Saying Goodbye

Mike's parents have been asked to serve as mission presidents in the Mexico, Puebla North mission and are going to be gone for three years!  We are so excited for the adventures they are going to have, but it was also hard to say goodbye.  Before leaving, however, they went on the longest road trip, spending three days with each of the nine children in Mike's family.  They started in Northern California and made their way East to Michigan over the period of six weeks.  We were so excited when they finally made it to our house!

As soon as they arrived, we hopped back in the car and went to the kid's fun run with our local YMCA. It was extra special to have grandma and grandpa to cheer the kids on!

 Tanner, Reid, and Amelia ran 250 yards and did great!

We were all so proud of Andrew!  His age category had him running a mile!  He stopped for a drink once, but ran the whole thing!  What a great accomplishment!  

Here are all the neighborhood kids.  Afterward, we went home, put the kids to bed, and stayed up late talking with Mom and Dad C.  I love talking with Mike's parents!  They are such uplifting people, so fun to be around!

 Saturday morning came early with pancakes and a wrestling match!  Grandpa had injured his back while in Washington, but somehow he was able to do this and we think he survived it.

 After breakfast, we did a few outside chores and put Mom and Dad C. to work!  Dad C. helped me hang a plant from our front porch, something I'd wanted done for a couple of weeks.  Then, headed to the soccer fields for a good part of the day, as the boys had their last soccer game of the season.

 Amelia wanted to be just like grandma!  She sat down right next to her and was careful to observe how her arms and legs were stretched out.  She copied her every move, a good woman to do that with!

After all that yard work and sitting in the hot sun, this grandpa snuggled up with a soccer ball for a pillow and took a little siesta between games! 

We celebrated the end of the season with a trip to Culvers, such a treat!

Saturday night was date night and we were happy to drop the kids off at a friend's home and the four of us went to dinner a great local restaurant downtown.  The food was great, but the conversation was even better!  I loved this night!  We sat at this table for a good couple of hours and just talked.  It was a fun, intimate, and special conversation about life, our lives and their lives, specifically.  Mike's parents have a way of helping others see the big picture, recognize what's working and what's not, and inspiring you to do better without making you feel lame for your shortcomings.  A perfect evening!

On Sunday, Mike was sustained as bishop.  It was sweet to have Mike's parents here.  Mike's dad was put in as bishop with five young children.  I think they know exactly how we feel, and it was nice to have them sitting by my side as Mike left our pew and sat on the stand for the first time.  Sunday was busy and a little crazy with a sudden seminary graduation and meetings, but Monday was so nice!  

Mike's dad gave him his version of a bishop's training while Mom C. and I took the kids for a walk and then down to the frog pond.  We caught a toad in our garage and were each taking turns hold it.  Grandma got brave, oh so brave, and picked up the toad too!!  The kids thought she was so cool!

We had to interrupt the meeting to show dad and grandpa what we had caught!

Afterward, we spent the afternoon catching frogs and turtles and playing ball in the yard.  Grandpa also had a one on one conversation with each child where grandpa and child promised to make good choices, read their scriptures, and say their prayers for the next three years.  They committed to report back to each other when grandma and grandpa get home.  Not sure Amelia got it, but she had her special time with grandpa too.  

At bedtime, we had back tickles and nursery rhymes from grandma, and books in bed in the morning.  We indulged with treats, played games, and just enjoyed being together.  Tuesday morning came and we found ourselves on the driveway saying goodbye for the next three years.  There were tears, lots of tears.  As we watched grandma and grandpa drive away, still crying Andrew said, "Three years is a very long time!"  He threw his arms around me and just cried.  So sweet!  We came inside and all snuggled on the couch and cried and cried.  These kids have such a sweet relationship with their grandparents and it makes me sad to think that they won't see them for such a long time.  At the same time, grandma and grandpa are setting such an incredible example for them!