Michigan memories

 We left Ohio at 3 in the morning.

Drove 7 hours to Traverse City Michigan.

Our reward was to see this pretty little girl.

When we got there the Smith's were having a yard sale and Aleya had her own little tent set up.

We had Joel go out and say hello, she just looked confused and said hello.

Next, Jayden came out while Heather looked, then looked again! 

Ha, ha! Aleya didn't know we were coming so it was so funny to watch them trying to communicate.

You could tell Aleya was watching the boys and thinking, "Well are you going to buy something or not?!"

  First we headed to an Asparagus Festival that was a little farther than we thought and we were getting pretty tired of riding in the car.  Much to our dismay the line was GI-normous to even get IN! Then you had to wait at each and every food stand in another long line to buy your asparagus food.  Bummer.  Here we are  pretending to enjoy the fest.  We really did have fun walking around and checking out the shops though.

On our way back to the car we spotted a beach sign and this is what we found. PERFECT!!

 Looks like there were some tired asparagus fans were taking a break too. 

 The main event was the marriage of the monkeys with Jayden officiating.

 After the ceremony it was the reception (aka-play time)

 Cousins enjoying the beautiful beach.

 It was too beautiful not to take a few family pictures.

 

We then headed back into Traverse City to Bubba's to eat.  

John and I used to eat here all the time when we lived in T.C.

Monkeys in the middle:)

 After supper we went back to our hotel for some swimming. 

John and I snuck away for a walk on the beach and a habanero pepper hot fudge sundae,YUM!

The kiddos got Dairy Queen after they were good and tired from swimming.

The next morning we went to this park and enjoyed the beach one more time.

 Aleya showing us how to use this playground equipment.

Now we ALL have to give it a try.

Of course that doesn't exclude Grandpa!  I think from the pictures you can easily tell that it's not as easy as it looks!

 Once the kiddos were nice and sandy again we went with Heather and Aleya to the House of Dogs for a quick lunch and saw these guys on the way, how funny!

 Aleya's favorite place to eat: House of Dogs

 The trip went SO fast but it was still so great to get away and most importantly, see our special little girl!