Michigan is cool...literally.

My visit home was super short, but it was so great to see the kiddos! The hardest part was leaving. I sucked it up until we were out of sight, and then the tears starting pouring. UGH! The hardest thing for me is being away from them. There is seriously nothing more difficult. I know they're too little to understand why I can't be there everyday anymore, heck - some adults don't even seem to understand...I can only make the most of the precious few days I do get to spend with them. Unfortunately we sometimes have to make sacrifices in order to fix mistakes that we've made...and that's what I'm trying to do - fix stuff.

I can't wait for them to experience Disney World for the first time!! I want to see Olivia's face when she sees the castle, and the princesses. And Ethan's face when he sees Lightning and Buzz Lightyear! Thinking about these things, and about my quick trip home, really makes me start wishing for that teleporter again! :)

I just got back to Florida a few hours ago...have all my stuff unpacked, dog walked, got some groceries, and am now uploading all my pictures to snapfish...and making a slide for this blog.

In uploading my pictures, I realize that I didn't take any pictures on Friday at my Aunt Deb's house! Dang it all. We had so much fun though - but I'm going to do a quick recap of my trip in order.

On Wednesday I flew in to Lansing Airport, and Brittany picked me up. We had a yummy lunch at Marie Catrib's in GR (Diamond & Lake). Then I unpacked some things at my moms, and went over to see the kids! I can't even begin to describe how much I miss them - and to see them after 4 months is very emotional! This time Olivia was on the porch happy to greet me and ready to play, and Ethan didn't seem to miss a beat. I think Skype really helped with that. It was so great to see them and to hug them and kiss them! They are SO TALL!! Then we all went over to my dad's for a grilled chicken dinner, and my Grandparents were there too.

Thursday started with the kiddos again, of course! I picked them up, and we went over to Karen's. Her kids are 1 and 3, so all together the kids are 1, 2, 3, and 4 - an active bunch! As soon as Ethan saw Ella, he just wanted to hold her hand and give her kisses on the cheek, and hug her, it was so cute! Then later that night, I went to dinner with Karen and Sharon at Bistro Bella Vita downtown GR, and then met up with more friends at Rocky's Pub. I even got to play a couple songs at the bar! AND I think Meghan may be ready to move down here before it snows! :)

On Friday, I went to my Aunt Deb's with Margo and the kids for swimming and grilling and birthday cake! We had lots of fun in the sunshine, and I was whooped by the end of the afternoon. Then my mom and I met Scott, Margo, and the kiddos for pizza at Fricano's in Muskegon, and ice cream at Temptation's in Grand Haven.

Saturday - today - started sad. My mom and I went over to Scott & Margo's to say bye to the kids. Oh man, that was tough...it's so sad to know I won't see them until December...or maybe if I'm lucky, October. And I hate that I will miss Olivia's first day of pre-school.

All in all, a great trip. I just wish it could've been longer.
Enjoy!