Michigan

This past week we made an unplanned trip to MI. It turned out to be a wonderful trip, lots of family and special time together. All my siblings were all able to be together, always fun and something that doesn't happen very often. We were busy with events surrounding the funeral, sad times but very fun memories...with my grandma and memories of family members I have not seen in years. The kids had a blast with grandparents, truly spoiled by always having someone ready to play babies or read books.

This is a little out of order but on our way home we stopped in Kinmundy Illinois to surprise a good work friend of Ron's for his 60th birthday. This also was very special, as many of his past, and current work friends from Tulsa also made the trip. He was truly shocked to see us walk in the house.

The birthday boy, wife and us. We were also invited to stay at this house he had redone. The house was built in the 1800's, so fun to stay in such an old house with such character.

We did take some time to play while in MI. It was winter weather so the kids enjoyed the local indoor pool. Brayden had a blast with his cousins. Becca, Andrea and Emily all loved the water...no tears this year.

We also took the time to make the rounds and see our grandparents. This is my mom's parents. Brayden surprised all of us by singing Jesus Loves me in Spanish...you never know what he learns at school-very special to hear them sing as I remember singing as local nursing homes growing up.

Our Cousin Emily. The kids loved playing with her, I think she enjoyed all the attention as long as mommy was around.

The family all together, a nice family dinner followed by some fun card games. I do have to say I did one at least one round of wizard!

Brayden had lots of fun with some more big boys around to play hockey with.

Andrea had fun with Aunt Sharon and Emily, bath time with no big kids was lots of fun.

Endless book reading....the grandparents didn't seems to mind.

A Cold Lake Michigan. Next visit the lake should be covered in ice.

We also decided that since we were taking two days to get back to Tulsa we might as well stop and see the arch. It was a beautiful day, a great change from 40 degree days.

This is the actual size of the pod capsule you ride up in.

The kids as the car began it's climb up the 630 feet to the top.

No fear here, they loved looking out the windows at the top.

Yes, I did make it...although I do have to confess I really did think about staying at the bottom with Andrea. The views were great and it was really a lot of fun.