Finishing the day with an outdoor concert

Ryan is enjoying it!

Connor picking "big blowy things"

Our picnic view

It was a beautiful day in the low 70s. After our short hike we had a nice picnic followed by an afternoon at the park.

A great day for a hike

Rodeo

Last night the boys and my dad and I went to the PBR rodeo. It was very entertaining!

Ousel Falls

One our favorite places in Big Sky! As my boys were splashing around in the water I thought to myself "i wish every kid could splash in a waterfall one time in their life". We are so blessed to get to come here!

Special time with Gran

Hike with cowboys

Just a little hike around Hidden Village.

Off we go to Montana

I was a little nervous about flying by myself with all three boys but they were great. We left home at 3:30am so it was a LONG day but we are enjoying being outside! Is is only about 75 today!

Opryland Hotwl

Chad had a meeting at the Opryland hotel so the boys and I tagged along. The gardens were really pretty and the boys loved throwing lots of coins in the fountains!

My little climber!

The end has come.....

We knew this day would be here soon but it still a sad day. I think it's always sad to end a vacation but this one is extra sad. We have all had a wonderful time and made memories that will last forever. James searched for treasures everywhere and actually found a few. Connor laughed and laughed running in and out of the waves. Ryan rolled in sand and splashed in the water and didn't miss a thing. Chad and I were fortunate enough to enjoy those moments and so many more. After every day of adventure it was so nice to go back to our "Bill" and we can't wait until the next time.

One of Connor's new friends

We stumbled upon this sweet little guy on our walk. We didn't stick around long because we hoped his mom was close by.

Ryan loves the beach on Lake Superior too!

Lake of the Cloud

Beautiful view of Lake of the Cloud at the Porcupine Mountains Wildnerness State Park.

There are pirate ships (rocks) in Lake Superior!

Just another day of pirate life on a deserted beach for James and Connor!

Tahoe Watching Over Us

As we enjoy a great day at the beach, the Tahoe watches over us. Great work Tahoe. Sadly, it's almost time to take us home...

Lake Superior

We spent a beautiful morning at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The water was beautiful and freezing! The sand was full of treasure (rocks) so the boys loved it!!

Pure Michigan

For the Allison boys, a trip to northern Michigan would not be complete without seeing the lumberjack show. As you can imagine, this was much more interesting to the boys than anything we saw at Mackinac Island. But why would that be a surprise when all James wanted for his 3rd Christmas was a chainsaw. It was a great show and we all enjoyed it. Yes, we have the autographs on the wood chips to prove it! Another great day. UP here we come!

Relaxing at the Grand

After 11 days in sand of Michigan, there is no doubt this spot at the Grand is the cleanest thing the boys have sat in for quite a few days. Well, everything at The Grand is spotless!

Retirement Golf...

Looks like The Grand Hotel has a course you need to add to your list Sue. Beautiful!!

Mackinac Island Taxi

Our afternoon today included a nice horse-drawn taxi ride on Mackinac Island.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Think that says it all...

Tres Fur Traders

As the three Allison boys began their long journey to Ft. Michilimackinac, the boys discuss all the things they are going to trade for at the Gift Shop...

It's Mackinaw City Day

It's a chilly Sunday (62 degrees when we arrived) morning and we are in Mackinaw City. We started our visit at Colonial Michilimackinac. The Fort is at the base of "Big Mac," the Mackinac Bridge. A little rain overnight, but another beautiful and cool day in Michigan!

So Much to Discover!

As you can imagine, much of our first night was spent exploring the beach outside our campsite. The boys found a frog, a creek, and some weird squishy stuff!

Just a little too bright

A good picture of the boys, just a little too bright for Connor! "I need my glasses!"

Great Donut Shop

Another great find on the Great North Adventure was the Wilderness General Store. Yes, they still make donuts fresh each morning and try were great!

"Back to Bill"

As only Connor can say it. The beach is fun but, "It's time to go back to Bill.". This is Bill's Wilderness site.

Welcome to Wilderness

We have arrived at Wilderness State Park. Dinner is on the grill and we have a great site with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Life is good.