We had a Full Week of Fun, Family and Friends planned around the birthday of my youngest one.Thursday: July 27th
Early this morning we started our trek towards Michigan to visit with my youngest daughter and her sweet family.
Our first stop though was Nashville, to visit with our best friends and spend the night. We have a tendency to act like teenagers, who get all excited to visit with friends, then proceed to party too much. My good intentions of only partaking in one glass of wine went right out the window seconds upon arrival. After the first glass, then second and third……. after that, who’s counting or can??? LOL We finally all went to bed, I got the extreme giddy giggles and don’t really remember going to sleep, but I sure do remember waking up. Oh goodness, do I ever. Slow moving and a bit miserable. Our buddies slept in, we had some coffee, left them a thank you note and got on the road. Han drove, it was safer that way for sure.
Friday: July 28th
The trip from Kingsland to Nashville, the day before, had been uneventful and pleasant. However, the trip heading from Brentwood towards Michigan was complete misery. Very busy traffic, horrible fatal accidents, horrible truck driver behavior, more construction than we have experienced before, windy rain and with my numerous potty breaks, it became a very, very long day. At 5:00pm, I started feeling like a normal person and was beyond grateful. Han and I went to our favorite French Bakery and purchased two loaves of delicious warm french bread and drinks. I took over driving, as Han was getting dang tired and he really enjoyed his coffee and bread.
We rolled into Whitehall Michigan at 8:20pm and with so many hugs and kisses, I started feeling even better. We unloaded the car, visited some, set up our temporary bedroom in the basement and just relaxed with the grand kids until it was time for bed. Han and I were both so ready.
Saturday: July 29th
It was pure joy waking up to the sweet little faces of the grands. We all hung out some, did a little shopping and then began to get ready for a huge family reunion that was happening today with David’s (my son-in-law) family. I asked him how far it was and he said, “oh, it’s just a little way.” What they consider a little distance turned out to be a lot of far! We were following them in our car and about half way there, I pushed the trip button and realized we were very low on fuel. We kept going and going and going, and were thinking we might be in Canada soon.
LOL We were out in the boonies and the scenery was beautiful with forest, farms and Amish communities. It was the first time for me seeing all the horses and buggies, and they were also riding bikes, so one has to be a bit more careful when driving.
We finally arrived and what a family reunion it was. Tons of activities for the kids including a bouncy house, roasting a whole pig, raffle prizes, fishing, at least seven buffet tables laden down with food, people galore, tents and even a port-a-potty. They thought of everything. We enjoyed getting to see family again and meeting even more. Once you become family by marriage to this group, you are family for real. Everyone was so warm and welcoming.
They had suggested to family members to bring items to auction off to help finance the next reunion. (it happens every other year) I had brought a lake scene original painting that I had purchased for 3.00 at a thrift shop in Brunswick GA. I felt someone would find it nice enough to purchase, but it turned out so much better than I had could have hoped for. It turned into a bidding war with the painting being sold for $145.00, which was the highest price that day. I sadly missed this part, as I was out on little boat with David and two of my grandchildren. Han was so excited for me and I was quite the hit with helping out financially with the next reunion. Yep, was kinda flying high with happiness.
The party started winding down and we began loading up the crew, then went in search of a gas station. By the time we found one, we were at “zero miles until empty” and I was crossing my fingers for luck. Woo-hoo…….fueled up and back home we went.
Everyone was tuckered out, so it was a lazy evening in and catching up on some rest.
We will be visiting the Amish community and checking out some stores next week.
Sunday: July 30th
Today Jeabet and I took the two girls and did a little thrift shopping, yard sale scouting and ate lunch at the cutest little sandwich restaurant called “Pekadill’s”. Han and I have been to Whitehall numerous times and no one mentioned this restaurant when inquiring of places to eat. It is going on 30 years in business, so obviously not new, however it is very popular and the place was packed. Had areas inside and out to eat and relax. The garden area is so charming and peaceful. The food was quite good too and we will be going back very soon.
The rest of the day was basically just relaxing and hanging out with the family.
Monday: July 31st
Today has been non-stop thrift shopping, retail shopping, lunch at Olive Garden then back to the house to prepare Elena for her ballet session.
Of course she looked and acted adorable. She really enjoys the class, and even with the occasional goof-off session, she loves it and really tries her best.
Immediately following ballet, we went to watch the first day of Liam’s football practice. Some of the little guys are so small (Liam included) that they look like bobble heads with their big helmets on. The seven coaches really had them hustling, even on the first day. Liam seemed to like it but was getting really tired. We thought that he would come home and crash, since it would be 8pm when they got back, but nope…he ate and was rearing to go. I wish I had his energy.
He cuddled up with us later in the bed, chatted, and snitched fresh cherries from Han’s bowl. Those simple little times are what I love the most.
Oh and Michigan cherries are delicious. I have got to find somewhere that sells cherry salsa. It is divine.
Tuesday: August 1st
Today was my youngest child’s birthday. She is 27 now and the Grand Canyon’s age has nothing on me, or at least in “my” brain.
We slowly got up and around today, as we were all a little tired. Finally got our (Jeabet, Elena and myself) butts in gear and went into Whitehall for a girls day out. So cute that my four year old grand daughter said it and realizes what a “girls day out” entails.
Of course shopping is involved. I took Elena in a store and let her pick out gifts for her mama and she had so much fun.
We grabbed lunch at “Lipka Soda Fountain.” (my fave eatery in Whitehall) The menu always changes and is some of the healthiest yummiest food ever. Besides the interior is a step back in time to the 1950’s and is still has most of the original decor and entertaining memorabilia.
Aria had ballet today and Liam had football. While the family was gone, I baked a cake for Jeabet’s birthday, and Han and I cooked dinner for when they got home.
Lighting 27 candles was fun (even more fun was watching her blow them out), cake was very moist and Jeabet opened up her gifts. David, Han and I paid for Jeabet to have a full day at one of the spas in Muskegon called “Salon 297″. She is beyond excited to have a full day of pampering and quiet time. We purchased this for two reasons. We all knew she would love it and it will keep her out of the house for the day we have planned a surprise birthday party. Her dad and best friend “Ginna” are driving in from Wisconsin. She is going to freak out when she comes in the house and finds so many people here. She has no idea.
Wednesday: August 2nd
Was a simple but great day because I was able to watch Elena get her first taste of school. She was being tested due to her age (she will be five in late October), and I am proud to announce our very smart girl is going to kindergarten this year. She is very excited and even left her blanket home. That is amazing in itself. Their school really is wonderful and I think quite possibly the best elementary school and staff I have ever encountered.
The rest of the day was enjoyed being with the grand kids, then watching over the two girls while Jeabet took Liam to football practice. We sat out on the back deck and they had the best time playing in the sand of the volleyball court. Aria treated it like a pool and was “swimming” through the sand. They thankfully got along perfectly and no screaming coming from any of us. LOL
I brought them in, gave them a bath and waited for everyone else to come home. That is what being with the kids is all about. The very simple pleasures of watching them play, playing with them, chatting and just watching them grow.
Yes it was a full week of fun, family and friends, which truly are the anchors for a good life. I will cherish them forever.
2 comments
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