Up North with the Hutchison's

This weekend we were treated to a wonderful Up North Michigan vacation by HutcH's dad (Hutch, Sr ... aka Granddaddy).  He and his wife, Barbara (aka Grandma Barbara ... or Mimi or YaYa ... we haven't figured that one out yet) drove up from Texas and took Henry and I out to lunch on Thursday at Henry's favorite dining establishment (the McDonald's with the orange slide ... aka the one on Elizabeth Lake Rd).  From there Henry took a nap, I went to work, and HutcH came home and chatted with our visitors.  After work I met up with the group at Leo's Coney Island for dinner ... because I informed the Southerners that if they wanted a truly Michigan experience they must have a CONEY!

The next morning we got the car packed up and headed for Birch Run to have breakfast at Tony's.  All were impressed by the huge amount of food ... especially the bacon.  Properly stuffed, we completely the trip up to St. Ignace.  (Henry, of course, only fell asleep about ten minutes away from the bridge ... missing the only part that would probably interest him ... and leaving him with only a SHORT nap).

Friday evening we picked up some pizza and enjoyed it in our lovely hotel room over looking Lake Huron.  Then, we played on the play structure at the hotel, attempted some kite flying (the wind wasn't consistent enough to really get them going), and went swimming in both the indoor and outdoor pool (well, maybe just the outdoor hot tub .... it was getting cold enough to even scare off me!).

Saturday morning (after our free continental breakfast) we got on the Star Line ferry to get to Mackinaw Island.  Even though it was overcast and rained on and off, we had a lovely day touring the island by horse drawn carriage, eating fudge, checking out the Grand Hotel (check out the picture of the front porch!), eating fudge, having lunch at Mary's Bistro, eating fudge, shopping, and ... did I mention the fudge???

Sunday morning (after our free continental breakfast ... hmmm, I see a pattern here) we got on the road to head back home.  On the way we stopped in Frankenmuth for a traditional (at least in Michigan) German family style dinner (for lunch).  Yum ... and, again, copious amounts of food ... maybe this is why our state has such a weight problem!!!!  We rounded out the trip with a venture into Bronner's (for those who don't know ... it's the largest Christmas store in the world).

So, lessons learned ... 

1.  Hutch, Sr and Barbara can be easily trained to wait for a two year old to do any door opening or button pressing.

2.  Barbara hates the cold ... and cold water ... but wine makes it bearable.

3.  Hutch, Sr hates shopping ... but football makes it bearable.

4.  Those plastic-"Croc"-like shoes do float

5.  ... and the nice workers at Star Line ferry can (and will) successfully fish one out of the Straits of Mackinaw.