Grandpa and Grandma Visit

When Anthony and I first got married I figured when we had kids we would move closer to my family. Many many times we have considered this. For a number of reasons it has not happened. Many of them being lots of kids in a little amount of time. Me being pregnant and using my midwives has always been so important. I just could not imagine having my babies anywhere else. Also moving across the country pregnant or with a newborn has never been on my top list of things to do. All that to say having my family so far away can be very hard at times. I miss them especially at the holidays. I wish they could see the kids more and watch them grow. I also wism my mom and sisters were around to go shopping with. There are also many days I would love to just pop over to my parents house and have coffee with my mom and enjoy her company. I miss them a lot. I LOVE it here, so don't get me wrong. Anthony's family is amazing. They are always so helpful and we love having them around. If we ever did move I think my kids would be heartbroken and miss them. Regardless of all that when my family comes to visit I LOVE it!! It has been almost a month since they were here but while they were here we had a blast! 

We all headed up north to stay at a friend's cabin for most of the visit. We stopped at Uncle John's Cider Mill on the way and shared one of my favorite things about Michigan with them. 

We had not let the kids play on the toys the last time they visited and Eli wanted to so bad so they enjoyed their time playing. 

After a long drive to the cabin we spent the evening relaxing and visiting. It was nice to just talk to my parents. The kids enjoyed playing and talking to them. 

Saturday we had a nice breakfast and decided to make a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes to see Lake Michigan and the dunes of course.

On the way we came across the "shoe tree." When Anthony and I were up north the last time we went by this. It was dark and I was not able to get a good picture. We could not remember where it was so never went back. So this time I said if we find it we are stopping for a picture. My wonderful husband turned around and we stopped. Silly I know but it is what makes road trips fun all the little things you see. 

 

We had a great lunch in a little town just outside of the Dunes. We also went through Traverse City. I wish we had more time to visit as I love Traverse City. The Dunes are a National Park and it is a beautiful trip through them. 

After a little drive through the park you arrive at the actual area of the Dunes that you can hike up and see. It was the weekend Hurricane Sandy was making landfall and the wind off the lake was sooo cold. It was also a dreary cold day. We climbed up to them and the view was absolutely breathtaking.....really cold but breathtaking. Eli was so excited for the sand. He had been cooped up in the car a lot so he was excited to play. 

</a>

It was so much fun and so worth it. We all were chilly and tired but it was nothing a drive home, dinner, fire,

and a few games of hide and go seek couldn't fix. 

My children also learned Grandma has a "smart" button on her head otherwise known as a disgusting mole. They still talk about it. I don't think she will ever live it down but it goes with them throwing gun signs in the pictures. I love my parents. They are silly and regardless spoil my kids crazy and love them to death. 

 Sunday we needed to head home as I had photo sessions that evening. I did get a couple nice photos of my parents with the kids before we left. I am glad we did even if they were cold and didn't want to be outside. 

My parents took the older two kids home and spent some time with just them. They were so gracious and got them new coats, gloves, hats, and some shoes, socks, and panties for Lilliana. The kids were so excited about their coats. 

The unfortunate thing in all this was I began to get sick on Sunday and so did Ari. At first I thought it was allergies but then realized it was sick. We had planned Monday that Anthony would take the older kids to my parents hotel to swim with my dad. My mom and I were planning a shopping trip. I needed to get clothes that fit my postpartum body and that were not maternity clothes. I also needed somebody to go shopping that was honest and could help me find clothes. My mom is so helpful and we had not been shopping in well over a year together so I am glad she agreed. Unfortunately Ari was really sick so Anthony stayed home. 

 My wonderful dad took the older two kids swimming while we shopped. 

It was a much needed away time and girl time with my mom. I had a lot of fun and am so grateful she helped me find clothes. I use to be very fashionable and loved shopping. Since kids it can be depressing and honestly I have been in maternity clothes more than not due to being pregnant. I needed to get some clothes to feel less "mommish" and gain some confidence. The kids had soo much fun and I think my dad did too........... 

 

That evening they came over for dinner and to tell us goodbye. The sunset was amazing. We also had a wonderful time visiting and took a few more pictures. The kids loved playing and joking with my dad. 

It was a wonderful visit. I am so glad they were able to come and see us. I know it will be something my kids always remember. I am so grateful they still have their grandparents around to be able to visit and get to know. I know it means a lot to me to have my grandparents still alive. I hope my children learn to cherish their grandparents like I do mine.