Thanksgiving in Michigan

We spent this Thanksgiving with the Mason crew in K'Zoo. It was such a fun time and I know that this house wishes there weren't 10 hours between us. I am sure, though, that by now they have moved and not told anyone!!

We left home Wednesday morning, around 6:30am. Breakfast was a quick stop and eaten in the car.


We made it safely in about 9 1/2 hours, not bad, with 3 kids and a few stops. We were greeted with open arms by Nana and Uncle John. The girls quickly made themselves at home, a true testament to how welcomed we were. The girls were "playing" the piano and entertaining us with their antics. We enjoyed a nice dinner, a visit with Jane and Jim and then another celebration of Emma's birthday. I so want to turn 9 again!!!

Thanksgiving
We enjoyed 2 celebrations while in Michigan. We spent a quiet morning around the house just being. It was a great way for me to spend some quality time with Linda, I thoroughly enjoyed our chats and strolls down memory lane.
From our early dinner with Nana & Uncle John

Later that afternoon we traveled over to Dave and Beth's house for our 2nd celebration. Dave and Beth, thank you so much for including us in the festivities. Dinner was delicious and I am in love with your home, perfect for the 2 of you. I really wished Linda and I could have stayed longer. I would have loved to have spent more time with everyone. But Miss Molly is not one to fight with. When she's ready, she's ready. I am just grateful that going "home" meant going back to Nana's and not Maryland!

Friday
What I like most about our visit was the slower pace. Our lives are very busy, sometime much too busy. We never, ever seem to just enjoy time at home. I am sure it's the same in any family with small kids, nowadays. But the days seemed a little longer out there and not so rushed. We all ate breakfast together at the table, unheard of with us. It is a great way to spend the morning. Then Uncle John and Eric braved the Black Friday madness to take Emma and Molly to the mall. They were on a mission to ride the Merry go Round and hit the bookstore. Missions accomplished. While the gang was gone and Lucy was down for a nap, Linda and I rummaged through all the old family photos and papers. We had some good laughs and sad moments but it was time well spent. I will make it my mission in '09 to get the photos scanned. Once they returned we enjoyed another meal together, Thanksgiving leftovers are the absolute best!!

We were to meet Jane and Jim at Jane's house later in the afternoon. Jane had booked a suite at the hotel she works at and we had a little party there. Emma and Molly got to swim for bit, always fun to do when it's freezing outside.
After the swimming we all met back up in the room for pizza. The girls thought this was the best part of the trip. I mean who goes to a hotel just to swim and eat pizza?

Lucy had a blast checking out the swanky digs...

After the room was cleaned up, everyone bundled up and we made our way to Bronson Park. It was time welcome in the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony. The girls, again, had a great time here.

We left the park and headed back home to drop the girls off. Nana & Uncle John had offered to keep all 3 girls so Eric and I could enjoy a night out with Jane, Jim, Dave & Beth. We were most appreciative of this time we spent just hanging out. Eric and I never do anything like that any more, mainly because we're so tired to drag our butts out of the house past 7pm. We hit their hangout for a few hours and chatted and chatted. It is always delightful to talk to adults when day after day your world revolves around the under 4 set. It was a great end to a perfect day.

Saturday
Our last day here :( We woke up Saturday morning and again got to enjoy a nice long breakfast. Eric and I then had the task of getting everything ready to go home. It never ceases to amaze me how much crap we bring. Once we were packed we just hung out and enjoyed spending a bit more time with our hosts. Dave & Beth stopped by to say goodbye as did Jane & Jim. We ate lunch together, chatted some more and then said goodbye. It was sad to leave. Linda and John, I don't think words can adequately convey how much it meant to Eric and I all that you did for us. We enjoyed our time there more than you'll know. I think you know how much the girls loved having you around. I just wish the miles weren't so many.