Quick Michigan Trip

I am a fairly organized/planned out person.  I like overall structure and order.  But every once in a while it is really fun to break that mold and do something more spontaneous.  Back in December my mom mentioned a last minute idea about coming to see my cousin who was in town from New Zealand and they were planning a lunch with her and my aunts.  Initially I dismissed it...we'd miss a doctor's appointment and preschool, we already planned a late night date with friends the night before we'd have an early departure, and it would be tough to make it in time for the family lunch.

After thinking about it for, oh, a day (because I didn't have any longer to think about it), I decided to make it happen.  And left the next morning.  It was perfect timing.  Not only would I get to see my cousin, which we decided to make a surprise, but my best friend was going to be induced the very next day.  I was trying to figure out when I would go to meet her little bundle and this plan ensured it happened sooner than later.  I couldn't have been more thankful for the time in Michigan.  It was just wonderful!

We left pretty early in the morning.  The girls ate their breakfast in the car, watched a couple movies, and we arrived to the lunch location just about 10 minutes before lunch was slated to start.  I met my dad in the parking lot who was going to take my girls back to their house, waited until we saw the other women go in, and then walked in.  That moment seeing my cousin was precious.  We hugged and cried.  Then we took a few minutes to let my girls greet everyone before my dad took them home and the women enjoyed a wonderful lunch.  There was certainly not enough time to completely catch up, but the time we had was encouraging, fun, and sweet!  It's fun to hear all about her and her husband's adventures in New Zealand.  It made me really want to go visit them and also for them to move back so I could have more frequent visits with her.  :)   

My beautiful cousin and I just before saying good-bye.  Never fun, but so grateful for the time together.  I love you, Erin!

LOVED my time with Ben and Allison and meeting and completely hogging sweet baby Isaac...not even a day old!  SO PRECIOUS!  Thanks for the precious time together.  It was so relaxing to hang out and chat without the rest of our kiddos!  

We went to a fun indoor pool one day with Grandma and Grandpa.  

Cute look at Mommy. :)

I could eat her up!  Love that precious face!

So fun!  I love her excitement of the little things!

Squirting Grandma.

Ready, aim, fire!

Joy!!!

Life jacket bring much confidence in the water for Addison.  It's so fun to see her enjoy it.  

She is a great swimmer!

Brylee spent almost her entire time filling up buckets, overflowing them, dumping them, refilling, etc.  

Easy entertainment!

Grandpa joining her at the bigger fountains.

Determined!

Grandpa and his girl!

"I can't believe my eyes!!"
Just before leaving we decided to go over to the apple orchard where Santa and his reindeer made a visit!  

Petting the reindeer!

Brylee was very excited thinking about meeting Santa.

Going for it...

Don't walk away from me, Grandpa.

Only pic where both were happy. :)

One was very excited.  The other getting very nervous.

And then it started!!

No consoling was going to help.

LOVE Addison's annoyed face with the situation.

All looking the right direction!

We rescued Brylee and got this cute pic with Santa.

Taking in life!

Sister fun.

:)

Hanging out with Grandma.