Finally, I am able to sit down and post some pictures from our recent trip to Michigan to visit my grandparents and the kids' Great-grandparents. It was only the 2nd time they have seen Colin and the first for them to meet Maggie Mae. My mom (Meemaw), Tiff, and Chad also made the journey with us. I know they must love us to agree to driving over 13 hours each way with 2 young kids in tow.
We had a lot of fun firsts along the way.
We split the drive up into 2 days, making it to Joliet, Illinois the first night. We got to stay in a hotel, which was the first time Colin has done that since he has been old enough to understand where he is.
We first hit up the pool to try and burn off some energy (the water was really cold, boo!).
While Brian and Colin were playing, I was getting Maggie ready for bed. She slept in the bathtub. Yes, the bathtub. But we put tons of pillows and blankets in there. She needed a room with a door so she had a chance to sleep since we figured Colin would be up past his bedtime. It worked out really well. Please don't let her know this when she gets older. She might hold it against us.
Colin and Daddy sharing a bed. Neither one of them slept well. Colin starting getting a cough the day before we left for the trip, and continually coughed on Brian the entire night. Colin insisted on sleeping RIGHT beside Brian, literally sharing the same pillow. Such great bonding. Then, Maggie woke up around 2 am, I fed her, but that woke Colin up, so he came and slept with me. But, neither one of us slept. He just kept coughing and tossing. So, around 5 am Colin joined Daddy in bed, once again, and the alarm went off at 6 am. It was a LONG night!
We headed out the door early the next morning and made it to Grandma and Grandpa Rice's without any problems. It was just in time for Colin's nap, so we hurried and got his stuff ready then put him down. Everyone else really wanted a nap, too, but we toughed it out.
The guys. Apparently Grandpa missed the memo to wear Mizzou attire. Still, I love this picture!
Grandpa Rice. An amazing man.
Grandma Rice. An equally amazing woman.
Grandma and Grandpa live right next door to an elementary school with a really cool playground. The forecast called for rain every day we were there, but it really only rained the last day so we took advantage of the park, especially over the weekend. Colin had a blast. Brian and Chad had even more fun, I think. They were trying to sharpen their skills for American Ninja Warrior. I don't have time to explain ANW now, but ask Brian about it and I'm sure he would love to fill you in.
Checking out the lily pads. He never did get across them on his own, but he attempted to.
Teeter Tottering with Mom (I'm on the other side, with the camera)
Woah, that's a long way down!
Chad, impressing Tiff, with his awesome swinging skills.
Colin did the swing by himself. It was so fun to watch. Tiff pushed him very gently and he just loved it. The swings were by far one of his favorite item on the playground. He's such a big boy!
As you can see, there were plenty of people willing to play with Colin.
Swinging with Daddy
Swinging with Tiffey
And where was Maggie?! She was back at the house, eating, sleeping, and playing with her favorite clown toy. Everyone was amazed at what a great baby she is. Just smiley and happy and hardly made a peep. We're pretty lucky to have such great kids.
Maggie (and the clown) with Grandpa
Another favorite item from Michigan....C.J. the dog. Colin loves dogs, and he loved playing with CJ. He just followed her around the house, throwing her toys for her. I think Colin got to be a bit much for her by the time we left, but she provided some fun times for Colin. Here they are on a walk with Tiffey and Chad.
Grandma and Maggie (and clown)
We also passed the time playing with Playdoh. I think Colin is feeding Daddy some cereal for breakfast. It looks like he's pretty hungry.
Colin is really into Playdoh right now, making pancakes, balls, and whatever shape cookie cutters he can find.
Maggie is getting so much stronger. She is able to sit with only just a little bit of assistance now. I love this picture - her blue eyes look so bright.
Aunt Gladys and her daughter Alice, with Mom. They spent the afternoon with us on day and we had so much fun telling stories and reminiscing.
Chad frosting Grandma's famous Pigs Eye Chocolate Cake. No pressure Chad, it's only the best chocolate cake in the world.
Colin thought it was pretty cool having a chair that could go down the stairs. Daddy and Colin rode it a few times. So. Much. Fun.
Then we embarked on our 13.5 hour drive home. We didn't stop much, just to get gas and take potty breaks. Of course, that was after we stopped when Colin had a minor vomiting episode 1 hour into our LONG day of driving. We were so glad to be home, and it only took me 3 days to get everyone totally unpacked.
Next up...my trip to Chicago to visit my college roommates. I'm taking Maggie with me and we're leaving the boys at home. Should be fun!
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