Day 8--back to Alpena

Sorry for the delay in posts--a last-minute addition to our travel schedule took me to San Francisco for the weekend!!  More on that later...first, here is the continuation of our Michigan trip.

Day 8 (July 7th) we spent the morning on the island, and made our way back to our kiddos and my family in Alpena:

In the morning we took one last walk and
toured the Hotel's stables and carriage collection,
and the Governor's Mansion.

The Governor's Mansion was very beautiful.  I love this
porch!  I would spend all day out here.

The Governor's Mansion was very lovely.  Yes it was huge, but actually it seemed cozy since the downstairs was basically just a large living room, dining room, kitchen, and screened porch.  No separate "game room" or parlor or anything...this was a very modern idea for 100 years ago.  It is interesting to note that JFK decided to run for the presidency after meeting with a prominent Michigan governor in the screened porch.

Grand Hotel and Mackinac Bridge, from Governor's Mansion.

One last stop at the fudge shop.  :o)

All aboard!

Bye, Grand Hotel :o(    
(The smaller white building on the very right is the
Governor's Mansion.)

Bye, Mackinac Island :o(

On the way home (2 hour drive) we stopped at
this FANTASTIC family-owned burger shack.
Really, best burger ever!!!  (Yeck's on US 23)

 After reconnecting with the kids when we got home, and sharing stories, I hurried off with my mom and sisters (and brother-in-law) to meet up with a Professional Art Teacher at Art in the Loft (Alpena). ;o)  Justin is the Gallery Coordinator and pretty much runs the show, and he teaches Corkscrew and Canvases classes which have proven to be very popular!  

Our instructor, getting the supplies ready.
Notice the beer and munchies.

A few of the students and half-completed work.  At this point,
we didn't know what the painting was going to be.  We were
just supposed to follow Justin's directions.

Wine break!!  (and munchies and beer)

The finished products--it's the Blair Street Pier!  This is the
pier at the end of my parent's street (just 2 blocks down).  So
cool to create something meaningful!