our michigan adventure - part one

Okay, so sorry about the long wait for our vacation details.  I'm sure you've all been anxiously waiting for my next post.  And if that's your case, then I feel very sorry for you.  But I won't keep you waiting any longer.  I will be breaking up the trip into parts so you're not totally overwhelmed.

We left for northern Michigan on Wednesday the 16th (my parents' 40th anniversary!) at 4 pm and drove until 1 am!  We thought we'd be stopping for the night closer to 10, but there was construction all throughout Illinois.  Ugh.  But we did get out of the car a few times to let the kids play around.

Hanging out at a rest stop.

On Thursday we headed up to Cadillac to see Chad's grandparents.

Grandpa and Grandma P. showed us a good time at the park!  This was Tate's first time meeting his Great Grandpa and Grandma P.

That night Addie got to go to a Rodeo VBS with her cousin Elsie.  

The funny thing was that I thought it was a rodeo-themed VBS, not an actual rodeo!  So Addie probably wasn't dressed quite appropriately... but she had a ton of fun!

It's a good thing I didn't know about this...

See that little helmeted head?  That's Addie.

Why the helmet and why is she in a bull pen?

Because she's riding a sheep, that's why!

Elsie's mom told her that all the kids fall off the sheep and they all cry, but that didn't stop Addie!  She was so determined not to fall off that she wouldn't let go of the rope and the sheep dragged her and ripped her shirt!  She told me that she did cry just a little bit, but then she decided she wanted to ride a horse.  Of course.  You just got dragged by a crazed sheep, why wouldn't you want to get on an animal ten times the size?

Like I said, it's a good thing I didn't know about it being a real rodeo, because I would've worried too much.  But she had such an amazing experience she'll never forget!

Thanks Jessie, Jason and Elsie!  :)

Friday morning we headed over to spend some time with great Grandpa and Grandma B.

These kids sure love their Great Grandma!

And Great Grandpa too!!

Then it was time to get back in the car and head farther north to see Uncle Scott.

We told Millie she should take a nap, but of course she wasn't tired one bit.  She wanted to read instead...

And this little girl really did read.  Book after book after book...

Once we got to Uncle Scott's house, Addie decided she needed some more adventure.

And so Millie did too.

And yes, he did let them drive.

After all that action, it was time to cuddle up with their beloved uncle and his dog, Skylar.

So, there you have it.  The first leg of our Michigan Adventure.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in tomorrow's part 2.