Trip to Michigan

Last month I spent almost two weeks in Michigan visiting my family. The reason for my trip was to attend: The Woman of Faith Conference in Indianapolis. Last year was my first time going with my sister and mom, so we decided to make this an annual trip. This year it was my two sisters and new newest niece Dixie.

I arrived in Michigan at the Flint airport on Tuesday, August 16th. My sister Regina was there waiting patiently for me to get my luggage and make my way outside. As I made my way outside I saw her mini van with my nieces anxiously waiting to see me. I entered the van and all the girls were very quiet.

Leaving Charlotte NC


Our drive back to Holt, Regina showed me her husbands (Kent) new office. It is very professional and elegant. I got the privilege of eating one of the best biscotti and drinking a refreshing diet coke.

My sister and her husband took me out to dinner for Mexican, it was delicious the nachos were amazing. We ordered a little bit of everything so everyone could share but ended up having lots of leftovers.

My Dinner


Our Leftovers


The next afternoon/evening was spent with the Grienke's. I was able to take the kids to the MAC (which is a workout facility with an outdoor pool and a water slide. Carter being the oldest, was my navigator telling me where to turn so we could make it to the MAC. We enjoyed our time at the pool and were ready for dinner. The kids wanted McDonald's, so again Carter told me how to get to the closest Playplace.

The kids at the pool


The Playplace


Thursday, was the start of our trip to Indianapolis for the Woman of Faith Conference. We left around 5:30PM from Holt with our subway sandwiches for dinner. The bus was pact with 55 woman leaving no empty seats. We didn't arrive to our hotel till 10:30PM. Most all the woman were tired and went to bed. But not the room with the 3 sisters, we stayed up talking and painting our nails with crackle (if you've never used it its awesome and you should definitely try it).

Friday, the first day of the conference. The morning session was great since its open seating. We were able to sit near the stage, up close and personal to Sheila Walsh. However, the night session was reserved (ticket) seating. Our seats were nose bleeds but didn't bother me if you were looking at the screen but it did bother some woman which ended up moving down lower and closer. The night session was awesome with concert performed by Mary Mary.

Saturday was the last day of the conference but was great! Excited what next year will bring.


Sunday my sister dropped me off with my mother-in-law (Janice) and Aunt Barb. We were celebrating Aunt Mary's 70th brithday which was a surprise party. About an hour after we arrived at the party, Aunt Mary pulled in and had no idea there was a party for her, she was truly surprised.

Uncle Steve and Teegan


Aunt Mary with her present from Janice, hold her beers for the pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day


Sisters: Pauline, Mary, Donna


Happy Birthday Aunt Mary


Aunt Anita, Aunt Bettie


Aunt Carolann and Uncle Dan


Sisters: Alice, Janice, Donna, Barb, Pauline, Bettie


Me and Janice


Monday, I was at Janice's house relaxing. My goal was not to get dressed, leave the couch, but just read my book: Heaven is for Real. If you haven't read this book I highly recommend it! Its one of my favorites. Later in the evening Shawn and Josh came over for dinner and to play cards.

Tuesday was small family gathering at Aunt Bettie's cabin. We ordered Main Street Pizza (which is awesome) and smores for dessert. We all had a great time bonding. I do have to say when I went to the bathroom (out house) this time, there were no possums or eyes starring back at me. It was truly a success!

Marie, Me, Anita, Shawn, Asher and Addie


Addie


Addie, Me and Asher


Me with my smore


Wednesday, was my last day to spend with the family. Janice and Shawn drove me back to Lansing since my sister Jess was taking me to the airport Thursday morning. We all went to MSU Dairy Store for the best ice cream ever. If you've never been, you better go now! Later on, the kids and I went back to the pool since it was hot and we needed to cool down. After dinner we played Bingo, and Charades. Charades was the kids favorite game and was fun to watch them act out animals.

I would like to say thanks to all my family for picking me up from the airport, driving me around, paying for my meals, letting me stay at your house, letting me do laundry, and cooking me dinner. Love y'all lots and can't wait to see you for Christmas.