Guess Where This Is

Nope, you're wrong. It's Michigan! Damien and I were surprised to find ourselves in what felt like another country, but what was actually Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We spent our time there running down giant sand dunes (and plodding slowly back up them), snorkling in the gorgeous blues, and camping in a lush forest. An insane storm came in one night and the whole area lost power, which was still without watts when we left. We extended a trip to Michigan to celebrate my cousin Mike who sadly passed away two years ago. We stayed up until 4 am with my mom and my cousins and my aunts & uncles catching up and having fun around a bonfire.....then in the morning it was blaring Polish music and people drinking more beer, the sign of a party with stamina. Thanks to my totally rad family, to a state with a lot of hidden secrets, and thanks to another beautiful memory in my cousin Mike's name.

fish

the fish thought our snorkles worthy of inspection.

July 4th

This year I had the best view of fireworks I've ever had. The water mirrored the sky's fleeting ornaments while the heart-stopping booms traveled over the surface and a million tiny lights rained down over our enamored heads. After the show was over we saw fireworks down the river further and I said that must be in Canada. It took a minute to realize that was impossible considering July 4th celebrates independence for the United States. Brilliant as a firework.