Anyway, we started our trip in Milwaukee, where my husband has been going frequently for work lately. We were excited, however, because my cousins live there and my aunts live nearby so we scheduled to see them all. Little Gracie, whom we've never met, was quite the hostess. I'm sure she was surprised to see 4 kid's bombarding her backyard, but she was a good sport. Aunt Nancy came from the farm by bus to see us. She brought supper for us-straight from the farm: delicious hamburger and steaks and garden fresh vegetables AND her well-loved Oreo dessert that she has made for many a Thanksgivings. What a cook! We had a delightful evening. 
The next morning the kids and I had breakfast with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jim (and Aunt Nancy) from Green Bay. They were on their way to Michigan the following week so we were going to be able to see them again in a few days.
After Milwaukee, we started heading to my hometown - to Mema and Grandpa's. My (9 month pregnant) sister and her husband were there, near the end of their visit. Since Amy lives 45 minutes from me, we have never been to our folks parents the same time, since she's been married. We had dinner together and then checked out the last day of the Nautical Festival. Perfect timing! It had only a few hours left and it would be packed up and gone the next morning, so we let the kids pick out 3 rides and that was it. To end the fun evening we watched fireworks on the beach.
The week always goes by way too fast. I wish I could capture the smells of the lake, the pine and cedar, and bring them home with me. We did a lot of biking on the trails and swimming in the lake. We went boating, picnicking and star gazing too! We simply can't see all those stars at home... they were breathtaking! Aunt Ruth, mom and I one evening dragged a few blankets and pillows to the beach and lay on the sand dunes until midnight counting all the 'falling stars'. Our week also included parks (even exploring the new quarry pile where the kids can 'dig' for fossils), going out to the State Park to visit friends, trying out a new archery set we found at a garage sale .
Mom had a fun project for us to make. She brought down all her jars of buttons and we made bracelets. She got the idea from another aunt of mine and we had so much fun sewing the buttons on to elastic strips.
We were able to spend a couple of days with my favorite Mr. and Mrs. D. They are my 'second parents from home'. This was to be there last summer in RC since Mrs. D has been altered with her Alzheimer's, of late. It was extremely hard for me to say my goodbyes. Going home to visit will not be the same anymore. We love them so much and it's hard to see people we love get old! Makes us look heavenward...
Heading home, we stopped at a hotel we particularly like in Southern Michigan. I couldn't help but remember that the last time we were there we had 4 kids as well, but it was Sophia, Micah, Joshua and Samantha.
This time there was a slightly different mix of children: Sophia, Micah, Joshua and Judah.
Rapping up the trip, we headed home. As always, it's good to come home too.
