Michigan On the Fly

Like I said a couple days ago, Jon and I decided on Friday July 4 that we should leave Sunday July 6 and drive to Michigan to visit my family. Apparently when this happened on our 'last minute' trip to Chattanooga it didn't teach us any lessons, so we packed up and headed out for a 12 hour non-stop drive to Detroit.

Lots of movies helped pass the time quickly....
And my kids absolutely love using dry erase markers and white boards...

And of course, a little nap here and there doesn't hurt...

And before you know it, we're there!

I was so excited to be staying with my brother, who I don't get to talk to or see as much as I'd like. It really was so nice of him to let us come in and 'take over' his space...we really appreciated it!

Whenever I go home, I feel like it is a mad rush to see as many people as I can, and still spend a good deal of time with my parents and grandma. That first day there, Monday, my Mom had a Dr. appt and my Dad was at work, so we headed over to Gram's house to surprise her. We were delighted when she took us up on our invitation to have a picnic at a nearby park, so we headed out...

This cracked me up. Jordan doesn't like slides. At all. But she wanted to go down this one. But she was scared to go by herself. Cue: Jon.

Doesn't it look like they are trapped in a bent MRI machine?! So funny!

While Jon and the kids played, Gram and I went to sit in the shade. I love this picture of my sweet Grandma. She's been having some health problems lately, so I was so thankful to have some good visiting time with her.

One of the best things we brought on the trip were the kids' bikes and scooters. We had room, and I'm so glad b/c anytime we were just visiting and talking with adults we just pulled out the bikes and they were totally occupied.

We also spent a lot of time with my Mom and with my Dad...don't worry, there's more to come!