A New View

A great way to end the school year is to pack up the mini and head North to Traverse City, and that's just what we did.  I shed many tears as the children said goodbye to friends and their teachers, saying farewell to yet, another year of school.

Traffic was light, and we cruised our way up.  The children were tucked in tight, surrounded by mountains of stuffed animals and blankets.  Limiting them has proven to bring unnecessary tears, so the rule is, you bring it, you are in charge of it.  With the room we have, it's fine if they bring an armful of comfort items!  There was a time when traveling was torture, now the kids do pretty darn well, as long as I have an abundance of snacks, and movies they make the ride enjoyable.  

A few weeks before our trip my Dad and Mom told us we were doing something for Mom's Birthday.  A Birthday Surprise.  Charlotte, Alex, and I conversed over  the many options that we could be doing.  I kind of panicked because they would not crack or tell me what was going on.  My inner planner was freaking out. What do the kids need for this surprise?  AHHH!!  My Dad assured me I needed nothing above what I usually bring.  My mind was running rampant at the possibilities.  

The surprise was amazing.  It was breathtaking and gorgeous.  I didn't need anything extra, and everyone enjoyed it immensely, the children still talk about it almost daily! 

We went on HELICOPTER rides around TC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The chopper fit four people total (including pilot) so we split up and each got a fabulous ride around the city.  The views from up that high are magnificent.  The water was crystal clear, the trees a deep emerald green, the vineyards littered with budding grape trees.  Words can not express how grateful we all were to my parents for taking us on this incredible adventure! 

Here are a few pictures from Tom, my Mom, and I's trip in the sky:

 The water was so clear we even spotted a shipwreck as seen in the next three pics!

Pictures while waiting for our turns:

 The weather, clearly, was amazing, sunny and not too hot.  The whole experience was one for the memory books!!

The rest of the time we spent as a family, grilling and having a bonfire, taking a trip to an infamous Rock Shop, and just being around each other.  My children slept great, ate a ton, and had a truly wonderful time!  

Happy Birthday Mom!