We always spend our weekends out and about in our area up here in Northern Michigan, so I wanted to start a new blog series titled “weekends up north,” where I share the places we go and the adventures we have. I also thought it would be a fun way to integrate some of the fun brands I get to collaborate with along the way!
The kids love heading to downtown Petoskey and wandering through all of the fun shops. We often just walk the well-groomed and friendly streets, taking our time and enjoying weekend afternoons. It’s always a fun time, even though we’ve been in most of the stores a million times. Occasionally we will stop down there for a bite to eat or a scoop of gelato (dairy-free sorbetto for the kids). I hope these are memories they always look back on fondly, because I know they mean a lot to me.
On hot afternoons, we are definitely seeking out the shaded areas, like Pennsylvania Park, right in the middle of downtown. A green lawn stretches between two full street blocks, lined with bright flowers, several large trees scattered about, and a gazebo worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting. It’s a beautiful park, home to memorials and summer events like movies and music in the park (or visits with Santa and a tree lighting in winter)…and the kids’ favorite piece of our downtown history…the train tracks that still run through it, with grass taking up residence between the railroad ties, creating the perfectly worn-in detail for an already picturesque park. Both kids run through the grass, attempt balancing on the rails and over the years, I’ve taken several photos of my kids on these tracks, even in the early days of babies just learning to toddle about with nervous parents watching closely so they don’t trip. They’ve always been drawn to these tracks. That’s how much of a role this downtown has played in our lives.
I’m getting majorly sappy, but I love going downtown with my kids and I love taking photos to save our memories in time. Last weekend, they befriended a squirrel in the trees and we sat quietly, watching him run up and down trees, giggling when he’d wiggle his tail.
Classic memories in our classic downtown. And you’ll notice our kids in classic attire from JoJo Maman Bébé. I’ve loved this brand since the first time I heard of it, thanks to my girl, Kate Middleton…you know, formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge…I’m a royal fan to the end and she’s since showcased the brand on her kids as well. They have very classic and traditional designs…sweet and colorful patterns (you know I had to have this bird print top for Lark), stripes, smocking, chambray, and nautical inspiration, yet their pieces are very practical. They wash up so nicely and are so well-made. These summer pieces are comfortable and cool enough for the kids and perfect for outdoor adventures!
I love their outfits so much and was beyond excited to work with JoJo Maman Bébé on this collaboration. Previously only available in the UK, except online, they have now opened two stores on US soil in Connecticut after previously launching the brand “across the pond” with distribution in the USA by mail a couple of years ago. I’d love to check out one of the JoJo Maman Bébé stores in person one of these days!
Can’t wait to share more weekends up north with you all!
