The Chalks ventured to Dune Acres, Indiana on Lake Michigan for a fun-filled weekend at the spectacular home of the Spences. The last time I was here was for Kelly & Paul’s wedding in September 2009, so it was pretty cool to be back. This weekend was organized by the four Batesies Kristine, Kelly, Carrie, & Glynnie. Only this time all of the husbands came along with the kids. I have to be honest, I don’t think of much when I think of Indiana, but Dune Acres is pretty amazing and very scenic. Kristine, Sawyer, & I flew to Chicago and rented a car for the hour and a half drive east to Dune Acres. Between 8 adults and 7 kids under the age of 5 (2 newborns included), it was busy at times though so much fun.
All the kiddos eating dinner
Walking down to the beach on Lake Michigan in front of the Spence home
Sawyer loving the feel of sand on her toes
Beach time!
Liv, Liam, & Sawyer gathering rocks to skip on the lake
The Spence home
I love the spiral staircase
Sawyer out cold 🙂
Sawyer & Olivia at this awesome, old-school playground in Dune Acres
Kristine & I each went on our own respective trail runs around the awesome hilly trails of Dune Acres of which Kelly’s dad hiked and recorded and with Paul’s help created nice little maps of the trail systems complete with approximate mileages. On Saturday, Kelly laid the foundation for an adventure to the local state park to attempt the 3 Dune Challenge! While the course summits the 3 highest dunes above Lake Michigan in only 1.5 miles, it would be a challenge for all the kids. We had a lot of fun and after summitting the last dune, we had a nice lunch and then descended.
And go! Sawyer is off to the races
Me, Liam, & Sawyer
Up the first dune
Sawyer finding a walking stick
Sawyer wanted a lift for the final vertical up to the first dune
Mt. Jackson summit! Sawyer is ecstatic!
The kiddos
Sawyer, Kristine, & Paul on the summit of the 2nd dune, Mt. Holden
En route to the 3rd and final dune
Sawyer on a mission
The summit headwall 🙂
And, we’re here! Summit of Mt. Tom
Mt. Tom historical information on its formation
View west
Lunch time
And, a final group shot on Mt. Tom
Saturday evening we all grilled out and enjoyed a spectacular sunset on the front deck overlooking Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline in the distance. What a great weekend with everyone (Paul, Kelly, Glynnie, Rob, Carrie, Brett, & of course Kristine) and all the kids as well. We are so looking forward to the next Bates reunion.
Cooking out with a view
Sunset with the Chicago skyline to the west
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