Michigan Travels

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.