Pentwater!

Every year, my family heads north to Pentwater, MI. This year was the 20th anniversary. It is so hard to believe we've been going there for that many years! This is a picture from that first year. The shirts this year was a replica of this first shirt.

So suffice to say, we've grown up there. I think I'm so close with my family due in large part to this yearly vacation. My cousins and I have grown up there. There are tons of traditions and sayings that newbies need a manual to get up to speed on all that happens on this vacation. We decided that we were brave enough to take our 2 week old since it is the last year. We learned very quickly that we may need a minivan sooner than later. Who knew a newborn could need so much stuff?! The drive took a little longer than normal because of the stops so Owen could eat, but we made it in about 7 hours!
Usually our days consist of laying on the beach. So things were a little different this year. I decided I didn't want to take Owen down to the beach because of the sand, wind, and bugs. So my mom got to spend some time (which we're not sure she enjoyed at all :) while we went down in 1-2 hour shifts.
I tried to take a few pictures of the actual house since it's the last time we'll be there. This is part of the main room. At any point in the day, you can find tons of people reading trash magazines, tons of candy wrappers strewn around, and maybe even some mice in those couches that have been there since day 1 of us coming there. :)There are 2 pathways down to the beach with 100+ steps down. Makes for quite a trip for all the people with lots of kiddos and beach bags.
As you get to the bottom of the stairs, there is this little bridge. Then it's up and over one dune to get to the beach!
The view as you come over the final dune looking out towards our beach and Lake Michigan.
Every year, we all put on our t-shirts and head to a location and try to corral the crew for family and a group picture. Here's a few shots from that.
My two favorite guys. Owen's shirt was the original. It was my little brother, Casey's.
staring at his momma:
Our family, minus Casey who didn't get there until the next day:

Our first Pentwater family picture:
My grandparents. Virginia and James (where Owen gets him middle name from.)
I don't think it will really hit until next summer that this is our last year. Usually at the start of June, the talk begins of the shirt designs, what room everyone's getting, and starting the shopping for all the junk food. It will definitely feel like something is missing next summer. Here's a link to the amazing slideshow that my brother made of the last 2o years. Thank you to my grandparents for 20 years of amazing memories! I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing family!