Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Our summer vacation.....finally

I'm thinking this blog could be moving to monthly postings. Life is rather busy these days and it's summer time. I'm sure it will slow down a bit whenever the big kids are back in school. But for now, I'll try to give you the short version of the last month's happenings.

Let's see....at the last posting, I was calmly slightly dramatic telling myself that I truly love my children. Haha. I know the summer was getting to us all. We were ready for vacation and we still had a few weeks to go. 



I went for my 5month/20 week physical therapy appointment. Guess what?!?! my PT released me and gave me the okay to start running again. (I started running a little here and there last week..week 23...after we got back from vacation) So, that's some good news! Yaay!! I'm realizing now that having my ACL fixed is probably the best decision I've made having to do with my health. Knowing where I was and now where I am....I AM STRONG! (excerpt from a Zumba song!!)








On our vacation, we took a small detour and spent a couple of days in the St Louis area. Thanks to a good friend's suggestion :) We visited Grant's Farm. Very cool!! Lots of animals to see, and feed. Shows to educate and awe. (we saw one show with birds, a hedgehog, porcupine, and 2 rats) Carousel rides ($2 each rider) and delicious food as well as spontaneous dance parties at the food court. Admission was FREE!! (I LOVE FREE!!) Parking was $12 a vehicle. So, not a bad trip at all.  
We later went downtown to see the Arch. We saw it from a distance, but we did walk downtown and took in the sights. A cute city park with art to see, and fountains to play in. Grassy areas for the kids to play and plenty of doggies for the girls to pet. And we even used our first parking meter. Did you know that they take debit/credit cards?!?!? haha I guess I'm not much of a city girl because that's something new for me.



We finally made it to Michigan!!!
Our plans were to meet up with my brother and his family and vacation in their home state. And some of my sisters met up with us as well. Let me tell you...Michigan is BEAUTIFUL!!! I would love to visit there again. There is still so much to see. We visited Saginaw area. Our lodging was perfect. The kids were excited because we had a POOL!! yes, the pool at each hotel was the highlight of our vacation. 

This pool where we had our longest stay was indoor outdoor. You could swim under the window and to the outside or inside. The kids LOVED this pool. And the weather was perfect while we were there. Once all my siblings met up, we headed out to the "top of the mitt"...driving along the coastal areas. We had a delicious lunch at a local pizzeria and took in a few lighthouses. 


 My sister pumping some water to wash hands at a roadside rest stop
 My siblings and I....3 were missing from this trip


 Lily looks a little excited to see Dakota like this...haha! siblings

We also visited Mackinac Island. A fun ferry ride. And then an 8 mile bicycle ride around the island. I'm so proud of all my family that finished the whole bike ride. It was a doozy. But we DID it!! So proud.

Thought it was neat, we rode on Arnold Ferry....my dad's name :) Cool

 My little family on Mackinac Island ♥

 We had lunch at the Yankee Rebel restaurant on the Island. Delicious 

 Lily was hooked onto Jed's bike. She was a little nervous bike this way for most of the bike ride.

 Some of our bicycle group!!

It was a great trip. But I'm so glad to be home. I love getting away from it all. But the comfort of home almost ALWAYS wins.
So, for all of those who've read this posting to thus far...sorry, if it comes across as preoccupied/choppy. I've been up and down almost a gazillion times dealing with Miss Leia. Apparently, when mommy sits that's when everything else needs to be done for her.
Oy Vay! They say I'll miss this one day. Well, I must have tired mommy goggles on...because I'm not seeing that right now. I just need 5 minutes....

-enJoy