Surprise Trip to Michigan

We caught news from Ray's sister Shawn only 3-4 weeks prior to booking our flights to Michigan that they were planning a surprise birthday party for Marie since she was turning 30. It was a secret of our coming from South Carolina so it was hard for everyone to keep this is a secret. We decided to fly two days ahead of time just in case we got delayed or cancelled. Since my flying statistics are prone to cancellations and delays we thought we would get a head start on our departure date.

Our flight was scheduled to depart from Charlotte at 10am so we arrived by 8am early enough to go through security. Before entering the airport something big happened to me on the shuttle from the parking garage to the airport. As we both found seats on the shuttle more people began boarding with putting their luggage on the racks and finding seats of their own. It wasn't long and this familiar face sat right across from me, it was a man, and right away I knew he was famous. He was holding a bag that said One Tree Hill Cast and Crew. As soon as the shuttle stopped we got off of the bus and immediately I told Ray "That man is famous". He instantly said "No way, how do you know"? I said "I know he is famous" and I began thinking. And there it was he was on Army Wives, Remember the Titans, One Tree Hill, and many more! After I realized that I knew he was famous I couldn't find him in the airport. I did try looking for him through the food court but no sign of the famous Burgess Jenkins!

However, our first flight was delayed due to mechanical problems which threw off our landing time in Michigan but glad we made it safely. Shawn and Janice were there waiting for us to arrive. Jan was waiting for us in the airport full of excitement to see us both. After leaving the airport we went to a new place in Saint Johns for hamburgers. 

The small plane we flew into Flint

Our first full day at home was spent outside enjoying all the snow. We went to a new hill (to me) in Itacha. It wasn't like the legion hill in Hubbardston that has big ramp at the end or the Ionia hill which people normally end up getting hurt. This hill was great for all ages to enjoy the fun! We spent a few hours here enjoying the hill with no one else here to bother us. 

Saturday was the big surprise party but prior to the party we went to downtown Crystal to enjoy the outdoor festivities. They had a polar plunge (we didn't stay for) turkey bowling (we couldn't find it) they had a chili cook off, bake sale, and craft show. We all had a good time walking around and even enjoyed making a snow angel.

Prior to the big party we got everything together at Janice's house. The taco meat was heating up in the crock pot as well as the cheeses. It wasn't long and Shawn called to inform us that Marie had left the baby shower they were attending and that we could come up to the party site and help setting up. It wasn't long and we had the decorations out and was looking very festive. 

It was time, Marie had arrived to her party. As they pulled the car up to the party site she noticed all the cars and was concerned no one invited her to the party. But little did she know that it was her party. She came in and was flabbergasted of all the people that were there and that we pulled it off without her having any idea. 

Sunday was our last full day together with family. We all got together for lunch at the Rusty Nail. It was only a few hours later and we were meeting my sister with her kids at the Itacha hill to go sledding with Ray's side of the family too. As we arrived there was a big group of people sledding but it wasn't long and they left. Then the hill was just for us. My first time down was with Norah Beans, she had fun but she did get too much snow in her face. After our ride down she wasn't afraid to go alone. Then I got to go down with Harrison. He enjoyed it very much. Each time he would say something different like: "This is Fun" or "Oh My God". It was easier going down the hill with him than carrying him back up the hill but it was way worth it! 

After our fun filled day in the snow sledding we went to Main Street Pizza for dinner. We all were hungry after our day on the hill. My sister ordered the pizzas with bread sticks and drinks. By the time they arrived we devoured them but still had some left over. This pizza doesn't compare to any pizza place in the south. 

-It was so nice seeing you Grienke kids and Jess, thanks for driving up to spend the day with me! 

Monday was our day to fly back home. We woke up to breakfast prepared by Janice, fried eggs, toast, potatoes and chocolate pie for dessert. Then it was a car ride to Flint with Janice and Grandma. We arrived at the airport in time to go through security and to see all our flights were on time. It was 5PM and we landed in Charlotte NC now only an hour and half till home. The radio announcers were predicting a big winter storm warning so we were ready to get home before it all started. 

Thanks to Shawn and Janice for all your hospitality when we were home! Thanks for picking us from the airport and thanks for driving us all around town. Thanks to my sister Jess and her kids for spending time with me in the snow! 

Till We Meet Again

The McCallister's