All about our trip to Michigan

Amos and I had a blast seeing family and friends last weekend, outside of Detroit.

We left Saturday around lunch time and made the trip in 4 and 1/2 hours. It was an easy drive and Amos did really well. He slept for the first half and did a great job playing and staying entertained while I drove.

When we arrived, my cousins Kaeleigh and Danny were at my Grandma's house and were playing with my parents. Amos jumped in, right away, finding an awesome Harley Davidson big wheel that had buttons to push, sounds to make and loud music to play. He also played baseball and threw the football around and had a grand old time! We continued to play, going inside after it started raining. Amos found the plethora of cars, garages and other fun toys. We had dinner together and even got to see my Great Grandma Dunlop, my Grandma's mom. Soon Dan and Tina arrived to pick up my cousins and we played a quick game of Squig, the family card game. Amos and Danny took a bath and pretty soon it was bed time. Amos slept well in the basement, until it was my bedtime! I stayed up late watching the Olympics with my parents, so when I finally went to bed, Amos was up and wanted to sleep with me! We shared the pullout couch bed, with pillows all around his side, which ended up being much-needed!

Sunday morning was lazy, as we ate and hung out together. Amos and his Grandaddy read the homemade guitar book and wore their matching Nashville Predators (hockey) hats together. At breakfast, we had a breakthrough, as Amos had been trying to say Grandpa--"Grrrgpaodapa" and we finally figured out that GrrDada would probably would be easier. Sure enough, it was. We also got him to say GrrMama and laughed especially hard when he was able to say GrrGrrMama for my Grandma!! A breakthrough had been made and we practiced with him all day.

At lunch time, our close friends Darrell and Jamey Ferriauolo came over to visit. I had not seen them since our wedding, I think, and it was great to catch up. They are good friends of my parents and have children the same age as me and my siblings. Their oldest daughter, Angela, is my longest and close friend--she was one of the Maids of Honor in our wedding. We have always loved their family and it was good to see them.

After nap, we headed to Aunt Pati's house for dinner. Amos was so excited to play with their dog, Ella and we were all happy to see each other. Amos had not met many of my Aunts and Uncles yet, including Pati and Rick, so it was good to see them. Since they've raised two boys, they had a great bin of trucks and cars that Amos loved playing with. He sat through dinner really well, eating well and being quiet and well-behaved (something that actually surprised me! He is usually well-behaved but it was good that he did it when it mattered!).

Amos, Dad, Rick and Ella took a big walk after dinner and our night ended with watching a Blues Festival, which Amos played fervant flyswatter guitar to, much to everyone's enjoyment! We said goodbye and reiterated how great it was to see each other again!

Monday morning came quickly and we started packing to all get ready to leave. On our way out of town, we stopped for lunch at Uncle Dan's pizza place called Mother's. We sat outside and let Amos run around to get his wiggles out. We also witnessed the sad end of a Robin Redbreast, who flew into the wall behind us and died as my dad carried him away. It was quite an event!
Our cousin Errin came and ate with us and we enjoyed hanging out with Dan after the lunch rush was over! We gave hugs and goodbyes and were soon on the road to return home.

We had a great trip and loved seeing our family.