Sunshine and TC

Finally the sun decided to shine down upon Traverse City, while we were up there, and grace us with gorgeous weather. It was actually warmer this November weekend then the last time we were up in August!

Tom took a vacation day on Friday and we left in the morning. It makes for a much easier drive when we are not fighting Friday evening North bound traffic. Here is a little story, because, well, it decided to come out of me!

The Traffic Jam Roehrig Chronicles (a typical scene for most parents):

When we spot break lights ahead we can feel the fear start to creep up inside. AHHHHH! We look at each other, grip hands, reading the look of fear in each other's eyes. It's a matter of minutes before the first one starts to whine, usually the oldest, to get out. Then the second one, in all his Tasmanian devil self chimes in about being confined in a stopped situation. Next the baby starts just because the hum of a moving engine has subsided and she wants to break free of her restraints and move.
Noelle starts to get mad at the traffic and blasphemies escape her precious mouth! Dang, they do pick up everything. Tom shoots an accusatory glace in my direction. I give an innocent look back. Max starts to copy this foul language and they laugh at each other because they know it is wrong. We correct them, but then realize that although this language is certainly unacceptable all three children are laughing and not paying attention to the slow creep of the vehicle.
We look at each other and smirk, frustration fading a bit, because when all three children are broke out in belly laughs it's cute as hell. Soon the laughter turns back into whining and complaining. We pull out all our parenting tricks, passing snacks, toys and whatever else we can find to amuse them (sure you can play with my cell phone, how about this power cord, or this plastic bag!). Multiple DVD changes are in order, this one wants Max and Ruby, the other Bob the Builder.
There is no compromising at this point. They are frustrated and irritated that the car is not moving. They know this is making the already long trip even longer. Stretching and moving is what they want. That five point harness does not lend itself to much wiggle room. We sigh and give up and let them scream. The radio is cranked up to whatever station has the loudest music on and we close our eyes and try to breathe. We know they are safe. They may be upset and irritated but they are safe, so letting them scream is okay. Noelle screaming turns into yelling and ordering her brother to be quiet and stop whining. He does not listen and yells back at her to also stop. They turn their yelling onto the baby. Sweet, innocent, Violette becomes the subject of their screaming.
It soon settles down as they are just tired and worn out. The baby is sleeping, Max and Noelle are whimpering. The radio turn is turned down and we try another movie. We start to move and things begin to look up.

Okay, we didn't encounter this scene on this particular trip, but we've all been in similar situations as parents.

We made it up to Traverse City around 3:30pm. Mom and Dad were soon home from work. A good friend from college, whom recently moved back to Traverse City, came over. I haven't seen her in a year and this was her first meeting of Violette. She stayed a few hours as we entertained the kids and caught up with each other.

Saturday, we spent a ton of time soaking up the sun and playing in the woods. I was having some problems with my eye and took some benadryl, which knocked me out and I had to take a nap. Max, Violette and I napped while Noelle played in the leaves. Here is a little video, thanks to my Dad's ever so handy iphone, of Noelle jumping in a pile of leaves. Something we don't have around our house.

After naps we headed out to the trails. My children love walking in the woods and climbing up the big hill. Tom and I are glad that at both grandparent's houses there is the opportunity for our children to enjoy the woods like we did as children.
The rest of the time was spent just enjoying the children and playing outside as much as we could. It was a great weekend and we are so thankful for the beautiful weather, finally. Max was a bit of a hellion a lot of the time, but that is to be expected with my challenging child.

We left after lunch on Sunday and again had a traffic free drive home. We look forward to our next visit for Thanksgiving a few weeks from now. Chances are there will be snow like the past two years. Northern Michigan weather is unpredictable with a pendulum swing of the unexpected and I wouldn't have it any other way!