Mini Family Reunion in Michigan!

August 8, 2014

Royal Oak, MI

Following a two-year absence from our home state, Scott and I decided we really needed to make a visit back east.  Almost immediately upon our return from Prague and Budapest, where we had spent 8 glorious days in July, we booked a couple of plane tickets to Detroit.  Unfortunately, as it is planning season at Nestle, Scott was able to get away only for a long weekend but I booked my trip for 11 full days (not including travel days).  I timed my arrival so that I was just able to cross paths with my Aunt Nancy as she began her trip back east to Virginia from Grand Haven, where two generations of our family grew up and Nancy visits every August.  

My mom and stepdad graciously hosted a lovely and delicious bbq dinner of beef brisket, scallops and avocado salad, corn on the cob, panzanella salad, fruit salad and donuts for dessert (Christopher's favorite) at their new home in Royal Oak for the occasion.  It was so wonderful to reconnect with everyone, including my aunt, and I look forward to visiting her in her upcoming retirement in Sarasota, FL and Grand Haven in future years!

The family!

The twins and their aunt

Dinner prep, Midwestern-style

My 7-year-old nephew Christopher was instrumental in helping his Grandpa Bill  to shuck the corn for the party and 3-year-old Kate was in good spirits as well.  Upon my mom's urging, Nancy brought her two Boston Terriers over with her, but it was a giant cardboard box and the dog crate that got all the attention from the kids.  Go figure!

Kate has some box time with her Grandpa B.

The twins enjoy bar-in-a-box while Christopher does one of his famous cat poses

Kate, lounging in the crate

Kate started to cry when Christopher wouldn't let her back int he crate.  I'm getting an idea for next Christmas...

And the box was no more... The sign of a good party!