Trip to Michigan: Starlite Beach in Alpena

We went to Alpena, Michigan every summer when we were kids, as my mom and dad grew up here and met at Alpena Catholic Central when they were sophomores in high school. Every summer, we would go to Starlite Beach—some things have changed (the sand is better; there are several play structures for kids; the public restrooms are much nicer) and some things haven’t (you can still see the factory in the distance—an homage to Alpena’s blue collar background; the mini golf on the beach still has the exact same stuffed animals they had when we were kids). 

One of the newest additions to the Alpena waterfront is a place where you can rent paddleboards and other water equipment. My sister decided to rent a paddle board and we all tried it out. 

Amanda going on the maiden voyage. 

I am trying the paddleboard while Alex, who really wanted to get dressed, 

becomes interested in the water again. 

Finally, Danica takes the paddleboard out. 

Alex had a blast at this beach—we had fun building sand castles, walking out the water and, yes, feeding the seagulls. 

Trip to Michigan: A Day on Long Lake

We recently took a rather impromptu trip to Michigan—it was wonderful because we got to spend time with so many of my extended family.

One of the highlights was visiting my cousin Danica’s new house (with her fiancée, Brian). Danica is like a second sister to me: her mom is my mom’s sister; her dad is my dad’s brother. Their home is beautiful and they have a ton of lake front property.

Alex wanted to get in the water right away, which he did. 

America Gothic recreation 

Amanda and Brian testing out the jet skis.

Alex throwing stones in the water with Grandpa looking on.

Alex and I taking the jet ski for a spin. 

The “Relaxation Station” 

Amanda, Alex and I all going out for a ride. 

Happy!

Adam going kayaking. 

We tried to make waves for Adam kayaking. He got us back later, though. 

Aunt Janice and Joey

Relaxing by the water. 

Grandpa and Alex throwing rocks together. 

Joey resting in the hammock. 

Alex’s turn in the hammock. 

Busza got him swinging. 

Practicing for the golf tournament a few days later. 

Sunset over the water. 

We ended the day with s’mores by a fire that Brian built (this may have been Alex’s favorite part of the trip). We had a wonderful day with lots of family, lots of food, lots of pets and lots of love and laughter.

Hearty Nachos

My mom and sister came to visit us the other weekend. On Saturday night, after spending most of the day at the water park/sprinklers, I wanted something easy to make: enter nacho dip. Although by name, it doesn’t sound like a meal, it definitely was—we were all stuffed. 

INGREDIENTS

3 chicken breasts

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup of regular salsa (I always use mild, as I am not a huge fan of spice and, we have a toddler)

3 tablespoons of green salsa

3 teaspoons of garlic salt

1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

2 cans of refried beans (I used refried pinto beans)

2 cups of corn

2-3 cups of shredded cheese (I used a combination of Monterey jack and cheddar)

2 avocados

1 package of guacamole mix (I just picked one up from Whole Foods)

1 bag of tortilla chips—your preference (I used a mixture of blue and yellow corn tortilla chips)

DIRECTIONS

1.       Preheat oven to 350.

2.       Bring a pot of water (with a touch of salt) to boil. Add the chicken breasts and boil until done.

3.       Once chicken is boiled, remove and chop into small bites.

4.       While chicken is boiling, sauté chopped onion until translucent.

5.       Add salsa, green salsa, salt, pepper and diced chicken to the onions.

6.       Mix in the two cans of refried beans and stir until well blended. Add the corn and stir well again.

7.       Put the bean/meat mixture into the bottom of a casserole dish and top with cheese.

8.      Bake until cheese is bubbly (about 15 minutes). Once done, remove from oven and let sit for about five minutes.

9.       While nacho mixture is baking, mash the avocados and add the guacamole mixture (you can also make this from scratch, but I was tired and taking the easy way out).

10.   Serve nacho mixture with tortilla chips and guacamole. 

I think everyone liked this meal and it was so easy to make. Definitely a nice recipe t keep in your back packet if you don’t feel like going overboard.