In May, I took my car in to get the oil changed. The little sticker that they put in my window said that I would need my next change at a certain number of miles, or November 13, 2013. I take these stickers very seriously because I know absolutely nothing about cars, other than how to jump start my own car (a skill of which I am unspeakably proud). They could tell me that I needed a new flux capacitor and I would instantly start to cry at how much it was going to cost before even realizing that such a part [sadly] doesn’t exist.
But the sticker was out of touch with reality, as we actually had to get it changed yesterday, because we are already 100 miles past the recommended mileage. It’s just been one of those summers.
This past weekend was the last road trip until at least October and though I couldn’t be happier to be done with long days in the car, I am glad that we ended on such a good one.
First stop, Lansing, Michigan for the wedding of one of my college roomies.
Yes, I showed my support for their marriage by rocking the primary colors. They are just my favorites. 
Obviously, everyone knows that you go to weddings partially to celebrate the couple and partly to have a reunion with all your other college friends. This was no exception. Our little college town had not much beyond a few greasy spoon diners and the motto “It’s the people,” but it didn’t need much else. It was the people, it is the people that had me leave DC at 6 am and drive all day to get there in time for the wedding. Ok, so it was also the promise of great dancing and food. We are kind of a dance-crazed bunch of foodies. When you go to school in rural Michigan, those winters are long. You eat your way to comfort and then dance as if no one was watching because the world has forgotten you in the frozen wasteland that is Winter, which extends from November till May.
After the wedding, we all caravanned several more hours that night to another roomies’ parents’ house on Lake Michigan. That meant that Saturday was spent basking in crystal waters and white sands. 
Oh, and because we are who we are, there was a lot of reading material on that beach. It has been said that hell is other people, or that hell is running a race why people throw stuff at you. No. Hell is finding yourself somewhere with nothing to read. That never happens with this crowd.
I have a secret confession: I maybe prefer Lake Michigan to the beach. Don’t get me wrong – I love the beach. But Lake Michigan looks just as good and has no jellyfish or salt that stings your eyes. I’m just saying.
After the day at the beach, I headed down to Indiana where we spent the weekend with James’ family. This means marveling at the amazing height of corn this year and pillaging their garden for the best of summer produce while the boys played baseball.
And today, we make one last trek back to DC. No more twice a day Starbucks in the car (Hooray Treat Receipt!), no more endless hours of audiobooks and scanning the radio for something we recognize. No more fast food meals, holding out forever to find Chick-Fil-A, and car snacks. No more car games, sing-a-longs, and naps against the window.
At least, not this summer.
The Art in Life 
Hey, on the same day, we were on the beach at Lake Erie. I almost agree with you about the beauty of it. But not all the way.
So close!!! Maybe Erie isn’t as lovely as Michigan… or maybe I just came to this conclusion because I was reveling in the lack of jellyfish that marred our last beach trip.
Beautiful photos and you look like you had loads of fun!
Beautiful photos as always. I love roadtrips!
I do not take the mileage sticker seriously. I am currently 3,000 miles OVER what the sticker says…. oops.
We own an auto repair shop in California…get that car in…oil changes are your cars best friend. Two of our customers “forgot” and one resulted in a $7000 transmission (2007 Subaru). Just sayin 🙂
See — that’s what I’m scared of!!! Basically I am just waiting for the car to explode for no reason. This is the least I can do!
The baseball pictures in the corn field are so American, I can hardly handle it.
That’s always how I feel when we visit James’ family in the summer: it is everything you want America to be and I just want to freeze the moment, bottle it up, and pass it out in DC when everyone starts hating on this country.
Holding out for Chick fil A is a must on any road trip!
THOSE WAFFLE FRIES. So worth it.
Sounds like a lovely Summer so far! Nothing beats Lake Michigan! So happy you were able to visit the mitten this Summer. Jordan and I have been tripping it a lot this season, too. Mostly around Michigan, but we have a trip to Canada planned this upcoming weekend. I can’t wait!
Oh Canada will be so lovely! I really do love this state, and I kick myself on a regular basis that I didn’t explore more during the four years I lived there.
You know what’s really cool? Being at Lake Michigan with your college besties.
You know what’s not cool? Being 15 hours away the next day. Miss you! Already!
So not cool. I miss you!!!! Who can we get to get married next summer so that this can repeat itself???
I love that you appreciate the little things in life that make great memories. I’ve had a summer of great memories, visiting family in Boston (I have a 96 yrs young aunt who can still keep up with the best of them) and then met, essentially, my half-brother, who is 19 yrs older than me, for the first time (I was six when I met him before) …it felt like we had known each other all our lives. Next year I am looking forward to my 40 year high school reunion…haven’t seen these people in all that time. Thank you for sharing how it is the little things that count!
God bless you and your family, and that brand new oil in hour car!
Cecelia
It’s the little things that make it all worthwhile!
Gota love summer adventures. I have not had one this years…. so next year I’m barely going to even stay in tiny little England.
Yes. I agree with you about Lake Michigan. Given that was what I grew up on, I have to admit that the ocean isn’t much different except for salt, a strange smell, and waves that can knock you about (I tumbled like a fool during my first encounter with a very large wave this summer!). Loved this post because it felt and looked like home to me.
LAKE MICHIGAN FTW FOREVER.
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