Michigan

This past weekend we took a road trip to Michigan to visit Philip's family.  Conveniently (or maybe not so conveniently:) ) , the group that Philip races with was also in Michigan.  We debated driving through the night again because it is just a little easier with the age Ainsley is right now. But then Brian said he would ride with us, and so we decided to face the day and make the drive in sunlight:) She was soo good on the drive up there. and the bonus: I didn't have to sit in the back the whole time and get car sick! 

biting her toe then saying "OW!" 

We stayed with Philip's grandparents and for the whole week before our trip Ainsley walked around saying 'Papa'. The morning we were leaving we asked her who we were going to see and she said "PAPA!". She had a very busy few days, keeping all of us on our toes:)  We spent the first day there just hanging out and playing at the lake. I wouldn't say that Ainsley loved the lake, but she didn't seem to hate it. well, at first anyway. That night we had a delicious dinner of KY hot browns that Loyale made. 

  The next day was Philip's first day of racing. And while I wanted to see the track and watch him, we both agreed it is just not the most fun thing to take Ainsley to. So we planned a trip to the Zoo! Ainsley has never been to the zoo and she LOVED IT. When we left the first exhibit she cried saying goodbye so we had to make sure and say 'come on let's go see more animals!' and that seemed to help her move to the next exhibit. She made monkey noises at the monkeys, got to ride a train for the first time, fed giraffes, petted goats (and watched a goat poop which another kid called them jelly beans), neigh at the horses, say 'wow' at the zebras, and chase peacocks. she had a great time. many thanks to her Uncle Brian and Grandma Joy for helping me chase her around and pick her up to see all the animals:) 

animal crackers at the zoo- appropriate or inappropriate? 

on the train. at first she was confused by the train whistle and then quickly started saying 'CHOO-CHOO' when she heard it 

BUNNY! 

Of course she got several souvenirs from her mom, grandma, and uncle for her first zoo trip:) Ted and Marty went to Gingerman and rode with Philip, which I know Philip enjoyed. Ted told me when he got back that he almost got sick but that he couldn't say anything because it would be breaking man code… I told him I felt his pain/nausea. 

That night we celebrated summer birthdays at grandma's with the traditional ham loaf and peach kuchen. I'm sure you have heard me talk about my love for both of these. I literally could eat the whole pan of both. Grandma showed me how to make ham loaf so I feel pretty well prepared and will have to give it a try soon.  Sunday we had brunch at Ted and Carol's and spent the day there hanging out at their pool. It's always such a fun time there and Carol is always the hostess with the most-esst, whipping up snacks and food all the while taking care of like 6 grand babies. Philip ended up leaving early and just racing half a day in order to come back and spend time just hanging out. 

LOVED the trampoline 

the boys tickling ainsley 

first ice pop! 

obsessed with the car that let her hug and lay on it… our does NOT let her do that 

Sunday was supposed to be our beach day, but that morning there was 90% chance of storms :( Carol made us all breakfast and then we went to the Air Zoo, which A ended up loving as well:) 

Ainsley sized pancakes 

her first ride! 

ferris wheel with the boys because momma felt a little sick after the hot air balloons 

she never really smiled on the rides but in a flat affect would say 'weee' and then clap at the end. at least she didn't cry or vomit:)   she just took in all of the jets and planes with big eyes as we walked around the rest of the museum

Then she got tired and cranky and we were 'check please!' and took her back to nap:)  The car ride back was not quite as successful as the ride there. She was bored and tired from the past several days. she didn't want to fall asleep. she kicked the DVD player, I took it away, kick, take away- we did this so many times I wanted to throw it out the window. BUT, we made it home safe and sound and she was not cranky at all the next day from lost sleep. 

We had such a good time getting to visit with everyone. And we were there when Philip's cousin Courtney announced her engagement to Brian which was exciting for us to be a part of that. Ainsley got to play with her family she doesn't get to very often (becca we didn't get any pics of them together:( ). Leaving is always sad for us because we have such a good time and love getting to visit with everyone there. Can't wait to see you all again soon!