Smitten With The Mitten
On Friday, June 19, we made our first trek to Michigan with little Miss Mazy! We headed to Michigan for the annual Geurink Family Vacation. I was a little nervous traveling in the car for 10 hours with a 3 month old, but she was a CHAMP (and I am aware that people travel long distances with babies all of the time, but this was just a first for us). On the way there, she maybe cried 4 or 5 minutes total! I think it was Dan who kept her so occupied and loved during the ride. It was just adorable to see those two just living and loving life together! Also, we decided that our Honda Odyssey was one of the best purchases we have ever made! 28 miles to the gallon, plenty of leg room, and a comfy ride – couldn’t get much better!
I was extremely excited to head to Michigan to see family again, but also to introduce Mazy Grace to those who have not met her yet. Our time in St. Joseph was very minimal, but we plan on spending more time there in August. As for the vacation, what an amazing time we had! It was just quality time spent with our families, time to relax a bit, and time to just be together and reflect. Many games, braids, swimming, eating, fishing, naps, and laughter occupied our week.
Oh, and by the way, the ride home went well too! About 1 hour from home, I said to Dan that Mazy is such a trooper. He replied with “well good thing she isn’t a pooper trooper…” Not 2 minutes later, sure enough, she fills her pants. It was rather funny at the time! She sure taught us to not speak too soon!
So, here is a bit of what our week in Michigan looked like!
Mazy’s response when we told her we were going to Michigan:
We couldn’t WAIT to introduce Mazy to Brenda! Who would’ve ever thought that this is what our “family” picture would look like! Those two little babies in heaven, thanks to the love and gift of Brenda, now have a baby sister!
Tracie meeting little Mazy!
Now onto the family vacation…
My nieces just adore little Mazy!
We had SUCH gorgeous weather! Made for great times fishing and cruising around the lake!
Dan teaching Addison and Noelle crazy tricks off the swim raft!
Lookout, big muscles coming through!
Hanging out with Uncle John
Games, games, and more games!
Emma could not get enough of Mazy – she was Mazy’s little buddy all week!
Mazy just loved all of the attention!
Auntie Katie offering some long needed snuggles!
The water was a tad cold, but we thought we’d dip Mazy’s toes in…the idea of swimming, she didn’t really love
My parents just loving on their grandkids!
Auntie Kari has this carrying-kid-thing down!
There were a few fish in the sea!
The beautiful place we called home for a week!
Tubing is always fun, no matter what age you are!
One of the best parts of the cottage was the white rocking chairs on the porch. The family time spent on these was priceless!
Scarlett loved “Babe Ma”
We even managed to do two 1,000 piece puzzles!
Mazy got her toenails painted! What a stylin’ little girl!
Happy Father’s Day to the most amazing dad. We love you!
After the vacation we headed back to St. Joseph for the night!
We now have a child to add to the family tree at Dan’s parents! The meaning that Mazy Grace came with? Extravagant Blessings. Couldn’t be more perfect!
Auntie and cousin love!
Mazy’s tree that her grandpa and grandma planted in her name!
We are so blessed to come from such loving families! Always hard to say goodbye, but in a few short weeks we will be heading back to Michigan for a wedding. Never imagined having a child to take with us on family vacation – what a blessing it was! That little girl continues to steal our hearts! As Dan often says, “Kristin, when she is older and asks for $10, I’ll say ‘here’s $20/'” Needless to say, she is becoming a daddy’s girl!
So back to the grind we go!
