Ann Arbor, LeRoy Weekend

After a full day of work Trena and Gabe climbed onto the 3 bus which took them downtown so they could catch the X28 bus.  at 4:45 we took the megabus from Union Station to Ann Arbor with a 20 minute stop.  We weren't able to sit next to each other, but luckily we were able to sleep for a lot of the trip.  We slept at Lauren Moak's while she was off watching Harry Potter 7 Part 2.  The next morning we had breakfast with Trevor and Lauren before Mom Thomas and Jim arrived to pick us up.

It was great to have a long drive up north with Jim and Mom, and we were able to stop and see Lola, Papa, and Uncle Todd in Traverse City on the way.  We arrived at Tim and Robbie's in time for a late dinner and a great campfire.

The next morning Tim and Robbie drove downstate to be with Jason, Susan, and newborn Reese Jaclyne (sp?) LeRoy.  They are in our thoughts and prayers.  Reese was born a little under 4 lbs., and will need to be kept at the hospital for a few weeks, but both her and Susan are doing well.

The rest of the day was as much a vacation as anyone could ask for.  Dad Thomas arrived around 10am. We spent most of the day either on the water, playing yard games, or eating.  The 90+ weather made the mid-afternoon young adult balloon fight a definitely highlight.  Saturday night included tacos and a bonfire that highlighted repeated verses of children's songs, "Let him be," and Sound of Music, and "Taco Party" (composed by Ryan, Jim, Susie, Trena, Gabe, and Matt).  

On Sunday, Dad flew home, and we packed up the car to head back to Chicago (not without another stop in TC for Chocolate Soda's).  It was a tired drive home, though not void of good conversations and road games.  

We're glad that Jim and Mom got to see our apartment and rest here until their drive back to VA.  The next day would be our 1 year anniversary!!!

Independence Day

We have been in Chicago for about a month now!  It has gone quickly, as we've stayed busy with work, setting up our apartment, and getting to know the area.  This does not mean that we didn't experience some loneliness at times when life slowed down.  We still miss the things that were most comforting in Holland.  However, we've felt blessed by the presence of friends and family visiting us a few times already.

On July 2, Schrock, McAuliffe, Sarah V., Sarah B., and the Phillips' arrived for dinner, the fireworks, and a sleepover.  It was great to be surrounded by friends who we feel very close to.  On the 3rd we went to Lincoln Park Zoo and then Mollie's Cupcakes.  It was an excellent day!  Dave stayed an additional night so that he would be rested for the drive back to Michigan.

On the 4th, Dave spent the morning with us before heading back home.  For the afternoon, Trena and I went to a cookout put on by my Jamaican soccer club, the West Indies Jets.  We enjoyed some authentic Jerk Chicken and rice, and Trena conversed with some families while I played some soccer.  At night, fireworks covered the horizon.  We attempted to watch the Navy Pier firework show from the Shedd Aquarium (only a 20 minute bike ride from our apartment), but when we got there the show had already ended.