The Mouth of the Platte

The mouth of the Platte River, where it empties into Lake Michigan

We've been traveling a lot lately, which is why I haven't had regular posts. We first traveled to the Alabama Gulf Coast, then up to North Michigan. I'll be in Illinois next to celebrate my grandparent's 70th wedding anniversary. Then we have the holidays coming up, too! Whew!

This photo was taken when we were with my husband's family in Northern Michigan. My daughter had never seen Lake Michigan (even though she's 10-months-old and won't remember it), so we had to take her—if only to get pictures of her there. The Michigan side of Lake Michigan is so beautiful! It definitely smacks of home for me. This particular day was very cloudy (as you can see), but the reflection on the water was amazing! It's hard to believe that this is where a river empties into a Great Lake—it's just too serene. You can see Sleeping Bear Dunes in the background. Even though there was no blue sky, it was a beautiful day to see the Lake.

Apple Picking

One of my favorite things to do during Fall is apple picking. I love it! We picked a good day to do it this year, too. It was a bit crisp, the sky was a beautiful blue, and the sun was shining. It's been so rainy lately, that we ate up the wonderful, clear weather. The day we went was really busy, but it was fun seeing all the families eating caramel apples, cider donuts, drinking cider, picking apples and pumpkins, and having fun. We walked away with a 1/2 bushel of various apples, an apple pie, a dozen cider donuts, and a jug of cider. Mmmmm . . . I love Fall!

Smokies at Sunset

This photo was taken several years ago now, when we were vacationing in the Smokies. I can't even remember where I was standing, but I remember seeing the layers of mountains and being fascinated. I loved the subtle hues of the sunset, and the way the mountains took on different shadowy shades. What a beautiful place!

Perdido Key Sunset

We were recently on vacation in the Florida panhandle and Alabama Gulf Coast. It was wonderful!! I've loved this area for a long time. I grew up vacationing there. It holds a special place in my heart. This year was special, since we were celebrating our anniversary while there, but also because it was our first family vacation with our daughter. It made it even more special having her there. The water was just as warm as ever, and the air was just as salty, but it was all enhanced by having my family with me—my husband and my daughter. I'm very blessed, and very thankful.