Road Trip

We headed out early Saturday morning for Michigan after stopping for coffee at Starbucks.  Destination, New Boston Michigan, home of Doreen, youngest daughter of Aunt Rose and Uncle Red.  

Two of Doreen's daughters, Natalie (B.S. Psychology) and Jenna (R.N.) just graduated from college and she was having a big bash on Sunday to celebrate.  We thought it was the perfect way to see as many of the cousins as possible.

We drove NW out of Pennsylvania and West through Ohio and then North into Michigan arriving early afternoon to Doreen and Frank's house.

Me and Doreen

They live in a beautiful rural area SE of Detroit.

We chatted and caught up, met Frank and then were taken on a drive through a series of County Metro parks.  It was so pretty and had bike and walking paths that winded through and along the Detroit river and Lake Erie. We found out that Dor and Frank like to ride bikes and hike as well so we hope to join them for some adventures in Ohiopyle soon!  

After we got back to the house, Doreen had made some pulled chicken, we had sandwiches then learned a new card game, Aces Down.  Apparently a favorite of Uncle Red's. 

After waking up on Sunday morning, we helped ready for the party as much as we could, but really needed to get out from under foot so took their dog, Jack for a walk along the railroad tracks near their home.  We were serenaded by the black birds and bull frogs along the way and got some exercise too!

After returning to the house, it was the final push to get ready for the guests at 3:00 p.m.  Then they came, and they came.... Family after family!  Well, what do you expect, Aunt Rose and Uncle Red had 7 kids and their kids had kids, and their kids had kids and so on and so on...... Here's what I can tell you.  Pat and Glenn were there, their son Rich, his wife Cindy and their daughter Lori, her husband Rob.  Rich and Cindy have two boys and Lori and Rob have a daughter Olivia.  Ed and Diane were there with their daughter Jackie and her husband and two boys.  Joe's daughter Tracy, her daughter Caitlyn and Matt, his son were there.  Joe and his current wife Debbie live about 3 hours north and didn't make it.  Of course, Tom and Ruth weren't there, Tom works in China and Ruth lives in Texas.  Bob and Sue were in Kingman visiting mom plus they in AZ.  Three of Joan's kids were there, Julie only had the two girls, her husband Chad and Kyle their son were home painting.  Patti was there sans her husband Scot who had to work!  Oh, and they are expecting in November.  Marti wasn't there, she lives in FL with Larry.  But Joe and his wife Michelle and their two kids Shelby and CJ were there too.  

Here are some pictures of the cousins we met, some for the first time, others reunited after meeting at Aunt Rose's 90th!  I'll see if I can get them all right!  I didn't get pictures of all the cousins, but hope to in the future.

Tracy (Joe's daughter), her daughter Caitlyn
Aunt Rose and Devyn (Doreen's granddaughter)

Julie, me, Aunt Rose, Joe and Joan

Doreen, Joan me and Aunt Rose 

Doreen's girls, Jayme, Natalie, Jenna and Kelsey holding Devyn (Jayme's baby)

Jenna and her boyfriend, Mike

Ed and Diane, Aunt Rose with Jackie and her husband and two boys

Doreen with Rob, Lori's husband.  Lori is Glen's daughter (not in picture)

Pat and Glen, Otto, Aunt Rose, Joe (Joan's son) and me

After everyone left, Frank built a fire and we sat outside talked and fell asleep!  It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful day!

Monday morning Otto and I drove up to Melvindale, about 25 miles, to meet Joanie and Aunt Rose for breakfast.  We walked to a little cafe on the corner by Aunt Rose's house.  It was so good to get to spend time with the Harris family!  We took Aunt Rose to see Jayme and Devyn, drove to see Joani's house then returned back to Frank and Doreen's to say our goodbyes!

Since the drive is only about 4 hours, I am sure we will be returning for more family get-togethers.