The Smith Family Goes to Michigan

I've written before about our family vacations (still trying to recover that deleted blog!) that we have been blessed to receive from my Grandparents but I thought I'd talk about one of my favorites.

My family is from Michigan so, being on the West Coast since I was not even a year old, we didn't get back to see them very often .

The last time I was in Michigan I was in high school...many, many years ago! So this trip in July of 2007 was so meaningful for me.

Most of our time was spent at the awesome Double JJ Resort but we did visit other parts of the area.

I don't share a lot of the memories with my cousins about Gamy and Gampy growing up but I distinctly remember The Cottage. What I remember most is the lilies and lily pads, the beautiful lake and the quaintness of The Cottage.

While The Cottage was not the main part of the trip it was definitely the highlight for me. I've told my kids about it not knowing when or if they would be able to enjoy it. I was so excited that they were able to be there not only with me but with the rest of my family as well.

(click on photos to enlarge...)

Bella and Charlie chilling out waiting for the plane...or not.

We got "bumped" and ended up driving from Chicago to Michigan.

Kaleb, Donna and Charlie hanging out at the pool at the Double JJ.

Bella got to celebrate her 7th birthday with the whole

Smith family...at a ranch...a dream come true for her!

Three of the cutest kids Michigan has ever seen!

My favorite boy bring me flowers :)

Bella, Alexa and Kaleb saddled up waiting for ice cream.

Right where we belong...

Alexa, Bella, Tanna and Charlie

The Cottage

Bella catching turtles, Kaleb catching...lily pads :)

Charlie Mae and Daryl on the dock at The Cottage along with my favorite part...the lilies and pads.

Strike Three

Oh...we look so innocent (she says with an evil laugh)Since I've already hit my high school peers and my coworkers it's only fair that I post about those that have stuck with me through thick and thin, right?

Don't worry ladies (you know who you are!)...I'm not posting those pictures! :)

The date: October 5th, 2007. The location: My home. The occasion: My 31st birthday. The occurences: Well, depends on who you talk to.

There were two groups of people at my party that night-those who left "in time" and those who didn't. The first group remembers the party as a fun night sharing drinks and laughs with friends and loved ones. The second group doesn't talk about the rest of the party...I'm going to tell the story from the first group point of view. It was my party I can choose to remember it how I want, right?

Actually the party was a blast. It was a fantastic combination of all my favorite people. My closest friends, my sister's family, Margaret and Bruce. I was drunk on love and happiness...I said it's my story I can tell it how I want! If I want to rename Russian vodka and triple spiked drinks (thanks Donna!) love and happiness I can.

Now back to the story....drunk on love and happiness. I have the best friends in the world. They have proven that to me over and over again. They always come through for me when I need it most. And sometimes when I don't even realize I need it.

Wait a minute...I just remembered that I told you in the last post that I don't drink often. I don't! I swear! But I forgot to tell you that when I do I really really do. And remember that whole part about three drinks and dancing? Well that night was no exception...

No one was in any condition for driving so we busted out the ipod and old cd's and moved the furniture. What happened next was a cluster of the dancers (full of love and happiness) persuading the non dancers to shake their thang. Most everyone danc...er moved in one fashion or another. Then...came...the...microphone. Never ever ever bring a microphone to an already loving and happy party. I've seen the video...it ain't pretty.

Well, it took a few days for some to make eye contact but in the end when I look at these pictures...wow! We sure know how to have fun!

Heather and Katy riding Peg

Dana, Donna and I "before"
Charee and I "during"...
This is where it starts to take a turn...damn Russians! Yep...we're that funny!

One cannot even begin to explain this...