Day 23 of 30 | East Tawas

Saturday, August 3, 2024: The kids are here! We're so happy!! Justin and the kids arrived first and just in time for lunch. We walked into town to meet them. We didn't have far to go before finding a large table on the patio at Mr. Jack'ss Sports Bar and Grill. We ordered appetizers and drinks while waiting for Stacie, Patrick, and their dogs to arrive. After everyone finished eating, we walked around the shops in search of a bathing suit for Shelby that was mistakenly left at home. We found an adorable shop, Chick'n Dots, and they had plenty of options she could choose from. The owner was so friendly and helpful and she showed me a brand of suits that her daughters love. Being close to their age, Shelby found them appealing too.

We walked to the boat to change into our bathing suits. It was so funny to watch Camden when he recognized our boat; his 4-year-old brain was wondering how "Grandpa's boat" got to this new place. By this time, it was nearly time to check in at the campsites. The plan was that Shelby and Camden will go to the beach with us to swim while Justin, Stacie, and Patrick drive to Tawas Point State Park and get their tents set up. After about an hour of swimming, we walked back to the boat to get some dry clothes we can change into later. Then, with the kids, we drove the dinghy, across the bay, to the park they are camping in. Stacie and Patrick were standing on the dog beach to wave us in the right direction. We pulled up on the beach, walked through a line of trees, and there were the campsites.

We spent all afternoon swimming in the lake. This was River's first time on a beach and she was so funny to watch. Betty White isn't thrilled with getting wet so she'd walk in and just stand still while River was running laps around her. Camden was just gaining confidence in his ability to swim with his face in the water and he kept calling out to each of us, "Watch me! Watch me!" He was excitedly talking about how he will show his other grandma's when he gets home. 

At the campsite, we ate Street Tacos for dinner and then took a long walk around the campground, over to the lighthouse. Later, back at the campsite, we watched a spectacular sunset as we sat on the beach, looking across the bay. We sat around the campfire for a while longer and then it was time to get back to the boat. We walked the dinghy into the water. Once I was in, Larry pushed us off further, and then started the motor. With proper lights in place, we slowly made our way all the way across the bay. It was breathtaking to be on the water with a black, clear, star filled sky over us. It was an experience I'll cherish forever.