Return Journey

Once again, we took full advantage of our suitcases and filled them to the brim. We checked in at the airport with eight suitcases and four carry-ons. The counter lady very kindly let us check- in an additional two carry-on suitcases so we did not have to lug them through the airport with us.

Fortunately, we had a quick security screening as this allowed us to enjoy some snacks in the Delta lounge before our flight. When we heard the initial call for boarding, we left the lounge and headed to the gate. We no sooner arrived and were informed the boarding would be delayed and to wait for further details. An hour later, we finally boarded. 

Once in our plane seats, we waited over another hour for it to take off. We did not complain though, as the captain announced the cooling fans were malfunctioning and would keep us updated. I had no issues with waiting on the mechanics to ensure the part worked properly before we left. It ended up being over two hours we were delayed, but once in the air, it was a smooth ride.

Us girls started out all together, but after our meal, Emmie sat next to Eric who was behind us. He had an open seat next to him and an elderly lady on the other side of the open seat. This freed up some room for Adeline and I to catch some sleep. Emmie was a wild mouse while she was sleeping. She kept Eric awake and the lady as she kept tossing and turning and putting her feet on the lady. The lady still seemed in good spirits when we landed, despite Emmie intruding on her space.

All of our luggage came out first and the anticipation of quickly exciting on the other passengers' faces was lost when Eric kept taking piece after piece off in the first round of luggage that was unloaded. The lady asked Eric for assistance with her luggage, so we waited for hers while we stood by our suitcase tower. Eric felt it was the right thing to do after she had to put up with Emmie during the long flight.  Of course, her one suitcase was one of the last five unloaded from the plane. The waiting time went quick as the girls had some stored up energy they released around the luggage claim area.

When we walked out of the airport to catch a taxi, we all froze. The temperature was only in the 60s and we were cold after being in the Michigan heat. The day never warmed up and stayed cloudy, which made it good for shopping and unpacking.

Time went fast, but the memories will last. Thank you again to all for the summer of 2011 memories in Michigan! 

Colby

We lost a treasured friend today. The puppy dog who greeted us with a wagging tail and would snuggle his head against us for a loving touch.

Shortly after we returned from our holiday visit, we received the sad news he had an internal large tumor and his back vertebrae were beginning to fuse together. The veterinarians estimated he had a few more months to live. We said numerous prayers for Colby to be strong till we returned to Michigan. 

By the power of God and from the love of his caretakers who also craftily gave him his daily medicine to ease the pain, Colby happily met us when we arrived in late June.  We were blessed with his companionship this summer as we knew every day we spent with him was a gift.

On last day of our vacation, my love for Colby surely stood the test, but I knew it was the for the best. I did not want him to suffer so and the time had come for us to let him go.

Even though our eyes are filled with tears, we thank God for the happy 14 years Colby spent with us and for his love and loyalty. 

We think of him living in the hearts of those he touched for nothing loved is ever lost- and Colby was loved so much.

The Family Circus

Visiting with the family, reminded me of the Family Circus cartoon.  If one could have drawn little black dotted lines around the area to show where we traveled, captured the memorable moments in a circle, and sketched a few comic strips with the various conversations held, we would have a good representation of our summer.

Our family did a fantastic job helping us to feel settled in. The daily things of shopping at Meijers, eating cheese and macaroni, and watching American cartoons allowed us to experience once again what living in the USA is all about. 

Katie and I scheduled the three granddaughters for a photo session. After an hour of taking pictures and some snacks, we had a nice collage of pictures with them all together.

The trips to the Sterling Heights library were tons of fun for the girls. Aside from the books, the other things to see and do there was an outing itself. Adeline and Emmie completed their summer reading program, Around the World. 

Catching up with the relatives was fun and brought about new and energetic conversation in the afternoons. They now have some good stories to share at the holidays when everyone is together again.

To end our stay, we helped with a baby shower for Nick and Laura. The Sunday afternoon was full of joy and excitement as they prepare for their new addition which is expected to arrive around the end of August. At the end of the shower when we were removing the balloons from the mailbox, the pink balloon had popped and the blue balloon remained. Ray thinks this is a sign of the baby's gender. We are looking forward to the arrival of Baby Chopp and already know what a blessing he/she is to the family.

We are grateful for everyone's preparation and hospitality during our stay. The clock's hands seemed to move extra fast during our stay, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Detroit Tigers

It was a hot evening for Adeline and Emmie's first trip to Comerica Park to see a Tiger's baseball game. When we walked into the park at 7pm, the temperature said it was 95 degrees. Fortunately, our seats were along the first baseline, so they were in the shade, but there was no breeze to move the hot air. 

We watched the players warm up and observed everything going on all around. It was Christmas in July night, so Santa also drove by sitting in the back of a convertible. Throughout the game, they played numerous Christmas carols, but it did not help in cooling us off. We did consume some ballpark peanuts, lemonade, and slushies for a little relief.

We are not sure if we ever made it on TV with the numerous foul balls that were hit in the direction of our seats. One foul ball landed in the row behind us, just a few sew seats over. Even though we never caught a ball, the activity kept us focused on the game. 

The Oakland Athletics also kept us entertained as we watched them try to retrieve Hideki Matsui's 500th home run ball from the young boy who caught it. The announcer never stated the significance of the hit, but we knew it was something important when the A's manager came over to the section to first talk with the boy, then continually returned and kept increasing his trading items each time throughout the rest of the game. It then became real interesting when the fans were coaching the boy and his dad when talking with the A's manager about what to request in exchange for the ball. We never did see the boy hand over the baseball to the Oakland Athletics.

The seventh inning stretch was fun with all of the singing. Then when the wave came through our seats, Adeline and Emmie had big smiles participating in it.

Even though the Tigers lost, our family outing was a fun experience. The temperature had dropped to 89 degrees at 10pm when we were leaving at the conclusion of the game, so we were looking forward to the ride home in the air conditioned car after this event.

Good Times

"I don't remember how we happened to meet each other. I don't remember who got along with whom first. All I can remember is all of us together... always."- Unknown

Throughout our stay we had wonderful times catching up with our friends. The hospitality every family provided was very welcoming. The laughter and smiles throughout our numerous conversations are cherished. It was awesome to see the children play together as if they had not missed a moment from seeing each other.

Eric was able to participate in Mid-Os with the Phi Tau's since he has missed the annual event the past couple of years. His team did not win, but he did have a good time hanging out with the guys and participating in the games.

A highlight from visiting with friends was at the Nasts. Around 10 years ago, we started with about a dozen couples in our Newly Married class at church and this summer, we had over 20 kids with their parents come together in a reunion. Thanks to everyone for attending. We had a great time and especially thanks to the Nast family for hosting.

We appreciate everyone's time and effort put forth in making our visit memorable this summer. Our family is blessed with your family's friendship. Thank you very much!

Green Lake

Our timing was perfect for arriving in Interlochen as the temperatures were getting warm and the sun was shining brightly. The suitcases barely made it inside the house as the girls were scrambling to get their bathing suits on and head to the beach.  This would be the first day of many throughout the warm week of us enjoying Green Lake with the family.

The kids had fun splashing and swimming in the water and playing in the sand. In the evening, a bonfire was constructed and s'mores were consumed while the fireworks could be seen all around in celebration of the 4th of July.  

Colby did not miss out on his trips in the golf cart to and from the house with Gams or us girls. He even ran one time to catch up with it when he thought we were leaving without him. We also did not have to worry about him roaming off as he could be found laying in the warm sand or at the water's edge taking a drink on the hot summer days.

Even though Trevor and Megan were also on vacation, they did a great job of being our activities director during our visit. Trevor took the girls out on the jet skis and even let them steer a few times. The highlight of our visit was Trevor catching a turtle that had been spotted for a few days in the water. The girls finished their  visit with a lake tour on the boat. 

Happy 4th Birthday Emmeline!

Emmeline officially turned four while we were visiting her great-grandparents. She was so excited to share this special day with them. She even managed to get them up around 6am to start the celebration with her opening presents and eating pancakes for her birthday breakfast. We spent the remainder of the day playing at the beach before having the birthday girl's choice of tacos for dinner and topping the evening off with cake and ice cream.

Her birthday celebration continued when Eric arrived the following week. We hosted a family brunch at Camp Ticonderoga where she liked having all of the animals around her to join in the celebration. In addition to having pancakes again, she was all smiles with the sparkler on her chocolate chip cookie.

Her favorite gifts were ones with horses and her own personal pink suitcase. After opening the suitcase, she emotionally announced, "I aways wanted one of these." Eric and I have created a little world traveller.

A few things she wanted to share:

Favorite Color: Yellow

Favorite vegetables: Peas

Favorite fruit: Peach

Favorite ice cream: Chocolate

Favorite meal: Pizza

Favorite  animal: Horse

Favorite person: Sissy

Favorite cartoon: Elefantisch on Kika

Favorite book: Gruffalo

Favorite Superhero: Superman

Favorite Princess: Cinderella

Favorite friend: Kinsey & Stella

Favorite clothes: Dresses

Favorite Baby doll:Goo Goo Baba

Favorite letter to write: E

Favorite Number: 10

Favorite Song: Ring around the rosie