The Clan McKinnon

Our next stop was Chicago! We visited Daddy's cousin Alison and I got to play with my second cousin Drew who is only 2 months older than me.  The next day we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was pretty hot but that didn't stop the cheetah from prowling around.   I got a front row seat to watch him. Despite feeling a bit under the weather, I enjoyed staying with my Aunt Sarah for a few days!

My grandparents flower garden was the perfect setting to take some 19 month old photos.  Ella and I wore our matching dresses that Grandma knitted for us.  Nathan snuck into the photos too (although thankfully he didn't have a knitted dress)! Unfortunately I was done taking pictures by the time Grandma and Grandpa got in the picture.

We started our second summer vacation with a weekend in Petoskey. Grandma took Ella and I to the neighbors swing set.  Luckily there were three swings so all of the cousins could swing at the same time!  Later that day, Mommy and Daddy got all dressed up to go their friends' wedding while I stayed at my grandparents and had loads of fun playing with my cousins!

I went out with Mommy for a girls night at a friend's house and found some fun accessories to dress up in! Hat, necklace, purse, what else does a girl need?

What better way to spend a hot Sunday afternoon then playing with the hose?  Daddy was trying to water the plants but I had other ideas.

Day 7: I had a very special time at the Petoskey State Park with my parents and all four of the my grandparents! Whoa! Where did my legs go?! At least I still have my (sandy) snacks to help me survive.  After the beach, we all got cleaned up and enjoyed a good family dinner.   Who says I don't fit in this big chair?! Day 8: Swinging in one of my Grandpa's favorite spots.  Serious playtime before getting in the car to drive home.  Summer vacation was a blast!

Day 4: We continued north as far as we could go on land in the Lower Peninsula then boarded the ferry to Mackinac Island! We enjoyed exploring the historic sites on the island and the gardens at the Grand Hotel.  Day 5 - July 4: We headed out for the traditional bike ride around the island after breakfast. Taking a break with Daddy half way around the island.  Nothing says summer holiday like some good vanilla ice cream! My first golf adventure consisted of chasing Mommy and Daddy's balls as soon as they hit them! Running, running, running all around! Contemplating what my next move should be.

Day 2: We headed north up the coast of Lake Michigan and ended up at Sleeping Bear Dunes. More fun in the water playing with rocks! Making water splash everywhere! Venturing deeper into the water on my own! Day 3: The Dune Climb! Thankfully, I'm still too small to do a lot of serious climbing and hiking on my own, so I got a ride up the dunes! Daddy sure got a good work out.  We hiked all the way to Lake Michigan where I got to play with water and rocks, again! We enjoyed our picnic lunch and playtime at the lake before heading back.  Conveniently, my nap time is after lunch and since I was in a backpack, there was nothing stopping me from taking my usual nap. Thanks Daddy for carrying me!