I would have to say the smoothest part of our trip was the flying. We did have a lot of baggage: two car seats, two strollers and bags for everyone.The girls both did great and it was pretty stress free. We left Missoula at 6 am and got into Chicago by 1:00 pm. Hailey loved the flying and the airplane, but by far her favorite part was the snacks!
In Minneapolis airport during a layover.
Once in Chicago we rented a car, will describe that terrible experience later, and took off for New Buffalo, Michigan. We started our trip with the Cybulski's. Hailey really enjoyed playing with her cousins Ellie and Cody. I'm pretty sure she wore out their play cash register and grocery cart. Hailey also loved Carla, or as she called her Nana Carla.
The girls with Auntie Carla
Feeding the ducks and geese on Lake Michigan.
While at the Cybulski's we did a lot of hanging with family which was great. Carla had planned a big get together to see lots of family and have a little Mother's Day celebration. It was fun seeing everyone! We also played a lot in the backyard, visited Lake Michigan, fed the ducks, ate ice cream, played at the park, and just visited!
Checking out Lake Michigan on Mother's Day! Hailey really enjoyed putting her toes in the water and throwing rocks into the lake. **Click to enlarge**
Happy Mother's Day to me! The cake Hailey made for me.
After spending time in New Buffalo we continued our journey to Elkhart, Indiana. There we stayed at The Eakle house and got to visit lots with Kevin's aunt, uncle, and cousins. This was our home base for several days, but we spent most of our time with Grandma and Grandpa Eakle. There we spent most our time visiting and catching up.
The girls with Great Grandma and Grandpa.
While there we did a little project for Nancy. Kevin and Hailey planted grandma's flowers and got her patio all fixed up for the summer.
Yard work and a little R&R with grandpa.
Hailey really took to Grandma and Grandpa and looked forward to going to their house everyday. She also really enjoyed all the candy bowls that Grandma had out. She is now a huge fan of Tootsie Rolls.
While in Indiana we also had a chance to visit Amish country. This was a place full of "old world charm." Men and women still wear traditional clothing and drive in horse and buggy. There are lots of shops and Amish goodies to be bought. We also got to take an half hour ride on a horse and buggy.
Hailey taking a break in Amish country!
The Papp family getting ready for our horse and buggy ride.
Sydney and Daddy enjoying the scenery.
Hailey kept calling the driver a farmer...must have been the hat.
Our ride!
The Papp family!
After visiting Amish country we took a little road trip to Sturgis, Indiana. This is where Kevin's father is buried, along with his Grandma Papp. This was of course a very emotional stop, but it was important to Kevin that Hailey, Sydney, and I all got to meet Grandpa Alex. We stayed for a while while Hailey picked flowers to put on his gravestone. I know Alex would be very proud of Kevin. He is an amazing son, husband, and father.
After visiting Elkhart we made our way to Chicago and made a stop in South Bend. There we visited Notre Dame and checked out the campus. We made a stop at the Golden Dome, The cathedral, the Grotto, The Library, and of course, the football stadium.
A few shots of Notre Dames campus. **Click to enlarge**
On our way back to Chicago, we passed back through New Buffalo and spent the night with the Cybulski's again. Thank you to them for letting us stay all those nights! We had a great time visiting with family and getting to see those we don't get to see very often. Thanks for taking us all in, we sure enjoyed getting to see you!
1 comment:
So glad you got to go spend time with the Eakle side! They all loved having you there. I have heard many great stories of your trip. Nana Carla so loved having you there as well as my parents. Thanks for going!
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