Laowai

We went to Midland to help my mom after her back surgery and also to celebrate my mom-in-laws birthday. We had a great trip. Mom is doing great and we had so many fun days.

We started off in downtown Midland at my Aunt Garlene's apartment. Mom stayed with her after her surgery and we took advantage of all the summer stuff happening downtown.

We got to have a nice visit with my Uncle Doug and Aunt Judy.

Swimming with Jenna

Escaping the heat at the Midland RollArena. It hasn't changed at all since I was in 7th grade.

Bea taught both her aunts (!) how to solve a rubik's cube.

We visited Dow Gardens. I have no idea what Phillip is doing.

Bea drove Grandma – a first.

We went to a Loons baseball game. Claire got to sit next to her most fun cousin – Ryan.

Sophie teaches aerobics (called Hi Fitness). She tried to kill me but somehow made it fun too.

At the local Ace Hardware you can buy doughnuts… and guns. Kim and I got to laughing really hard when we realized there were so many guns (!) around the doughnut case. Yikes.

We went to the farmers market.

I love how Dave and Kim's family is always playing games. And I was so happy that we got to meet and get to know the new in-laws – Cameron and Garret. 

We were going to go kayaking but the weather didn't cooperate so we went back to the roller skating rink.

On our last day in Midland we celebrated Gramma C's 80th birthday.

We had a big pizza dinner and then came home for birthday cake. We surprised grandma with confetti on her way inside.

Love that smile!

Dave and Kim got the most beautiful and yummy cake.

There's the birthday girl – she's a star.

I didn't get a photo but Cameron (Sophie's husband) played his violin for us – it was so special and a perfect gift for grandma.

What a great trip! I needed a big nap to recover from all the smiling and laughing.