Labor Day Weekend

For an extended Labor day weekend we headed out to Muskegon Channel Park to join Cory's parents and sister's family.  We enjoy the placement of this campground being right on the channel between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.  As soon as we arrived we were quickly reminded about why we don't like this campground.....the dirty sand (and I use the term sand loosely as it looks like sand but the kids are black from playing in it) surrounding the campsites.  Needless to say there were frequents washings of kids outside and inside the trailer throughout the day and the vacuum got a workout that weekend.  The weather was decent, hot most of the time with a cool down by the last day we were there.  We were able to swim in both lakes and play on both beaches!  The dunes were right across the street from our campsite so the kids ran on them several times and even played there one afternoon after I was sick of the dirty sand elsewhere.  I still think the highlight for the kids is playing with their cousins!  Another nice, relaxing camping trip to end summer with.  Warning, picture overload below!

 The Lake Express Ferry traveled through the channel daily.

View of the front of the ferry.

The back of the ferry.

Watching a fishing boat come back in with piles of fish in it!

Cousins: Allison, Joshua, Gabrielle and Matthew

Sam and Matthew building sand creations with grandpa on the beach.

Gabrielle and Joshua spent tons of time hauling rocks from one area of the beach to another.

Taking a break from hauling rocks.

 The family playing on our own private little area of the beach.



Sand monster!

Happy beach boy!

Daddy makes for a nice seat in the water.

Where is Matthew?

Blowing a "wisher" (what our boys call dandelions).

Checking out the water temperature.

Running down the beach is always fun!  Matthew went pants-less to avoid getting his clothes totally soaked.

Run!

One fall and he was soaked!  Guess we should have taken his shirt off to begin with too.

Swimming in the big lake.

Riding the waves with a little help from dad.

Surfing!

Building a "pool" at the edge of the big lake.

Riding the waves on grandma's raft was a hit once Matthew realized it was fun and not scary.

Water boy!

Looking at all the sailboats on the lake.

Spin me dad!

Matthew ate a lot of sand running down the dunes since his little legs were moving to fast to carry him.

Nicholas, Owen and Joshua making a run down the dune.

Go Matthew, go!

 Allison helping Matthew run down a dune.



The cousins in age order (minus Aiden who was not there for the picture).

Our little beach boys.