My mom, sister Kim, and her 2 kids, JD and Lola made the 11 hour drive from PA to visit us July 13-17. They left PA on Tuesday evening and arrived shortly after 4am Wednesday morning. I'm so glad they were able to come see us, it was such a great (but fast) weekend.
The weather was simply gorgeous the first 3 days then started to heat up on Saturday and Sunday. We were able to spend lots of time playing outside in the backyard. JD loved playing baseball with John. And Mom, Kim, and I enjoyed resting in the chairs under the tree. It was very relaxing! Mom also made bulls in a blanket one night, which was a wonderful treat for me. I haven't eaten that for probably 15 years!
Wednesday night we went out to the farm so John could take JD for a tractor ride. I'm pretty sure John had just as much fun as JD! They drove around for at least 30 minutes while us girls sat around chatting. (Mom and Kim took pictures on their camera- I didn't bring mine this night, so I'll have to steal some pictures from them and post later) We stopped for ice cream on the way home- YUMMY!!
On Thursday, we headed to the Potter Park Zoo here in Lansing. What fun day! The weather wasn't too hot that we were able to enjoy walking around without sweating our butts off. JD rode a pony and a camel, he was thrilled. Mom just wanted a peacock feather and kept stalking the birds the whole time. We finally found her one as our outing was ending. (Keeping her from stealing one right off the bird's back thankfully) We also were there around lunch time for the animals and got to watch the snow leopard eat right where we were standing. What a neat sight and what a beautiful animal. Of course we saw lions and tigers (no bears) plus many more animals. What a fun day! (I also did not take pictures this day as well, will have to steal some from Mom and Kim and post later)
Thursday night we grilled some burgers and hot dogs before we headed to watch John play in his softball games. JD played on the playground as we attempted to watch the game. There was a lot going on! But, John's team won both games (we only stayed for the 1st one) and John had some good hits and plays too. It was a fun and tiring day!
Friday we decided to visit John downtown after he worked a half-day to tour the capitol and walk around some. It was another beautiful, sunny day!
JD is sitting in John's seat where he works from on the Senate floor (next to his boss's desk/seat)
We got lucky and a nice Sergeant was watching the closed Senate floor. He allowed us to take a few pictures up on the podium. He even had JD hold the gavel. What a nice guy, thanks!
We visited John's first office when he started working with the Senate (7 years ago!) This is inside the Senate Minority Leader's office, sitting at her desk in the Capitol. Its a good thing her and John are good friends :)
JD hard at work making phone calls (future politician I wonder?)
After much walking around Friday, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing inside watching TV, movies, and chatting. We were all pretty tired and definitely enjoyed a good nights' sleep!
Saturday we woke up and got ready for the LaMacchia family baby shower. (See post here) JD decided to skip the shower and spend the day with John. They had fun together and met us there towards the end.
Once we got home from that, we spent the rest of the day outside in the kiddie pool! It was a little hot, but the water felt great. I'm pretty sure the kids loved it, I know I did!!
On Sunday we woke up and went out to breakfast so Mom could get her favorite crepes. Kim kept seeing commercials for breakfast places and couldn't take it any longer!
When we got back, JD helped John fill up the pool so we could spend the day outside in the sun. And that we did... sunburn to prove it! We had a great time playing in the pool and John and JD playing baseball too. Mom and Kim took naps and I spent the entire day in the sun. It felt great at the time, the sunburn was still worth it!
We even got Mom into the pool!! Believe it or not, 3 adults and 2 children are sitting in the pool in this picture!
Mom and Lola relaxing
John and JD playing motorcycles in the pool
Smiling for the picture
Unfortunately, Sunday night was time for Mom, Kim, and the kids to pack up and head back to PA. They left around the kids' bedtime in hopes they would sleep most of the trip back. The weekend went by so fast, but I/we had such a wonderful time together. I wish we all lived a little closer to each other. I was definitely sad to see them go, but wouldn't have traded any of the time we spent together for anything. I'm so thankful they were able to make the trip out here and be with John and I. My family is simply the best :) I love you both very much! Thank you for everything!
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