Our Lake Michigan Vacation, Summer 2011 {Jasper, IN Children’s Photographer}
Posted on September 16, 2011
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It’s time again for my annual vacation blog post! We headed back to Lake Michigan this summer, this time with the twins in tow. We knew they would love it and we were right! It’s hard to believe this is the official last week of summer with Autumn beginning next Friday, September 23. I love Fall and will be gladly welcoming it, but going through our vacation photos to prepare this post makes me a little sad that summer rushed by so quickly!
I’m a huge fan of Lake Michigan vacations! People are often surprised that the lake has big, fun waves (and a strong undertow), just like the ocean.
Unlike the ocean, you don’t have to worry about jellyfish, sharks, etc., and no stinging salt water in your eyes!
The weather was beautiful and the family-friendly beaches have soft, powdery sand to sink your feet into (or build sand castles, of course!).
I love that this great little getaway is a just a short drive (6 hours) away for those of us in Southern Indiana!
Dad gave Brayden one of his boogie boards and he loved it! He spent nearly all of his time at the beach on his boogie board.
He was great at catching waves!
And Denae and her Ducky ring. She has loved this thing since we first got it when she was a toddler (wow! 4 years now!). She spent all
of her time in the water leisurely floating on her ducky ring. And, yes, I bought a back up in case this one eventually quacks out. ;- )
One of the few drawbacks is that Lake Michigan is a bit cool upon first stepping foot in the water. Unfortunately, some days the water is
downright bone-chilling and no one swims, as was the case for the last couple days of our visit. The kids were pretty upset about that.
The view from our room.
At the hotel, Brayden spent most of his time chillin’ on the balcony. He loved it out there.
One evening we took advantage of a warm, gorgeous sunset at the beach to capture some portraits of the twins.
Then, while Jon and Brayden went to the beach house, Denae and I headed down down to the shore as the last light of the day faded and the
waves were getting huge and washing up on the beach. The lighting and colors were so soft and pretty, I opted not to edit/alter the photo
below on the right.
Yep, this photo sums up what a glorious summer evening shoreside feels like–carefree, joyful, warm, and breezy!
We headed to a mom & pop homemade frozen custard stand after leaving the beach.
And, I’ll close this post with another thing I love–gorgeous eye-candy houses! I love a blend of Craftsman, cottage, and beach house!
(Which you may already know if you are a friend that follows my Pinterest boards.)
This home and landscaping was gorgeous from every angle!
So many charming beach houses, so little time! I could have easily spent an entire day roaming the neighborhoods with my camera!
Another inviting home with a fun color palette/pops of color. The yellow chairs and planters with bright, colorful flowers really add
the perfect touch to this cute little porch/entry!
Two months later and we’re still talking about our wonderful stay on Lake Michigan. I’ve been ready to go back ever since! If you want
to see photos from last year’s trip, they are here.
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7 Comments so far

















ohhhh, I want to live there
Looks like a beautiful trip!! Your kids are DARLING! That one of your daughter running/laughing in the field??? PERFECT!
However, MISSY, I hope you jumped in a few pictures too…..don’t make me give you the lecture!
Oh my gosh, Rachael…..I hadn’t thought about it, but I don’t think I AM in any of the photos from our vacation. Jon balks at the mere suggestion of taking a photo of me with the twins. Grrrrr……
Oh Lace. These are sooo lovely to look at. I adore the pics of the twins you took. Brayden on the boogie board bench was so cute! And that silhouette of Denae! And of course the b&w. I also really dig the umbrella shot, which Im guessing you took while staying out of the sun with your sunburn
and Brayden’s name in the sand. You’ll have to get some of these up in your home, especially if it will be your “spot” every year! Adore.
Looks like an awesome trip! Jesse and I went to the Dune after we eloped, but we went in April…..BRRRR! In these wonderful pictures, you’ve sure captured some memories…..and even a rainbow umbrella shot. Umbrella envy no more!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE every single one of these. Such gorgeous captures!!!!! Tell JON that all of your friends are going to gang on him to take pics of YOU and your sweethearts!!!!
[...] Jon and I love how this gallery turned out. It was a very fun vacation and the photos make me smile! You can see them better here. [...]
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