Friday was a leisurely day. We had breakfast and Bill worked on his Dad's computer. We did some laundry, and then had a short nap...the first in over a week!
Off to Dixboro (Think that was the name of the town) to a fun old store, that took us 30-45 minutes to go through. It was tons of fun, and thankfully, there was no room in the suitcase, or I might have brought a few things home!
We picked up pizza and headed back to Mom & Dad R's--where Bill's sisters, brother-in-law and nephew came to hang out, and spend some time together. Unfortunately, my brother had other commitments, and being we were out of town so much...we didn't get another opportunity to get together, but I am very thankful for the time we did have and that he was able to bring the kids over with him.
Some pictures we took while we were all together. Jeff had already gone home, or we might have done some entire family shots. Oh well!
Saturday started early, both Bill & I awake at 6:30--probably anxious to go home. We were both missing the kids, and missing home. I must admit, being out in Ypsilanti, where it was nice & quiet made a big difference in our stay there this time. Much more relaxing! We headed to the airport at 9am, and were through security and to our gate by 9:50--lots of time to hang out before the flight.
We had a beautiful day for flying, and I watched as we flew out of Detroit, and over Michigan, over lake Michigan, and heading west, that the areas of people grew more thinned, and as we headed over the Rockies, I realized....wow...I was truly a Western gal now....having really missed the beauty that God surrounds us with here in Oregon each day...mountains, green all year, trees, streams, rivers, lakes, and fresh air....I'd forgotten how much I appreciated that!! Thank You Lord for fresh air!
We landed in Portland 20 minutes early and as we headed to baggage, I heard "Mommy"---even out of context, you never miss the sound of your own child....as Kristin was running towards us to greet us. Nate & Katie had brought the kids in to meet us--what a treat!
We got our luggage and headed out to a clean car--WOW NATE, thanks--tires armoralled, rims sparkly shiny, outside washed, inside swept--inside & out looked awesome. What a treat. Thanks again Nate...you can have the Suburban anytime!
We decided to go to IKEA--as we had never been there. I figured 30 minutes or so? Ha! It was almost 3 hours before we came out of there! We had a blast, and then went to get some dinner. We headed south around 9pm, and got back to Brownsville, dropped off Nate, Katie & Audrie, then headed home...another 25 minutes. We had the truck unloaded, and were closing down the house to head to bed at midnight...(AKA 3am to us who's body clocks were still on Eastern Time!). It felt so good to be home.
We made it up and out for church this morning...it felt so good to be back in the swing of things. Home afterward to get some laundry going, and of course a nap! Feeling a bit under the weather....sore throat and earache, but praying I will feel better for school in the morning. Thank You Lord for a safe trip, great visits, wonderful friends who stayed with our kids, and most of all...thanks, for where we live!
Thursday started early as Gayle came to Margaret's to pick me up. We then headed off to McDonalds for coffee at 8:15AM....and managed to spend until 11:30 before we heading downriver to do some touring around. Our destination was Olive Garden, and we had a great time visiting over lunch.
Then for the big adventure.....a stroll through Eureka Heights!! We had a blast, and although I didn't have a camera, we took a few ucky shots with the cell phone. Better than no memories at all! Our time together ended all too soon, and we headed back to Bill's folks.
Bill & his parents spent a day at the Dearborn house, cleaning up, packing some things into the car, and heading back to Ypsi. We regrouped and headed to Cracker Barrel for dinner...wow...my two most favorite places, all in one day!
After dinner, we met back at Margarets with Randy, Patty, Uncle Tom, Aunt Kathy, Meri & Arianna. It was good to get to visit, and spend just a few short hours before everyone packed up and headed out again.
One more day before heading back to Oregon. It's been a good trip...lots of visits, some good quality time, and of course, lots of laughs.
Check out the few pictures from today....
The day was beautiful and we headed out to Lansing to spend the day with TEAM Hendy. Todd, Erika, Abigail & Madison. It was an awesome day, and the sun was gorgeous!
We arrived at Todd & Erika's around noon, and we played outside with the kids while we visited. Lunchtime hit, and we had YUMMY Chili, and then hung out with Abigail as she painted (We have a beautiful addition for our fridge), had some laughs, Bill snuck in a nap, and we enjoyed the sunshine while the kids played after naps. The day went way too fast, and before we knew it, we were eating dinner, and ready to head home.
Thanks for a great afternoon, and a fun visit. We love you guys.
Bill & I left Michigan about 8:30 and arrived in Salem around 12:30. The weather cleared up after a long rainy morning of driving. We enjoyed pizza and an afternoon of visiting with Grams & Gramps. Bill worked with Gramps in cleaning up his computer, and Grams & I went over lots of old pictures.
The afternoon went quickly and we headed to Cec's for supper and a visit with my Aunt and Uncle, Corysue & Bill.
Shawnna, Aunt Cory and Uncle Bill
Aunt Cec made an incredible supper of Meatloaf baked potatoes and garden fresh corn! Uncle Rudy made great brownies for dessert. Sarah & Rex, along with their kids came down as well. She was great in helping with serving, and clean up. Thanks so much Cec, Sarah & Rudy for the great dinner and the ability to just visit. It means so much to us.
Sarah & Sarena make funny faces for self portraits!
Cec, Rudy, Bill & I spent the rest of the evening visiting, we picked glass for our front door (Rudy is going to do the stained glass for our side lights and insert in our front door), and had a great time visiting. 
Aunt Cec & Shawnna
We didn't get to bed until very late, and were up at Hrovatic time to do some more visiting before we left to head North and visit with my other Aunt & Uncle. The dog thought we were insane and preferred to stay in his bed.
Check out some of my Uncle Rudy's handiwork--
This angel is about 3 ft tall....
Spoiled dog....(Nice Quilt, huh Ryan?!!)
On the way to Aunt Dolly & Uncle Dick's, we stopped by my Grandparent's, as I forgot to get pictures. We then headed to Elyria...two hours away.
Grams, Gramps & Shawnna 
Aunt Dolly,Uncle Dick & Bill
Aunt Dolly, Shawnna & Uncle Dick
An extra treat...while at my Aunts, I came across a picture of my grandparents (her parents) that I had never seen before. She is going to have it copied for me.
Helen & Gilbert Timm 1943.
We had a great lunch with Uncle Dick & Aunt Dolly--and then visited for awhile before hitting the road for Michigan.
We were blessed with good weather (except some flooding in Salem) safe travels, and a wonderful opportunity for some good visit time.
Check out the slide show below for both days.Monday 03-22
Tuesday 03-23
This last week was a flurry of activity as we got ready to leave for our trip, get things lined up for the kids to stay at home with Jenny, get packed, shop for home, and PHEW, finally get on the plane. NOW--time to relax!We had a great flight from Portland to Minneapolis, but it was a packed flight. Our second leg from Minneapolis to Detroit was wonderful. Seating was 2 & 2, and the jet was comfy, with sliding headrests and adjustable pads for your head...ahhhh....too bad this was the short flight! As we flew over the metro Detroit area, I was watching out the window as Bill slept, and I realized how blessed we are to live where we do. There is not one space that wasn't filled with light, and everything is SO FLAT! As we got closer to Detroit, the more stacked things became....parking garages, taller buildings, all proof that there are so many people here that between streets there is no room for more "stuff"! As we flew out of Portland, I watched for miles & miles the green---the areas between populated areas---the mountains, the streams...and I realized how Oregon is home. Michigan is where our family is. We have been so blessed by God to be where we are!We landed at Metro around 12:15--and it was 57 degrees. Bob and Margaret picked us up at 12:30 and we were back to their place by about 1:00. We unloaded, had a tour of the new house--and visited until 3am! Margaret blessed us with letting us have her room, which has a great view of the pond out back. We felt right at home, and it's so quiet here. We slept great, and woke at 8 feeling refreshed (OK a little lagged, but the bed was so comfy!)and headed off to cousin Randy's mother-in-laws funeral. (Patty's Mom) Although the circumstances were not great, it was still good to see Randy & Patty. It was even greater to meet their daughter Brooke, who we had not met yet.
The afternoon was great, as we visited with family and friends. Bill's sisters & mom put together food for everyone. There was chicken, salads, and of course treats for afterward! 
Aunt Carol & Uncle Brian came, it was great to be able to visit with Jeff, who we haven't seen our last few trips here. Chris & Beth came, as well as Steve & Judi--and my friend Gayle, who I have not seen in 12 years.
There was the usual banter between the family, lots of laughs, cribbage games, and of course Mom's homemade baileys. My brother even was able to make it with it with the kids. It was a great day!
The kids had a great time, and thought it was awesome that there was a toilet in the closet! They even took pictures!
We head off to Ohio tomorrow, and will visit with my Grandparents, and several Aunts & Uncles...I can't wait! Kristin sent lots of Papa hugs to give away!
Check out the pictures from the last few days......
We will check in again after our trip to Ohio...be back to Michigan on Tuesday night.
Snow on the plum blossoms....It's been awhile...and I apologize for those of you who follow faithfully. If you're not on facebook, then consider joining, as I do post a blip or two there every few days. The lengthy stuff (and of course pictures) is always here though!
February 21st--we headed to the O'Hara's after church to celebrate Kim & Declan's birthday. It was a great time of fellowship, as we really miss our get togethers now that we are back to work & school. Makes getting together difficult. It was extra fun, being that they rented a cotton candy maker, and the kids (OK..we adults too) loved it!
February 27& 28th took the kids to a Winter Youth Retreat with our church Youth Group. They used the newly (still in progress) Calvary Creekside, and both had a really good time.
Bill & I spent Friday night getting pizza with Charlie and watched "Down Periscope" one of our favorites. Saturday morning I had to work, and Bill & I had a date as it was my bosses 50th birthday party. We had a really nice dinner at Oregon Electric Station, enjoyed Nate & Katie's company as well, and headed home for a quiet evening.
March 6th & 7th--This last week has been filled with lots of organizing, and for Bill, finishing projects for school, lots of homework, and getting ready for finals next week. We did take a break and meet with Harry & Flo for lunch. It was great visiting with them--we've missed seeing them at Washburne, but they are loving being retired. They miss the park, but not the politics that went with being park hosts. Ugh, took the camera, and didn't take one picture! Our plan was to take our time coming home, and stop along the way since it was such a beautiful day, but homework was calling, Ryan & Hunter wanted to get home to hang out (they were bored) and for some reason, being on a ride with Mom & Dad is no longer fun!
This next week will be filled with lots to do, as we get ready to head to Michigan...as well as get things lined up for the kids, who will have Jenny here with them. Thankfully, she consented to staying with them, so we didn't have to ship the three dogs off anywhere. The kids can stay in their normal routine, and take care of the dogs. It's not that easy to find someone to watch THREE BIG GERMAN SHEPHERDS!! Really looking forward to a trip with just Bill & I...been a long time. If you're in MI...and have the 20th open...feel free to stop by Bill's folks new place in Ypsi anytime after 2pm to say hi. I know we won't get to see everyone in the short time we're there, but hoping to catch a lot of you this way...as we will also be heading to OHIO to see my grandparents and family there. Call either of us on our cell's....
Until next update.....enjoy the pics of our snowy morning. Sixty five on Saturday, and snow today! It is now 48 and all the snow is gone, but it was pretty this morning!
Now, here's a picture from today (March 31st)....what a difference! 55 and sunny today.
