Paris, Michigan

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HomeLeave, part 1

７月の最初の二週間は私の両親が住んでいるミシガン州で家族と一緒に過ごしました。　そこでは色々な事をしました。　今はチガゴの友達の家にいます。下に書いてあることをしました。英語で書きます。

For the first two weeks of July, we visited my parents and family who live in Michigan. By "we" I mean me and the kids. Martin was there for awhile, but mostly had to work. Besides visiting with Mom and Dad, I also saw my 3 sisters, 1 brother, 1 grown son, 4 in-laws, 3 nieces, 4 nephews, their partners, 1 great niece.. just 7 weeks old, my Uncle Bud and his wife, and other assorted aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Some of the things we did during those 12 days were:

Tubed and kayaked down the Muskegon River, watched the 4th of July Parade in Big Rapids and the fireworks. Visited my sister Char's flower garden. Went to the Hospital. Attended niece Amber's wedding shower. Attended the first extended family reunion on the Wachter side of the family in several decades (there were nearly 60 people there and they're already planning next year's.) Went to the Mecosta County Agricultural Fair with cousins Jackie and Tyler and also saw the Truck Pull (LOUD!) Took Monica shopping at a mall in Grand Rapids where we met up with Rachel, Monica's friend from Tokyo who just moved to GR. Kids went to a movie called Ratatoville, said it was really good. Swung on the rope swing into the river. Jonah read "Hachiko" in Japanese to his Grandma and brother, Jay. Went on a family skate with the four of us plus Tyler in Northland Park. Skipped stones in the river. Enjoyed the wildflowers of my childhood. Saw deer every morning and evening, lots of fawns. Stayed in a cabin near the river. Had bonfires with friends till two in the morning. Roasted corn, brats and ate s'mores by the fire. Demonstrated ikebana to my Mom and sisters (Mom really has the knack!) Played lots of frisbee. Jonah played baseball catch with his Dad. Drove Dads Yukon. Kids drove Grandpa's Kubota and Uncle Mike's 4 wheeler. Ate many a breakfast and lunch at sister Mary's PDQ (best restaurant around... had corn beef hash, reuben sandwich, yummy curly fries, burgers, taco salad) but also ate at Taco Bell and Burger King. Went to Jimmy John's subshop with Jay. Jumped on the trampoline. Played "Spill and Spell" with Jay... He is amazing at it. And... and... and...