Day Fifteen...Sullivan, IL

Our last stop was in Sullivan, IL to visit with Mike's relatives, Grandma Randol, Cousin Jasmine, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Gail, Cousin Caleb and Cousin Luke. Mike and I have not seen them in over five years which of course means the boys have never met them. We arrived mid-afternoon and were able to spend the evening visiting.

Liam loved Jasmine. They played together for quite a bit. Lots of laughs!

Samuel loved watching the fish in Grandma's pond.

Grandma, Mike and Liam

Grandma and Samuel

Grandma, Samuel, Liam and Mike

Final stop...Coldwater, MI

Day Twelve through Fourteen...St. Charles, MO

Heading to St. Charles was probably one of the most anticipated stops of our trip. We were going to visit our good friends, the Dinkins. I have known Trish and Roxy since our first November in Seattle. This past December they made the move away from Seattle to the St. Louis area in order to be closer to family (I guess we can relate).

Samuel had been talking about going to see Roxy for the twelve days prior and told us that he was going to yell "Roxy!" and run up and give her a big hug. As we pulled up he did see her right away and did yell . The hug took a bit more warming up but by the end of our time there they were arguing like siblings. Good times.

While in St. Louis we had a great time. We loved catching up with Trish and Paul and meeting Everett for the first time. They introduced us to a new store, H&M, that I am now officially in love with. I didn't even shop for myslef, but Samuel and Mike got lots of back to school clothes. We also went to the zoo, played at the park and enjoyed spending time together. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of our days there.
Liam hanging out at the zoo.

Samuel and Roxy playing with thier "baby rocks."

Everett...all smiles

Two peas in a pod. This was a few hours after arriving. We were heading to the park.

Playing at the park.

Liam and Everett getting to know one another. Yes, Liam's feet are that dirty.

Samuel and Roxy at the zoo.

"Mommy, I love St. Loius."

Trish, Paul, Roxy and Everett...
Thanks so much for letting us stay with you. It was great to see you all and meet your new little guy. We are so thrilled that we are closer now and will get to catch up more often! See you soon!

Day Eleven...Mt. Pleasant, IA

Nothing much happened today. We took off from Angie's around noon and had about a five hour drive to Mt. Pleasant, IA. We were able to drive most of it straight with only minor pitstops for bathroom breaks. We ended up arriving around dinner and were welcomed by The Pizza Ranch. We had one in Hudsonville when we lived in Jenison so were thrilled to see it there. After dinner we headed to the hotel and settled in to watch Michael Phelps win another gold.

Sorry no pics today.