We got an early start and headed north from Grand Rapids to the gorgeous northern part of the mitten and the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Holy tart red fruit were there a ton of people there! And so much to see, try and do!
Thank to Grant’s perseverance we found a great parking
garage in the downtown area where we could walk to the main grounds. Right away we had fun playing games (and
winning prizes!) at a tent from the new Planes movie, getting to try a bunch of
cereals from Post and fishing at the huge Pepsi disply. We of course had to then sample the foods –
we all had fresh Michigan cherries (both tart and sweet), huge ears of fresh
roasted corn and a Cherry polish sausage.
We decided to wander for a bit and noticed lots of people had staked out
locations with blankets and chairs looking out at the Bay for the Air Show.
I wasn’t sure at
first if the kids would really be down for this, but they had a blast (Noah
counts it among his favorite things we did).
We all especially loved when it all culminated in a great exhibition by
the Blue Angels! None of us had ever seen them before and
(especially us adults) were blown away!
After the show, we jointed the mass of humanity swarming back
towards downtown, made a few stops along the way for souvenirs, Orange Dream
slurpees and Maize and Blue popcorn before making it back to the car. Traffic out of town was insane, though
driving along the lake was beautiful. We
eventually made it to Grayling, checked
in to our hotel and grabbed some dinner.
I had told the kids there was a pool at the hotel and promised if they
co-operated up to that point we’d have family swim time. I have to say they have been awesome and
definitely earned the pool. My little
Mermaid would have stayed all night if we’d let her. Everyone was well tuckered out again and were
out and snoring (Noah!) by 10:30. I
think even Grant and I were out shortly thereafter.
A poll of the crew has revealed the following favorite moments
of Day 2 of our adventure:
Kayla: Spraying the ‘fire
thing” at the Cherry Festival and playing in the pool
Noah: The Blue Angels
Grant: When there was
one Blue Angel flying across the Bay drawing your attention and then one
suddenly came flying at you from behind.
Kristi: Watching the
kids inhale fresh cherries and huge ears of corn on the cob (Followed very
closely by what Grant said – the precision of the Blue Angels was mind
boggling!)
A must for Michigan week
Bowling at the Cherry Festival
Blue Angels!
These are from the air show - I know they're hard to make out but trust me, it was REALLY neat!
Coast Guard copter
Family pic at the Air Show
Selfies!
Getting ready for the air show
Posing with Super Cherry!
Cherry Polish Sausage!
They mowed through the corn
Think she liked the cherries?
Snacking
Fishing at the Pepsi Tent
Playing at the Planes tent
We made it!
Arriving in Traverse City!
No comments:
Post a Comment