Has It Been That Long?

I was thinking about the last time we ventured up to Traverse City, and unbelievably, it was right before Christmas!  We couldn’t believe it and had to change that quickly, so this past weekend we headed up to the Great North Country.  Tom took Friday off of work, we decided to leave Thursday evening once he came home from work.  The drive was uneventful, children watched movies, complaints were minimal, it was a nice calm drive.  On a side note, my minivan rocks for long trips!!!!  So much room to pack things! 

Once we arrived the foursome was wired!  They were so thrilled to see Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Alex!  Despite the late time, they were not going to bed for awhile.  I smiled as they sped around the house, finding every breakable object in reach, and rediscovering the house.  Finally, they all settled in and we drifted off to sleep, ready for a day of Roehrig fun on Friday.

Friday was our family day.  My parents and brother were off to work and we had the day to ourselves.  Morning brought unexpected rain, and a lot of it.  So we ate a leisurely breakfast and played around the house, hoping the sun would make it’s appearance and warm up the temperature.  We went out to lunch, letting the children frolic in a near by place place.  We watched the sun emerge and the temperature rise a tad.

 

We decided to head over to my Aunt’s house on Lake Michigan.  It was cool, in the mid 70s, but it didn’t matter, the children wanted the water and sand to play in.  We built sand castles, soaked up the rays, and dipped our toes in the chilly water.  It was beautiful.

Sand was everywhere and blue lips were starting to emerge on the children.  We headed back to my parent’s house.  Earlier we made a pit stop at the dollar store and picked up silly string.  The kids decided to hide and wait for Uncle to come home.  They found a spot and all four of them giggled and excitedly awaited Uncle to pull in.  They jump out and sprayed him! 

 

The plan was to take the boat out on Saturday.  The wind was whipping and the temperature barely in the 70s.  Tom and I knew that it would not be fun for the children with all the white caps on Lake Michigan.  We talked it over and decided to forego the boat outing.  Not sure what to do, my Dad brought up taking a drive out to Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Yes!  I have never, nor Tom, been there, and it being voted The Most Beautiful Place in America, we had to go!

I couldn’t believe how close it was.  Only about a 40 min. drive from their driveway, this treasure was in our reach and ready to explore.  The following pictures speak volumes!

The sun was pristine, the water a deep blue and the sky dotted with clouds.  It truly is beautiful, to say the least.  I can’t wait to make another trip back there, to explore the dunes more, and drink in the treasure of Michigan.

Back at home Uncle and Max dappled in some street hockey and then we had a s’more bonfire.  The children were exhausted from the days nonstop events, but all had smiles and happiness all over their faces. 

Sunday we packed up and headed back South.  Sad to say goodbye, but we all know it won’t be too long before we’re up there again, bringing needed chaos to the calm of the Goodhue house. 

Wordless Wednesday (Finally Back At It)

Trudging On

Today is crisp and cool compared the last few weeks of suffocating heat that descended upon us.  My laptop is fixed and I sit in my favorite chair while the children all (yes all four of them at the same time) dig through their Lego’s and enjoy their new found love of the colorful, imagination inducing bricks.  They big and  battle each other’s figures, and have shown a more creativity in the last few days than in a long time.  Our collection in not extensive by any means, but I know as the next round of birthdays and holidays come it will build and they will rejoice in happiness and I will inwardly smile at the length of “me” time that will be increased! 

July is almost gone, and I look back, scrolling through the pictures, smiling at all the little adventures we’ve had.  The house is back on the market, had one trip to the ER with a removal of a toenail, Noelle attended Horse Camp, went to the annual Roehrig Family Gathering, Max played baseball, we watched my Dad drive a NASCAR, we ate countless amounts of s’mores, Violette, Max, and Noelle attended Vacation Bible School, attended a surprise wedding, and we survived a rather unpleasant stomach bug.  Phew!  I thought it has been a calm, relaxing summer, but after jotting it all down I guess we have been busy! 

Here are multitudes of pictures to recap the summer thus far:

 
 
 
   
   



I have to use words to explain this awesome and exciting thing that just happened on Saturday, July 20th.  We received an invitation to my Aunt Shawn’s engagement party awhile ago.  Always planning on going as a family, Zane decided he was going to come down with a stomach bug and puke all over Friday night and do something beyond disgusting that left me covered in liquid fecal matter about 3am Saturday.  Yep, it was quickly decided Tom was going to stay home with him and I was going to take the other three.  After all, it was just an engagement party. 

We walked in to the Hotel Lobby and immediately I sensed something was up.  I saw a photographer and videographer mulling around all the guests.  Their was a buzz in the air, speculation that they were already married and an announcement was going to be made, or they were getting married today!  It was so exciting.  My Aunt from Texas was even there, and most of the Babcock gang.  An announcement was made thanking everyone one for coming…To Their Wedding!  Cheers erupted!  My Aunt was whisked away to change into her dress and everyone waited with anticipation. 

My Grandfather walked her down the aisle and the ceremony was short and beautiful, magical even because of the shock factor! After the “I do’s” were said, we were escorted into the ballroom.  A large band got the party started and my kids hit the dance floor.  Food was plentiful and delicious, Shirley Temple’s were consumed quickly, cigars were hand rolled for the adults (of course I got Tom some!), and squeals of delight were heard throughout the ballroom. 

A wedding is always a joyous occasion, but one that is sprung upon an unexpected crowd carries with it, if at all possible, even more happiness.  We all hugged and kissed family and friends, not seen in many months.  “Can you believe it?”, “This is the best surprise!”, were shouted over the music as glasses clinked in Cheers. 
My children loved the dance floor, the girls spinning round and round entertained the room during dinner.  As the music cranked up more people flocked to the floor and my kids boogied their tushes off.  Zane and Tom were very missed, but I am so glad I was able to be there and celebrate this wonderful occasion with my family!

 

That sums up the last few months.  Now my laptop has a new hard drive installed I'm back in business, and back to blogging!