Around The Home

What an exciting past week we’ve had, visiting Minnesota! We left last Tuesday around 11am and made it to Minnesota in good time, and arrived by 8:30pm their time! That left just enough room for Dan to go to the fireworks, while Mazy and I stayed back so that she could go to bed at a decent hour. We stayed with our friends, Matt, Brianna, and their son Parker, which we couldn’t have asked for a better time together! I had to chuckle because they walked in the door Wednesday night after a family vacation and I just started to tell them a story like we never missed a beat. Then I realized I never said “hi!” Oh Kristin…

The 4th of July in Prinsburg is unlike any other – the whole town about shuts down and the community comes together to celebrate! It starts off with a parade in the morning, activities, a pork roast, more games and activities, then a parade. It was fun to experience that all again! Here’s our trip in pictures (not necessarily in order…)

Golf carts are not uncommon to drive around in, in Prinsburg!

Mazy thinking she’s pretty cool…

Mazy’s friend, Parker, got a new swing that Matt and Dan hung, which the kids LOVED!

Needless to say, these two had a BLAST together!

 Dan even got out to one of the lakes to fish! And of course, was successful! Fishing never disappoints in Minnesota!

All snuggled up!

Swimming in our pool…it truly never gets old!

Arriving in Prinsburg and driving by our old house:

Watching the town fireworks from an upstairs window while Mazy slept

Mazy sure loves her bubbles!

I had the opportunity to do a book signing on July 4th for a few hours! What a perfect time to catch up with friends! Thank you to all of those who came out!

Watching the parade! Dan’s shooting muffs work GREAT!

Mazy being the little mom she is…helping Parker put his shoes on

Night time storytime with Brianna!

I am starting to realize more and more, that Mazy is a bit strong-willed. When I started to read through some of the “signs,” I found myself saying “yes” to them all. This book has definitely offered some perspective, wisdom for the journey, and has given me the confidence that it isn’t something we’ve done wrong, but is the beauty of a soul that God created and we have the privilege of directing that strong-will towards God – the beauty of encouraging her to use it for Him. That has offered a completely new perspective for me!

Indulging in her parade candy

Mazy and her dogs…

And giraffes…

Mazy just LOVED this swing! The higher the better in her book!

After an amazing week in Minnesota, Mazy crashed on the way home and slept 3 hours! That was a huge blessing because on the way to Minnesota it took us 10 1/2 hours to get there. On the way home, it took us 13! It was a LONG ride home due to nasty traffic, but this girl was a champ!

One bonus of driving through Chicago is seeing all the planes take off and land at O’Hare. We decided to make a pit stop at the O’Hare oasis to watch the planes and grab some pizza

Mazy and her “sisters!” She loves these two girls SO much! We are still beyond grateful for the families God placed in our lives while in Minnesota! They will always be “family” to us!

After an amazing week catching up with old friends in Minnesota, it is now back to life in Michigan, which we are so grateful for as well. We know we are exactly where we are meant to be! The people we have met here in Michigan, the gift of family nearby, and the place God has brought us to, is simply nothing we could’ve planned better ourselves! To be able to have friends both near and far is such a tremendous gift that we surely do not take for granted!