Ditching church to head to the beach... we are such SINNERS!

(On the hike up to the lookout point)

We decided to take full advantage of the last 80-degree weekend in Michigan to enjoy the great outdoors. The fall foliage was in full swing, the weather perfect, the kids itching to go run around, mom sick of sitting around the house, and the perfect opportunity to head north arose... we took it! We headed to the quaint little town of Empire (doesn't have a stop light or gas station) and hiked "Empire Bluffs." Probably one of the most scenic spots in all of MI, especially during the Fall.

Sleeping Bear Dunes are off in the distance. Yet another gorgeous MI destination spot.

Once at the top there's a little boy's paradise: a gigantic sand box. We sat there and let the boys play in the sand forever. I think we overstayed our welcome once Kyler was running up the hillside off the path and was "destroying fragile plant-life." Oops! The dude packed it in the sling the whole hike up and back without a peep. He was a gem this entire trip!

After the hike we headed "into town" and played at the beach for a few hours. Here's proof that the dude was at the beach at 3-weeks-old!