Sunday Fun!

First full day here and we learned some important things...

1. Pictured Rocks National Park is truly amazing. And God is so cool. 

2. Pasties are not breakfast food...they did not misspell pastries...they are something completely different.

3. Unseasonably hot humid days in the UP bring about MUTANT killer flies that came very close to ruining a portion of the day! 

We started out at the visitors bureau getting our bearings and some maps. 

Here we were told that we could not actually kayak around the pictured rocks with kids...due to the waves and weather. Basically there is danger of getting pinned against the rocks or thrown into the ICY cold water. They rescue many people in these predicaments each year. 

Well, of course...Mr. Adventure wasn't having that...his direct quote,

'Becky, I am not going to let some PARK RANGER ruin my vacation by telling me that I cant kayak a certain spot because its too 'dangerous'. We're going!'

More on that in a bit. 

Before any kayaking we went to some look out points. 

And this is why we came here...

My pictures do this water no justice. 

It took every part of Avery's being to not jump the barricades and go out onto the rocks. 

Headed to check out the beach and kayak launch area. 

The most beautiful beach!

However, what you cant see are thousands upon thousands of the mutant flies. 

There is no way to explain. 

Tori and I for some reason took the brunt of the bites. 

Tori kept saying, 'ow!'

At one point Paul said he thought I had no fewer than 200 on my legs. 

Disgusting and so painful. 

Tori and I eventually gave up and went to the van for a break.

When we saw the van she pointed and said, 'Ow, Mommy, Home!'

Poor sweet baby. 

Before the flies overtook there was a lot of fun in that frigid water!

The kids went all the way under. Luckily it was very hot out of the water. 

Sully running from the waves! 

Burbacks got a later start than we did because they didnt arrive at their cabin till 4:30 am!

So they met us at the beach and within minutes Jordan, Lauren, Paul, Brigg and Lani were off. 

On the excursion we were warned to not take children on and not go without wetsuits. 

Super. 

They all survived and I hear that it was not not that dangerous but was completely beautiful. 

After cleaning up we headed to Burbacks where they grilled supper for us and the kids played. 

These two are quite the adorable pair! 

They even brought Willow!

She loved the beach. 

Time with Cassie...always full of some of the biggest laughter I've known. 

The rest of the week is due to be MUCH cooler which is fine with us...no more flies!