Lake Michigan

What I really wanted to do during the shutdown was to take a trip to see lighthouses. (Surprise, Surprise!)  I contacted my cousin in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and lined up a place to stay with them.  We had no idea how long the shut down would last, but we decided the sooner we took off, the better.  We listened to general conference in the car on Saturday.  On the way we stopped by Grand Lake, Ohio, which has three lighthouses.  James attended priesthood session that evening with my cousin.  It was fun to hang out with them for a while.  I've been in the DC area for 15 years, and really haven't had any family live close. 

The weather was pretty interesting for our trip down Lake Michigan.  It was cold and wet and windy, so after our first lighthouse stop, we purchased some hats and ponchos, to be better prepared for our trip.  By the end of the next day, it was 80 degrees, and there were people out in swimsuits on the beach. The Grand Haven Lighthouse was under construction, but we were there at sunset and compensated by a fabulous water show as the waves crashed against the pier.  We climbed sand dunes, and enjoyed the rocks, shells, birds, and other 'treasures' along the beach.  Some of the leaves were changing along the way to add to the beautiful scenery.  The best part was spending this extra time with my amazing husband.