Friday Favorites #21

Now that we’re settled into the camper and have somewhat better internet, I can get back to blogging! This week’s roundup of favorites will cover the last few weeks since I haven’t posted in a while.

Also, is anyone else wishing that summer would slow down?? I feel like it’s going too fast, and there’s still so much I want to do with the boys. I am thankful that Michigan does not go back until after Labor Day and we have the full month of August to enjoy.

Have a great weekend! Keep reading for two weeks’ worth of Friday Favorites!

Elk Rapids Outing

Andrew has a weekly hiking camp at various locations in the area. Last week, we were near Elk Rapids, so I decided to make an afternoon of it with the boys. Owen, Lucas, and I did our own hike at Maple Bay Natural Area. It’s a pretty hike through the woods that leads you straight to Lake Michigan.

Downtown Elk Rapids was a short drive. We walked around (found the most adorable toy store ever) and grabbed a bite to eat at Cellar 152. A restaurant by myself with three lively boys was a bit interesting!

Then it was off to the beach! The boys played in the river that flows into the bay. The water is much warmer than the bay, but we still had the beautiful bay view.

Elk Rapids is such a quaint town, one of my favorites up this way. We’ll be back!

Living at a Campground

The boys are having a blast at the campground. There are lots of kids their ages to play with, we can walk to a beach, and we’re living much more simply (less house means a lot less work!). They spend hours at the beach, which I love. I get some reading in too! Our camper is starting to feel like home, and we’re making special memories.

Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy

I started this 600+ book on Sunday and as of Wednesday night 75% finished. It has football, young love, unexpected plot twists, heartache…Friday Nights Lights meets Laguna Beach meets The Notebook. I wasn’t sure at first (seemed shallow and “cutesy” but definitely isn’t). I am totally hooked and flying through! The last half of the book I can’t put down. This author gives off Colleen Hoover vibes, and I would read her again for sure.

Amazon Flameless Candles

I took advantage of both practical and impractical Amazon Prime Day deals for our camper. These candles would be on the impractical side, but I love them! They are controlled with a remote and provide a cozy glow above our fireplace. I love the added string lights, too!

A Tuesday Night Out

Ryan had the idea of going out Tuesday night and of course I was down! We ate dinner at a local pub, Geno’s. It was your typical small-town bar/restaurant, but the food and prices were both great. I ordered the gyro with sweet potato fries. Delicious!

After dinner, we took a drive to Crystal Mountain Resort. We have never been and it’s a really cool place! There’s a luge slide and a water play area for summertime fun. I was obsessed with the landscaping and cute cottages available for rent. Ryan and I both agreed we need to plan a future visit. The luge looks so fun!

First Campfire

We finally got around to buying firewood and had our first campfire last Friday night. We roasted marshmallows (Owen kept burning them ha-ha) and made smores. Lucas wanted to play the “question game” where we ask each other random questions, like “would you rather…?” We stayed up until like 11:00 and it was the best family time.

Beulah Beach Day

Last Sunday, we were feeling a beach day and headed to downtown Beulah near our campground. We had never been before and it has a really nice beach right on Crystal Lake (a gorgeous lake by the way). The water was crystal clear, shallow, with a mostly sandy bottom, and pretty warm. We packed a picnic lunch and also went to Five Shore Brewing afterward. We played some games and enjoyed a few drinks with an appetizer.

Amazon Summer Necklace

I’ve been wearing this cute lil necklace nonstop this summer! I’m tempted to buy another color. I usually wear simple gold necklaces (if I wear anything) so this is a fun option to throw on. I scored it on a deal for half off, so kicking myself for not buying two!