Sorry that the blog has been put on the back burner lately but I have a few excuses: a) traveling, recovering from traveling, cleaning upon return; b) work! lots and lots of work; c) I like watching movies/reading/social media-ing in my down time better; d) I’m a slacker.
Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s continue. Our trip was a relaxing, family-focused time. Unfortunately, it was just Sonora and me because Ryan had to stay home for school (and because we’re not rolling in the dolla billz). But she and I had a great time with everyone and it was sad to have our vacation come to an end.
We visited my grandma (her great-grandma) at Hospice a couple times, did some fireworks on the driveway to celebrate 4th of July, went to the Critter Barn petting zoo, had play dates with first, second and third cousins, I had a couple girls’ nights out, got to meet two of my best friend’s babies for the first time, went to Sandy Pines for a fun-filled day of water activity with Illinois friends, had a family picnic at the lake, went to the zoo, had more play dates with friends, and to end my time there, my best friend and I got pedicures. And they were glorious.
I had made a list of all the things I wanted to do while I was there and I hit almost every one of them. The only one that didn’t get checked off was a visit to the Wooden Shoe Factory to buy Sonora some wooden shoes and to get a little windmill for our front perennial garden. But that will have to be saved for another time.
I’ll also note that we were basically a sweaty mess the entire time. Every time I go back I wonder how I survived such insane heat in the summer. The humidity is suffocating and the heat index was still in the 90s at 11pm. Madness.
Anyway, now here are a few photo highlights from our time in Michigan:
Our first fun family outing - the Critter Barn! It was a sweaty, stinky, dusty success.
Laughing at the chicks.
Petting the bun bun.
Checking out the sheep up close.
Loving the horsie her grandpa bought her.
Best friends and our babies! We are both mothers now...crazy.
Fun in the pool at Sandy Pines campground with our IL friends.
First time in a lake.
Her first ice cream cone. She would have eaten the whole thing if I would have let her. Piglet!
First visit to Tunnel Park beach in Holland.
First time at Lake Michigan...she was not a fan of the cold water and just wanted to get back to the picnic so she could eat.
Cutie cousins!
Having a silly time (as usual) with Uncle Aaron.
Twinsies in their matching outfits from Grandma at the John Ball Zoo.
Not so sure about the giant goat.
The zoo staff was slacking on the job.
Watching Grandpa fly the "bug".
Too cool for school.
She loved riding in Grandpa's truck.
It was hard coming back home and the first day back was rough, but being with Ryan again after a week was wonderful. I will always have a piece of Michigan and family/friends in my heart, but home is always where my little family is.
Tomorrow on the blog – Sunday photo strip and an update on the toddler’s latest antics.
Love,
Laura