My 1st Michigan Trip!

This past weekend Paul & I racked up a whopping 1800 miles on Blue. We drove him through Missouri, up into Illinois & Indiana. Then we by-passed Chicago, & up to a little hole in the trees to peek at Lake Michigan! I fell in LOVE! It was gorgeous.

After I played in the chilly water for a while we headed 3 hours into the High Five state to Ann Arbor, where we met up with some of Paul's buddies. We had some beers at Ann Arbor Brew Pub, which were delish. Food was on the mind though & their line was too long, so we headed over to The Blue Tractor. More beers & dinner were in order. I had an amazing BLT made with a fried green tomato! YUM! The boys caught up with shots while the fiance's talked of weddings.



in Ann Arbor



Paul & I in Ann Arbor... of coarse I had to represent K-State @ least one night!!!



The next day, Michigan took on Nebraska! We missed tailgating but viewed the game at another one of Paul's groomsman's houses. Which of coarse followed with some get-to-know-ya-catch-up beer pong/flip cup.



Some of Paul's good friends!

Finally, on Sunday we were able to catch up on some sleep only to wake up to meet Paul's aunts, uncles, grandparents, & cousins. The meal was great & the people were very welcoming & nice. It was also my first experience with a grandparent with dementia. Different, but just something you have to cope with. After supper I had a dejavoux. We were sitting around the table & his other grandpa was telling stories, only the way he talked sounded exactly like my grandpa that passed away back in 2000. It was hard to hide my emotions. That night we met up with another groomsmen & his sister that actually live in Colorado but are from Michigan.

Monday morning, Bob Evans called us for breakfast with his family. Then we were off on our 13 1/2 hour drive back to Topeka, KS. This time we dropped down through Indiana, the corner of Illinois, & through St. Louis into KC. It misted on us the whole way back which made for a good photo in St.Louis (if only it was lighter).

 

the SWEET tote Paul's mom made me for my birthday!



The view of St. Louis Monday night from in the truck on the bridge

 I met some great new friends, new 'soon-to-be' family & saw some great places!
I can't wait to get back & see more of the state, maybe even cross the pond, Canada!!!

Weekend Mania

This past weekend, I took Big Blue (Paul's truck) down to Wichita Friday night for the American Agri-Women conference. I was unable to make the first few days, but I arrived just in time to help put together some awesome decorations... KUDOS to the Bammerlin ladies for working their tails off... along with the rest of the decoration committee! This was my first conference & I am excited to hit up next years in Colorado! After a night of 'taste testing' wines & getting my sleeping arrangements re-located at 3am (I think) I was ready to go home Sunday for a little bit of rest.
Now, I'm taking a break while getting ready to head to the 'The Big High Five' state... Michigan... with Paul. This will be another little test, a 13 hour drive, which I'm confident we'll pass. Saturday, I'm going to get my Blue & Maize on tailgating for the Michigan vs. Nebraska game. Sunday, Paul just informed me they're having a family dinner, including lots of family it sounds like *yikes*- I always get nervous meeting the 'in-laws even though I'm sure it'll be fine. I told Paul I just want to see a lighthouse, as I have never seen one before, let alone been anywhere up in that Northern area. I'm excited!!
I better get back to packing :p

P.S. on an engagement update: I did make a dress trying on appointment this week for when my mom & sister come to town in December :)