.  Just a year ago we lost Tiny, but her presence was infused in our exploring expeditions, hearty laughs, and porch swing conversations.

Green Gate Girls 2012

Helen loved her cousin time.  The girls were thick as thieves from sun up to sun down, and were old enough to take advantage of the independence that the environment provides.  They charted their own course on bikes and boats and we knew that they would come around when disputes needed resolving, or when tummies growled.

Sunday Morning Wheels

Sunday Morning Wheels 1, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

The girls provided their own pedal power to the lighthouse and back – an almost 5 mile excursion. Marge joined on her longboard.

Lighthouse Excursion

'12 Tawas Pt. Lighthouse Family 2, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Conveniently, the lighthouse has a gift shop with rewards for hardy travelers.

Family on Deck

Family on Deck, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

But for most of the trip you could find us all on the beach. The girls broke in some new boogie boards, and we all had fun trying out paddle boarding. The weather was warm all week long, with the only rainstorm happening at night.

Lake Solitude 2012

Lake Solitude 2012, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Now that all of the girls are solid swimmers, everyone was able to have their own kayak on Lake Solitude. Marge provided some quick instructions, and then we were off – cutting patterns across the placid lake while we tracked bald eagles.

The Bow Brigade

The Bow Brigade, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Taking the Boston Whaler out for a spin is always a favorite activity, and per tradition, each girl took a turn at the wheel.

Bowling Us Over

Helen Bowls, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

And, a definite coming of age activity was the first real foray in the bowling alley. Finally strong enough to heave a ball down the lane, hoist it back on the manual ball return, and place the pins back in place, this was a big hit -- or rather, a strike!