Memorial Day Weekend

The Hymer clan was luck enough this year to go on a short vacation. And we all got our significant others. Mom and Dad rented a lodge that the preacher at our congregation owns. They started up on Friday. Shortly after that, Angela and her family headed north. Then Mike and I took up the rear. We drove the 6 hour trip to Newberry, Michigan.

Mike and I decided earlier this year that we would direct a week of summer church camp rather than going on our yearly backpacking trip. It was a particularly difficult decision for me since I have gone backpacking for the last 5 years. So, knowing that we were going to the UP I wanted to go on the Pictured Rocks Cruise. This was a boat tour of the trail. I was going to see my beloved Pictured Rocks!! On Saturday, Angela, Michael, Mike and myself drove for an hour to board the boat. And boy was it cold! The air temperature was only 60*, there was wind, and we were on the coldest of the Great Lakes. It was lots of fun seeing the rocky cliffs from a different perspective.

On Sunday we went to the Newberry church of Christ and doubled their attendance. After that we went to Taquahmenon Falls. (Never fear, say it like it's spelled.) The entire family went, and we all had a good time. We walked what they call the upper falls. We walked back to the gift shop and Mom and Dad thought it would be neat to buy us all a shirt that matched for pictures. Thanks!

On Monday, Dad pulled out his 22-pistol and we all had our rounds at the milk jug target. Most of us hit it. Then we all drove back down to our respective homes. Writing our trip in a few paragraphs doesn't even begin to describe all that we shared. It was an escape from the everyday and much needed by us all. We got to spend lots of quality time together as a family in a little amount of time. We created memories there that keep drawing us back to make more.

Pictured Rocks holds a special place for me and Mike since we first met on the backpacking trip. It was great to share that with Michael and Angela; they had never been to the UP.