Family Vacation (x2) 2009

A new frontier was crossed by the Dawsons last weekend—the family vacation. We thought that was too much fun for any family to handle by themselves, so we called for backup. Good friends of ours joined us for what was their maiden family voyage as well. Yes folks, 4 adults, 3 children, 2 dirtbikes and 1 RV made its way northward to the Upper Peninsula on Thursday for an extended weekend in Marquette. It was an excursion full of unexpected surprises... but all made for a delightful (mis)adventure.

"We found what that mysterious burning smell was..."

Contented campers for the moment

We were barely on the road an hour before calamity struck in the form of a blown tire on the trailer we were pulling. "Darn, we may have to leave the dirtbikes here all weekend, honey!'"

Mr. Bear passing his noisemaker. Poor Mr. Bear...

Barbara "skipping" rocks on Presque Isle

Beloved Mr. Bear required some major elective surgery over the weekend. That cute little rattle isn't quite as cute when you are sharing the same bed with your toddler. After a crude colonoscopy and removal with the cheese knife, Mr. Bear was feeling better (and now thankfully silent). Later that day we took the kids to Presque Isle. It was actually beautiful despite the rain and gloom, and the kids loved climbing on the rocky Lake Superior shoreline. Other highlights included a much-deserved trip for Ann and I to the casino in St. Ignace sans husbands and of course, children. A good night at the casino, meaning we played all night, had a couple drinks and a pizza, and still left with most of the money we came in with. Good times.

Allen and the boys take on Sleepy Bear
We took the scenic route on the way home, which included a stop at Empire and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Allen the Fearless made the descent with children in tow, and unbelievably returned in less than twenty minutes- which is an amazing feat considering small children involved. Being a first trip with another family, we did more than survive- we thrived. Now if we can just get our husbands to make good on that offer to ride dirt bikes in Hawaii....