I recently spent 10 days in Michigan. I love the state in the summer. There’s just nothing like it. Warm days, lush greenery, fragrant lilacs, and crisp nights that are perfect for fire-pit conversations. Unfortunately, summer doesn’t last long, which is probably why the state is shaped like a mitten and not surfboard.

Anyway, as you may expect, my visit provided plenty of WOWs.

I met my great nephew. And he is, indeed, great. My niece Marley had her first baby, Arthur, and he’s captivating. I know I’m probably in the minority, but I’m not a big fan of babies. When someone asks, “Would you like to hold my baby?” I really want to say, “Not really. I’m good.” But this guy? He is an exception. He’s so expressive. And tiny. And sweet. 

I went back to Mackinac Island. My family has stayed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island every Fourth of July for years. It’s my happy place. My son Chris told me that some of his fondest childhood memories were on the island. (I had no idea!) We hadn’t been since 2020 and it felt like coming home. Chris and my daughter-in-law Mackenzie met me there and we had very meaningful family time. 

We spotted an otter. Speaking of meaningful, we were shopping on Main Street when we came across this otter sign. Of course, we immediately went into the store. Talking to the employees at the shop, we learned that otters live on the island and are sometimes seen at the dock. What??!! One winter, someone saw a baby otter playfully sliding down the hill. (For the record, I do love babies when they’re otters and would be more than happy to hold one if its mother asks.) Before we left, we showed everyone our otter tattoos and bought matching otter shirts. 

I hiked. Chris and Mackenzie left on Sunday, but I stayed three extra nights on my own. Each day, I hiked around the perimeter of the island. We always brought our bicycles and I’d never walked the path before. It was nice to be able to stop every few feet and look out over the water. I also hiked the interior trails. Being on foot gave me a new perspective.

I went to the butterfly conservatory. Somehow during our 10+ visits to the island, we had never visited the butterfly conservatory. On my way back to the hotel after a hike, I stopped at Wings of Mackinac. There was a school group there and it was pretty busy inside. I found a place to sit and quickly made a new friend. He and I hung out for a long time. I finally told him I had to go. Tip: If you want a butterfly to hang out with you, hike seven miles first like I did. Or do a dozen burpees in the parking lot. Turns out, they are attracted to perspiration. 

I saw Chris and Mackenzie’s new house. When I left Mackinac, I drove to see Chris and Mackenzie’s new house. It’s perfect. I am so proud of them. I got to spend time with Mackenzie’s dad and stepbrother, too, who were there from Las Vegas doing some work on the house. And I got quality time with my grand-dogs, Apollo and Orion. 

My 10-day trip was filled with so much joy and connection. And WOW! Moments. What WOWs have you had lately?