Summertime in Michigan

Of all the places we've been—or are going—summertime in Michigan might just be the best. The best weather, the best swimming, the best activities, and the best time family and friends. Even with a summer-long road trip planned, we couldn’t miss the magic of Michigan summer. 

For as long as I can remember, we’ve headed to Rogers City with the Hoban family for the 4th of July, and this year was no different. We landed in Detroit and took a few days to relax, enjoy being home, swim in our own lake, and repack for the trip up north. In Rogers, the five of us joined about 80 other Hobans for our annual traditions—bowling, the “Fat Kid 5K,” 4th of July celebrations on Lake Huron, and days filled with cabin hopping, campfires, sleepovers, and catching up. We also celebrated Annie's birthday and Marley's (for the 5th or 6th time).  Since Annie was short on vacation days, we only had about four days this year, but we made the most of every minute.

When we got back downstate, we didn’t head straight back to California. Instead, we had a very special week ahead: Upland Hills Farm Camp (and Camp GG). This year felt especially meaningful because it was Faith’s last year as a camper—and Marley and Sydney’s first! Faith has been going since she was five, and now that Marley is old enough, we finally had all the kids at camp together.

The kids spent their days doing activities, riding horses, singing camp songs, and swimming in the lake. Annie, Kevin, and I even joined for a morning to lead an activity with the campers. The rest of the time, Annie was working, I was putzing around the house, and we both enjoyed having a little extra free time. We filled our days with gardening, Tigers games, and even a Dave Matthews Band concert!

While not at camp, the kids spent their mornings with GG doing their beloved “Traditions”—donuts, special dinners, and trips to the brewery. They also celebrated Marley's birthday (it's either time 6 or 7, I lost track).  It was a perfect week for everyone to take a breather, return to their summer routines, and soak up everything Michigan summers have to offer.

After camp week, we had a few days to regroup, repack, and catch up with friends before heading back to California to get our car and continue our Epic Out West Vacation.