A Michigan Fall

I spent a week in Michigan.

A crazy, action-packed, non-stop week in Michigan.

We were hurtin' for some family time, and boy, did we get some.

Sunday was a glorious, warm, fall day-the perfect day for a cookout with my sis and her family at my mom and dad's house.









The cousins were dying to see each other. We Skype here and there, but there's nothing like BEING TOGETHER.

Alayna's best friends are Julia and Adyson.



And, of course, Greyson and Braden are BFFs, too.




Monday was my little man Greyson's fourth birthday. You can read all about him here.

He's FOUR now! How the heck did that happen?!



We let Grey make the choices for the day. First on his list, "Go to the 'smokin alligator mall with Beedee." So, we did. That mall is a great place-it's never crowded, so the kids can go at their own pace, and there's a TON to see without spending any money at all.

We payed our respects to the "smokin alligator" at The Rainforest Cafe:



And we spent a long time in Bass Pro Shop staring at the fish, and being unruly and loud, getting in and out of all of their boats.



We said goodbye to Brady and family and headed home for naps before heading out to dinner. Greyson's choice, "Hot dogs down by the river." So, we did. And his grandparents and cousins joined us, too.

It's not a proper trip if you don't hit up the Flushing A for some hot dogs with red sauce and the best root beer ever.











And when we were totally stuffed from all of the deliciousness, Greyson and cousins had birthday ice cream cones, complete with a candle.



We've got a happy crew when these cousins are together!



Next we headed over to the park, where these two boys had a blast hangin' out together, pun intended.



Greyson got some much-needed Papa time.



And the girls were attached at the hip.



For some reason, there's nothing more fun than a park bench...



Except maybe making angels in the leaves.



Grey had a great day, and that's what matters, right?




Tuesday we got up bright and early to head down to Spicer's Orchard for a field trip with Braden's school. There aren't orchards here and the kids were very excited! It was the perfect fall morning, filled with family, and apples, and pumpkins, and donuts, and cider.

Our "part" of the field trip:



The three littlest ladies:



A hayride out to pick pumpkins and apples:





Scouring the field for just the right pumpkin:



Biting into the best. apple. ever.



And some horsin' around at the playground:






Tuesday afternoon, the forces aligned and the grandparents took all the kids from us and my sister and I spent a few carefree hours at IKEA. You might be laughing, but we've been to IKEA with all nine kids before, and I don't really recommend it. It was SO nice to wander here and there and not chase a kid or hold a kid or push a stroller. I didn't even check the time once the entire time I was there. It was fabulous.

Now, after the orchard and an afternoon of shopping, I bet you think I'd be tired, right? Well, I had some adult business to tend to. I've been missing my mama friends since I've moved away and I made sure to put them on my agenda for the week. The laughs and stories we share always fill me up.



And when this mama's happy, everyone's happy.




We had spent the first four days and Nene and Papa's house and Wednesday was the day we had to re-group and head over to Nana and Grandpa's house. The weather went from the high 70's to the mid 50's overnight and the true Michigan fall was upon us. Grandpa had picked up some hay and took us around and around (and around) on as many hayrides as the kids wanted. It was chilly, but the kids really enjoyed it!








On Thursday, the men went golfing and I wrapped up a few things for Greyson's birthday party. That night, we got some MORE adult time with my sister and her hubby and my brother. We had a fabulous dinner at The Woodshop and then went over to Toby Keith's for some country music. Things always get a little goofy with my sister around, and this night was no exception. We always have the BEST time.














Friday was the day Greyson had been waiting for for MONTHS. It was the best orange birthday anyone could ask for. I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking on this one...






























On our last day in Michigan, we had another big event: The Tillier's annual Halloween Party. This year's theme was "Party Animals". Their party is always great because the adults really get into the Halloween spirit. There's always a TON of food and a TON of fun.

Our family:



My sis, as Kermit, with Thom as Miss Piggy:



My mom, as a "party animal" and my dad as a character from "Animal House". Toga, toga!



My cousin, Jon, as a giant penguin, Siobhan, as a hot cat woman, and my brother as the Trekkie that he is:



Shane and Dawn with their fabulous homemade costumes:



Our whole family together:




I had such a good time in Michigan. I saw so many of our friends and family and did all of the things I love so much about fall. I'm pretty sure these kids had a fabulous time, as well.