Pure Michigan

Tyler and I had talked about taking the boys to the beach in Michigan for months.  Ye of little faith, I had my doubts that it would really happen!  Ha!  Well, it did happen and it was full of fun, relaxation, and lots of memories made with our four boys.  This was our first family trip with all our boys in tow, and it was a success!  We had ideal weather for the beach and we couldn't have asked for a better experience.  We hope to make this a family tradition!  Michigan is beautiful!

With a Summer in Indiana full of Noah's Ark type rain, these blue skies were a welcome site!

The boys saw their first lighthouse and enjoyed walking on a long pier next to beautiful Lake Michigan.

My favorite person.

The water was a brisk 65 degrees. but the boys didn't care!  They loved the water and Mom loved that she didn't have to worry about shark attacks!  :D

Love seeing my Hubby with his boys <3

Zak's intention of this photo was to send it to his three cousins in the Dominican Republic who he misses a ton!  This boy not only has sand in places we don't even want to know, but he has a tender heart for his family!

This is Malachi's favorite past time... eating chips.

Thaddeus and his muscles.

Burying Zak.

It was so nice to have a playground right on the beach.  Lots to do!

Out little beach babe.

Working as a team to fill a hole with water.

I had fun building a sand castle with the boys.

Finished product.

And then our second sand castle that we made bigger and better after Malachi so lovingly destroyed our first one.

Mommy and her little men.

I love my family.

Some goofing around :)

The boys kept asking me to take their picture.  They were statues.

A little mini golf to end our little vacation.  The boys loved it.

I love this picture.

They needed a little guidance.

This is only the beginning of our Pure Michigan trips.  We are excited to go back next Summer and hope to do some exploring and really take in what Michigan has to offer.  I am so thankful that we have a beach so close to home and we were able to visit this Summer.  Thank you, Lord, for Your many blessings. 

Pyle Road Trip to Florida, 2015

Oh Florida, how I miss you so... the clear blue skies, the palm trees, the squacking seagulls, the 65 degree weather, the gorgeous beach sunsets, the amazing seafood, the tans, the kidless nights...

Welp, back to reality :D  Tyler and I had the priviledge of going on an incredible 8 day trip to Indian Shores, Florida with fun stops a long the way.  Our 10 year Anniversary is right around the corner, so we decided to make this trip extra special!  In this stage of our life, we have been so blessed to have family living close by who are willing to watch our boys.  So thankful for this break from the responsibility of having four kids and jobs.  We had a chance to focus on our marriage and each other for once!

 And we're off!

 First stop, gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina.  We were loving those trees!

 What an awesome day to take a walk!

 We even spotted a dolphin.

 We were just slightly on cloud 9 :)

 As big fans of Diners, Dive-ins, and Dives, we stopped at the Tatooed Moose recommended by Guy Fieri.  We were not disappointed.  Tyler said it was the absolute best food he'd ever put in his mouth.

 After splitting two sandwiches, Tyler ordered yet another sandwich to devour and I ordered the chocolate bacon pie.  There is nothing wrong with that outstanding combo.

 Savannah Sunset.

 Savannah, Georgia was just as beautiful as we imagined and 

I got to enjoy it with my favorite person <3

 Enjoying the attractions of John's Pass just minutes away from our hotel in Indian Shores, Florida.

 Shimp Ceviche for a late night snack.

 Our all time favorite breakfast... the Lox Omlet at Frog Pond.  We walked there for breakfast 3 times 

during our week stay.

 Monday was a rainy day, but we had a great time anyway!

And how pretty is that bridge?!?

 I talked Tyler into his first pedicure and he enjoyed it!

 We found ourselves on Anna Marie Island and discovered Rod Reel Pier Cafe.

Delish!

 Enjoying room service :)

 Finally, a beach day!

 Gotta love Crabby Bill's.  We do!

 We decided to take a break from the delectable, fresh, fried seafood for our favorite... sushi!

 The view of our hotel from the beach!

 It was a gorgeous 65 degrees and sunny day.  We got a little crispy.

 Love the beach.  Thank you, Lord for Your creation.

 We found a super nice lady (and graduate of Purdue University) to take out picture under this pier.

 Love my goofy guy.

 Delicious food at Sea Critters.  Can you tell we love to eat?!?

We ate a yummy breakfast at Clearsky Cafe.  Kind of a terrible picture

but we gave it a shot ;)

 Relaxation at it's finest.

 One of our favorite pass times on the beach... frisbee!

Look at that form (and that stud!).

 Enjoyed a little putt-putt golf.

 This appetizer was delicioso.

 Oh yummmmmm.

 You know you want it.

 Love this guy.

 Our first Ikea experience was a success!

 Our last stop in Florida, the Taco Bus.  Thanks again, Diner's, Dive-ins, and Dives!

 This was a rude welcome back.  The top picture was what we were driving into, and the picture below was what we drove into the beginning of the week.  *sigh*

This was a trip we will never forget and can hardly imagine ever happened.  It was a dream played out in real life.  Just me and my best friend on a road trip.  We missed our kids (that one day...haha), but they were in good hands and were getting spoiled by loved ones.  So thankful for these memories and hopefully God blesses us with a trip like this again!