Summer in the Mitten

Our Summer trip to Michigan began with a purpose :)

My lovely lovely friend Kelly was getting married.. and our sweet Emmy was her flower girl... *I photographed the wedding. if you'd like to swoon over more photos of E from the NOE WEDDING*

Per the usual, our Michigan trips are a whirlwind of visiting back and forth across the state trying to see as many friends as possible :)

A highlight for Em was a fresh hair cut days after her flower girl duties were over.. and of course a starbucks treat ;)

i even volunteered Josh to donate blood for Christy's Legacy of Hope.

(please check out their site as well)

& emma held his hand.. giving blood & needles are NOT his thing - but he was a trooper..

We also escorted some friends of ours (to some AWESOME SEATS) at a Toledo Mudhens game..

Where per the usual - Emma received the royal treatment & was gifted game balls from up & coming players.. (who could pass her by?)

While on the west side of the mitten...

We went horse back riding - that turned out to be much more intense than we thought.. (they didnt even require helmets -- it was optional)

We also spent some time with our friends the Terpstra's up in Pentwater.

(it's obvious where ever we go - we will ALWAYS be beach folk)

**Josh & Emma at the top of the dune before we "ran" down.**

while in the mitten, we "rescued" a furry friend.. who has probably flooded your news feed on EVERY social media possible the past few months.. but we love her..

& the 18 hour drive back to NC was super fun with her in the car :)