Michigan- Part III- the finale

So this is it for pictures I have. Like I said before, I know there are some others out there, but this all for me.

Here we are enjoying the traditional Geupel cocktail hour before dinner, complete with Schuler's cheese (think Handi-snaks cheese, but for grown ups). Cole even got in the cocktail action with a JuicyJuice.

Cole also got to ring the dinner bell in the dining hall that evening. It's a very momentous occasion, followed by applause from all patrons already enjoying their meals.
We also caught a lucky break in the weather that evening, and were able to FINALLY take Cole out in the Boston Whaler (aka boat)

Here is all suited up...

...and going to catch up with Dad.

He wasn't too sure at first.

His one moment of pure elation, and I just so happened to catch it!

Of the entire week, this is the ONLY picture I have of Cole and myself. I have got to get better about that!

Abe turned the steering wheel over to Cole. We went around in a circle for about 5 minutes, before Abe finally took control again.

This was Cole's preferred mode of transportation around the cottage. Who needs a stinkin' stroller?

Cole really enjoyed getting to play with his cousins once they finally arrived from England.

(I guess, technically, they are Abe's cousins, but with a generation gap.)

We also had a brief memorial for Abe's grandmother the morning we left. The family decided it only fitting that her resting place be the place she loved most, and placed her ashes beneath a White Pine sapling.
Here is the family, in near entirety.
All in all it was a great trip. We had so much fun and are so grateful to John and Paula for making the trip possible. And also, just as grateful, that Ben was able to make the journey with us, although, I think that much time with Cole has made him certain to never have kids of his own...we'll see. It was a once in a lifetime trip (since Ben probably won't ever make it back) but we can't wait to go back next year!