Michigan...again

Brian,  Maggie and I made another urgent trip to Michigan this past week.

Grandma Rice had passed away on Tuesday, March 20th at the age of 91.  She passed away at her house, in the comfort of her own bed.  My mom and Tiff had just been up there to see Grandma and spend some time with her.  I was unable to go with them due to my work, school, and family obligations.

All of my aunts and uncles were there, minus a couple of my cousins from California.  It was a nice celebration of Grandmas life.  It's amazing when you read the obituary, how much of an impact our loved ones have made in this world.  She's leaving behind quite a legacy, especially in her hometown of Milford, Michigan.

We left Colin back in KC (again), figuring a funeral was no place for a 2 year old.  Brian's parents watched him for 4 days, and are utterly exhausted now!  He has so much fun with them, going to parks, helping Grandad in the yard, eating special Grammie food!  We missed him so much, especially Maggie, since he's pretty  much her favorite person ever!

We packed up on Thursday for our 12 hour drive, went to the visitation on Friday, the funeral on Saturday, then our long drive home on Sunday.  Maggie was a trooper throughout it all, sleeping in various locations (neighbor's houses, churches, car seats, etc) and hardly making a peep!  She has all of my family tricked into thinking she's the best baby ever.  

Brian, Maggie and I stayed at Grandma's neighbor, Phyllis' house.  Anyone that will welcome a 10 month old into their house, no questions asked, is a saint!  Phyllis let us take over her home for 4 days and we can't thank her enough.

The 2nd night, Maggie found the liquor cabinet.  I figure it's because Phyllis said to make ourselves at home. We thought it was pretty funny.

Maggie couldn't decide between the vodka or the coffee-flavored liquor.

Whoops!  Caught red-handed!!

Chad and Brian, wearing some of Grandpa's old Stetson hats.  We thought they looked pretty good, considering they both have fairly large heads...

Maggie sporting the Stetson...

Grandma's dog, CJ, wondering what happened to Grandma.  Don't worry though, Tiff and Chad brought her home with them, with the intention of Mom taking her when she gets moved into her new place.  Shouldn't be too long until CJ can get settled into her new home.

Maggie playing with my Aunt Linda from California.

Mom and her 2 brothers, Uncle Kurt and Uncle Ken.

Tiff feeding Maggie (in her car seat) because we didn't bring her high chair.  Ooops!

A group of pretty ladies!  Maggie, Rosie (a nurse in Milford that helped take care of Grandpa and Grandma Rice that is just like family to us) and Mom.

The whole gang in front of Grandma's house (with Brian taking the picture).

The whole gang in front of Grandma's house (with Phyllis taking the picture).

We will be back in Michigan in June to help figure out what to do with the rest of Grandma and Grandpa's belongings.  Until then...

no more trips to Michigan, please :)