This summer we have spent plenty of time checking out different places around  the great state of Michigan… you know, playing tourist in our own state.  I’ll admit that I haven’t seen all that there is around here and am glad that this summer we’ve had the opportunity to hit the road!

A couple weekends ago we took a day trip to Ludington, which by the way is NOT a day trip! It’s just over 3 hours one way and after spending an entire day on the beach with 5 kids driving home is the last thing you want to do. So take my advice… book a hotel!

Ludington is on the west side of the state and is one of many towns that is right on the shores of Lake Michigan. I love it over on the west side…. it is beautiful!

Soft sandy beaches, endless sand dunes, and of course the crystal clear blue water that awaits you.

 Yes, the water is a little chilly but when it’s 90 degrees out the water feels perfect! Can you tell from Lauren’s body language that the water was a little cool when she first got in?

Andrew didn’t mind though! He rushed right in to play in the waves and splash about and then run out and do it all over again!

 This picture is one of my favorites from the day. As a matter of fact I have 3 or 4 versions of this picture … because it took that many tries before I was able to actually get both of them looking at me.

There it is… the shores of Lake Michigan. I think that the picture speaks for its self.

So are you wondering where pictures of the other 3 are? Well they’re teens… and getting a picture of them without them glaring at me is almost impossible. Anyway, I have a couple pictures of them but I didn’t dare post them for fear of what would happen if I did. They weren’t the most… becoming pictures.

Do you play tourist in your own state? What are your favorite places to visit?

So it’s Wednesday and that means that I’m linking up with Seven Clown Circus and Parenting by Dummies for Wordful Wednesday!