Schmidt Vacation, Day Four: Mackinac Island (July 15, 2015)

On Wednesday we loaded up over 50 people in 6 boats to make the drive over to Mackinac Island. The trip was not without incident, giving us our token trip to the emergency room for the trip (it's always someone every year!). Dave Chance got his hand stuck between the boat and the dock while trying to help tie it up and required medical attention on the island. 

 We hung around a bit while people were arriving and deciding what we were going to do. Henry pointed out to us every time a horse went by!

 In the end, we split up into various groups to do different activities and set up a time to all meet back at the marina. Our immediate family made the hike up to the fort. Micah has developed an interest in history (thank you Little House books!) and so this historical site provided him with great entertainment.

 We got front row seats to see the cannon fire (the boys concluded it was noisy!) and then watched the short film on the history of the fort.

 We also enjoyed touring the different buildings and running around.

 Micah loved following the map we had picked up, labeling the different buildings. Henry loved playing in the dirt.

 So much fun!

 After our tour of the island fort, we met up with Grandma and Great Poppa Schmidt for some ice cream. They had done some touring on their own with Poppa Schmidt in his rented scooter.

 When it was time to get back to the marina, we decided it made more sense for Poppa Schmidt to take the scooter all the way back to the dock, so he didn't have to walk from the rental place. But the scooter had to be returned to the rental location - and Daddy volunteered to do it.

 We had a good laugh watching Daddy motor his way down the sidewalk!

 Then we waited. And waited. There's always a lot of waiting involved when traveling anywhere with a large family. Especially this large family. Most everyone runs on Schmidt time...

 It was a fun time on the island, but the kiddos were tuckered out. All three fell asleep on the boat ride back to Hessel.

 When we got back, we had to get our meal ready - it was our day to cook for the whole crew. Henry had the honor of ringing the dinner bell to call the troops in to eat (that is one thing this group is not usually late for!).

After all the dishes were done and leftovers were put away, some of the gals of Mommy's generation went on a ladies boat cruise among the Le Cheneaux Islands. 

Tiffany, Amy, Nicole, Heather, Suzette, Corrie

Jen, Wendy, Lynice, Heather

 Meanwhile, those back at camp enjoyed a campfire and s'mores. Another great ending to a full day!