Trip to Michigan!

What a week it has been!  Last week Thursday we left for Grand Rapids to celebrate Grandma Swagman's 90th birthday!  While this would be a joyous celebration under normal circumstances, it was especially meaningful as Grandma broke her hip eight weeks ago.  Thankfully, she is doing extremely well and is even able to walk again!  We were able to enjoy a dinner out with the extended Swagman family.  Here is a picture of all who were able to make it to the dinner!

The kids and I with Grandma Swagman

The following day, Saturday, we were able to see the entire Bruinsma clan as we gathered for a family picture.  It was quite an adventure as there were 8 kids involved (the oldest being 7...I think!), including my two who never seem to want to pose for the camera!  Despite the difficulty, it was great to have everyone together.  It had been years since we were all in one place at the same time! 

Since it is no small task to travel from LA to Grand Rapids, the kids and I stayed for the rest of the week and were able to see some friends, do some "Grand Rapids" things, and just hang out with Grandpa and Grandma!

Faith playing with bubbles at the Children's Museum! 

Makin' some music!

One of the fun, unexpected treats was being able to see some friends of mine who live outside of Michigan, but were home visiting their families the same time I was!  On Monday, we were able to have a picnic lunch with the Verwys crew!  It was so fun to see the kids play together.

Here is Grace, Sam, Shane, Rita, and Faith enjoying their picnic lunch!  Little Ellen didn't make the picture.

Faith and Rita are about 6 months apart and had lots of fun together!  We noticed that they even looked alike!  If only they had the same name, they could be twins!  (That's a little old neighborhood humor, in case you think that sounds completely crazy!!)

Blowing bubbles after lunch

Sadly, I didn't take any pictures after Monday!  We were able to visit both Great-Grandmas at their respective retirement communities (apparently the residents of those places don't like them to be called Rest Homes anymore!).  We had lunch at the Woods with G.G. Max on Tuesday, and lunch with Gswags  at her new home, Sunset Retirement Community, on Thursday.  We were thankful for a nice trip, being able to see so much of our family and friends, and just being able spend some time at Grandpa and Grandma's house.