Camping? Hmmm.

We had been hoping to camp in Ontonagon this summer, but those plans kept getting delayed and by the time we finally had a weekend we thought could work, the garden was in full swing and I honestly didn't feel like taking the time needed to do all the packing and unpacking that camping would mean.  Besides that, at this point in this pregnancy I am having enough trouble sleeping well in my own bed, let alone on a thin mat on the hard ground.  Which is a scary thought, seeing that I have over three months to go.  I am a stomach and back sleeper and those two positions are now officially out.  :-(

We opted instead for a day trip to the Ontonagon Twp. Park, which has a great playground with swings and two separate sets of playground equipment, one for older kids and one for younger.  Clare loved it! 

Eating lunch.  Note the ghostly white face from zinc oxide sunblock... not pretty, but it works.

 When lunch was over we headed for the water as the temperature was already 90 degrees and rather humid.   The beach there is just gorgeous, with clean, soft sand.  As a bonus, it wasn't very crowded either. 

Clare's favorite: pretending to be a boat.

Molly was pretty excited to be fetching in Lake Superior, though her coat is not good at keeping her warm: she tends to start shivering after multiple runs.

Making pancakes with a Frisbee and sprinkling them with 'ipping cream (note the dry sand on top).

Best buds.

Someone stole Daddy's shades.

 

We stopped for dinner at Syl's Cafe.

Clare walked in and instantly spotted the stragically located bakery counter.  "This kind!" she said, pointing to a large doughnut with sprinkles.  (We're here for dinner, kiddo.)

I was quite impressed by the food at Syl's, which was reasonably priced, tasted amazing, and had normal portion sizes rather than the enormous three-people-couldn't-finish-this kind of meal many restaurants give (and restaurant food just doesn't taste that great leftover).

Clare's kids' meal had Mac 'n Cheese, a chicken strip, and applesauce.  (She couldn't have been happier.)  My fish and chips came with a vegetable, not just coleslaw, and a salad made from romaine and other mixed lettuces, not iceberg.  The nacho supreme appetizer was the best I've eaten.  The waitress was super helpful, supplying Clare with a clean kitchen towel for a bib.  

And before I share this next bit, I should say that we don't go out to eat very often.  Besides fast food on the way downstate earlier this month, I don't think we've been to a restaurant at all this summer except for my birthday weekend.   Regardless, Clare couldn't stop repeating, "We eat restaurant.  We eat restaurant," and nodding as though this is something she does every day. 

All in all, a beautiful day spent on the water with a good meal to top it off.  And of course Clare refused to fall asleep on the way home, despite not having a nap.  She is just not a car sleeper.  Her mom on the other hand...  good thing I wasn't driving.