Uno, Dos, Tres Gates!

RoadTrip! Last Stop: State College, PA

Our final stop was McAlevy's Fort, not too far from State College, PA. My sister-in-law's parents have a beautiful home in a very quiet and remote spot, surrounded by woodlands. We had a great time hanging out with my brother, Sean, and his wife, Emily, and their three kiddos as well as my dad, most often referred to as Poppy these days. Their was quite a bit of silliness with three small boys running around, throwing and whacking balls, tackling their daddies, and yelling made-up words with Poppy. And sweet little Nora just took everything in, smiling at everyone and sucking on her hands.

We enjoyed a hike in the woods right in the Volgstadts' backyard, swimming at Whipple Dam, and making homemade ice cream on Sunday. It was neat to see the boys interact a lot more than they have in the past. Micah and Liam are at a similar spot developmentally now that they are both more independent and talking a lot; it's amazing what a difference 6 months makes between kids until they get to this point.

Before heading home on Monday, we made a trip to Penn State for a stroll around the campus. Tim and I had not been there in 4 years and were amazed at how much the campus has changed in such a short time. It was fun to reminisce about people and events as we walked past different streets and buildings. We of course took some photos at the nittany lion which turned out so well I am including several. The boys loved visiting the fish tank in the HUB, a common meeting spot for lunch or studying with friends. Good memories. On our way out, we made a stop at the Clothing Line to get Micah his first PSU shirt and then at Yogurt Express, a favorite of mine during the college years (it's frozen yogurt loaded with candy toppings--in case you were thinking it was a healthy joint!).

I don't imagine we will be doing another big road trip any time soon as it is a lot of work and a bit exhausting but it was totally worth it this year, and we are thankful we were able to spend such quality time with so many loved ones!

RoadTrip! 3rd Stop: Pittsbugh

From Ohio, we headed to Pittsburgh to see Tim's sister and brother-in-law and their two boys. Grandpa and Grandma were also there to join in on the fun. We made it just in time for dinner and then we headed out to Alex's t-ball game. It was a lot of fun seeing him in action and cheering him on at bat. Micah and Caden enjoyed playing ball with Uncle Jeff during the game; Caden was such a trooper letting Micah play ball with them and chase him around.

On Friday, Allason suggested taking us all to their rec center to swim. We would have been happy with a basic kiddie pool but this place felt like a water theme park! If our Y looked like their rec center, I would be finding a way to pay for membership right now! They had an outdoor and indoor pool, both with slides for adults and kids, and all sorts of fountains and spraying hoses. Micah loved going down the slide, trying to sit on the fountains, and playing in the sand area with his cousins. Tim and I may have had more fun than Micah with the adult slides and wading pool.

Saturday was the annual Gates family reunion. Tim's dad is one of 18 children so every year they have a reunion to get everyone together as they are quite spread out across the US. Brothers and sisters traveled from several different states with their children and grandchildren. This was my third reunion so I finally felt like I had some connections with people and knew just about everyone that came-- it's a lot of people to keep track of! We had a great time catching up with aunts and uncles, cousins, and of course Tim's grandma, who is now 90 years old. She is quite an amazing lady. I know it means the world to her to have all her family together. I can only imagine the joy she must feel to see her children's families grow- I think she has a great (or great-great) grandchild born just about every year!

RoadTrip! Next Stop: Springfield, OH

Next stop was Springfield, OH, home to my best friend from childhood, Mimi, her husband, Greg, and their ADORABLE 2 week old daughter, Adrienne Joy. It was really special to meet her so early on considering we live 9 hours away and only see each other a few times a year. Adie is just precious and a really easy going baby (praying she stays that way for mommy and daddy!). We mostly relaxed at home with the Fairbanks fam which was just fine with us considering it was stinkin' hot and humid outside. Micah's favorite activity while there was terrorizing their cats which brought us a lot of laughs (sorry Poe and Turbo!). We did make a trip to the playground and park, a nearby lake for a swim, and a great ice cream shop situated right on a farm where you could pet the goats and cows. Micah had a blast there, talking to the animals and "riding" the tractors. It was a real treat to be with my dear friend and (hopefully) encourage her in this new phase of life. She is already Super Mom in my book!

ROAD TRIP! First Stop: Walled Lake, MI

I am finally getting a chance to sit down and document our vacation. And what a wonderful vacation it was! We had a bit of a rough start with Micah not sleeping so well but he got used to all the transitions after about two days and overall did really well with all the traveling. Our first stop was Walled Lake, MI, home to my [dad's] Uncle Bruce and Aunt Karen. My dad spent weeks here as a child during the summer and then took our family for many years growing up. It has always been my favorite vacation spot and I had told Tim about it many times so it was really neat to finally get him up there. Uncle Bruce and Aunt Karen's cottage sits on an inlet (might not be the accurate word)-- a small corridor of water with a few houses surrounding it, leading out to Wolverine Lake. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot.

We had a blast tubing and swimming, kayaking and boating, and spending time with all the family. Uncle Bruce and Aunt Karen are wonderful hosts and a lot of fun to be with. My dad, uncle, and four cousins were also there which brought great entertainment. Micah was very brave, entering the water from the boat ladder and swimming with everyone. He loved throwing balls back and forth with all the guys. I especially enjoyed taking Micah out in the paddle boat one evening and talking about all the boats and people we spotted along the way; it was a precious moment with my little boy.

Tim and I agreed after this visit that we would really love to live on a lake someday. It is now our retirement goal. I don't need a big place-just a spot on the water just about anywhere will do!