Some Smedley Time

 

 Dave and I flew to Michigan to celebrate with Steph and Jared as they graduate from Michigan State.  Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Nursing, Jared earned his MD.  They will soon be off to start Jared's residency with his first year in Phoenix, AZ, then the next three years in New York. 

 

We had a layover in Las Vegas, which was fine with me because they have a Ruby's in the airport and that means an Oreo shake.  Best ever!

Our first morning in East Lansing meant I got to eat breakfast with this handsome dude.

Jared had some school stuff to finish up for a few hours so we took Steph on a little early birthday shopping spree.  Dave had to keep the stroller moving or Shad would pitch a fit.  I'm guessing he isn't a huge fan of dress shopping.

We had lunch at a great sandwich shop in East Lansing.

Shad likes pickles.

Then Jared got home.  We all packed up their car and headed to the UP (Upper Peninsula of Michigan).  It was just over a 3 hour drive.  We stopped for dinner in Cheboygan and we had to take a picture of the water tower.  (Dave and I couldn't stop laughing as we thought about the movie, "Home Alone" where John Candy's character says he and his polka band are going to Cheboygan.  It's the only time I had even heard of the town.)

Shad enjoyed the riding toy at the local Cheboygan Walmart.

We all checked in to the hotel in Mackinaw City that evening.  While Steph and Jared put Shad down for the night Dave and I took a stroll along the shore of Lake Huron.

There are still chunks of ice floating on the lake.

Our hotel was right on the shore.  The sand was deserted.  I guess no one wants to play on the beach when it is 39 degrees outside.  Maybe we should come here again in August. 

 

 

The next morning we drove a block to the ferry terminal to head to Mackinac Island.

 

We had to bundle up.  Shad wore Stephanie's gloves.

It was nice and warm inside the boat, though.

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island. 

The post office was pretty darn cute.

 

The Grand Hotel.  This is where they filmed the movie, "Somewhere in Time".

The porch is the longest hotel porch in the world.

Even hotel supplies had to be brought by these Clydesdales.

 Of course, I had to take a couple of shots of some of the unique doors we passed.

It was pretty rainy as we headed back to the mainland.

 

 

I could barely make out the Grand Hotel along the shore.

 

 

This bridge connects Michigan with the U P.

 

 

Shad was giving his mama sweet kisses.

 

 

After getting off of the ferry we drove over the bridge to the Upper Peninsula.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday was the reason we came on this trip - to watch Steph graduate from Michigan State and to celebrate her birthday.  She worked full time, went to school and became a mother this past year and a half.  We are so very proud of her.

 

The Spartans.  Go green.  (Jared's parents are coming for his graduation next week)

 

 

 

 

 

We let Steph choose where we ate lunch.  She chose sushi.  Good choice.

 

 

Those eyes.

 

 

When we got back to their townhouse Shad pulled up his green chair to watch a movie.

 

 

That night Steph wanted Jared to make homemade pizzas on their Traeger grill.  Delish.

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this wonderful girl.

 

 

Shad likes to fill up his entire mouth with food.  Then sometimes he just lets it fall out of his mouth.  Luckily he has this handy-dandy bib that covers his clothing pretty well.

 

 

We had such a wonderful visit with this little family.  And I'm quite glad they will be living much closer to us for the next year.  Love them!