4.3.2.1...LETS GO!: WHAT A TRIP!

Once again the Tulsa heat hit and thankfully we were able and planning on our summer get away to Michigan. It was our longest time spent visiting in MI and as it turned out this was a good thing seeing as everyone day was filled to the brim with activity. I don't really know where to start to recap this trip. We usually try to have a little list of activities we would like to do while in MI, which normally goes by the wayside once we arrive. This at time seems a little aggravating...only to us not the kids, but this year I think we were reminded good and hard why we really make this trip every year. We had such a wonderful time enjoying each day for what it brought us, whether it was enjoying time at the campground watching the kids play shuffleboard and capture the flag, watching them play endless attack games in the sand with their cousins, catching butterfly's, flying kites, playing goofy "minute to win it" games and of course eating tons of ice-cream, and hot dogs. What we have finally learned is that this trip is all about creating those lasting memories and bonds with our family and friends.
    Ron's grandpa passed away about a week into our vacation, actually the morning of Andrea's birthday. It was a blessing for the family but still left our hearts saddened for his presence will be missed. He was a man well respected. Seeing so many people/friends from all walks of life come to visitation and his memorial service once again reminded us how important relationships are-crazy how we can get so caught up in our day to day conquering the daily chore of "raising the best kids there are" (for which we are endlessly bombarded with advise) we sometimes miss those opportunities. Ron's family is blessed with a family who has strong bonds among themselves and within the community. Those days were overwhelming at times but the love that was shown to Ron's parents and Ron touched my heart.

Link to News Article on Grandpa

   The kids got plenty of time camping with my parents and Aunt Sharon, Emily and Megan (also visiting from CA) with all the activities surrounding Grandpa's passing. The kids loving making Megan smile and had a fun time sleeping in a brand new trailer....which after having five kids in it over two weeks is, I am sure not so new anymore.
We ended our time with a Wedding celebration. Once again we were reminded our fast this life goes by-funny God had this trip all planned our for us. The wedding was for the oldest child I used to babysit for during my college years. He was Brayden's age when I started and now, talking to him and his siblings, seeing them all grow into such special, wonderful adults makes me love and appreciate every moment I have with my little ones.   The night was filled with lots of fun. The kids loved dancing, seeing/petting the horses and eating endless cupcakes and fruit. The emotions and thoughts felt from this trip where all over the board and for the most part almost impossible to put into words. We are left with great memories and best of all a re-grounding of our family as to what is important in this lifetime. As always, God knows best!

I have a ton of pictures from the past couple of weeks, these are just a few tying the whole trip together.

A full day at the beach, ending with a dinner and old friends, something we have missed the past couple of years. Amazing to see how families have grown.

Who could miss the chance for dolls, dress-up, make-up and some tea??

American Girl dolls....I feel a Chicago trip coming!.

What a fun time getting to know Hazel. I think she thought my kids were just nuts but had fun catching butterfly's with Uncle Ron.

The girls love their older cousins.

Off in the Gator. James would hear it start and make a beeline to get one-he loved pretending to drive.

We had a blast at the picnic planned by Doug and Robyn-lots of food, fun games with tons of laughs.

Even Ephie survived the trip with all the kids.

Cutie Megan

Can you stack them??? Ron managed to do it by the end of our afternoon.

Emily and her cute smile-loved trying to keep up with the kids.

Grandpa, able to get Emily to play-then lots of smiles!

Best lake day ever, warm water and waves....we all had so much fun.

James and Grandpa, lots of smiles and laughs as there was always someone to entertain his fun little face.

Wave at the camera! Kites were flying high along with Mom's camera, Ron was able to get some fun shots.

Grandpa and his kites-sad to say we lost one....still frustrating to us how we could not find such a huge kite!

We were even able to see some friends who made the long drive from Tulsa.

The new trailer. Grandma had everything the kids could ever want. The conference Grounds was a perfect stay, ton's of activities for the kids- Bible School, Capture the flag, tie-dye, tag, shuffle board, swimming, candy and ice-cream. We even managed to win the family sand sculpture contest....yeah for Lucy the Lobster!