Michigan Trip

We flew into Michigan on the 21^st of August. I’m not sure why I did this, but I booked our flight so we wouldn’t get in until 11:30 at night. Basically we lost an entire day traveling. Such a waste! Once we got our bags we found our way to the hotel. We were hungry so Ryan went to the gas station nearby and picked us up some panini’s and a lunchable for Dominick (who happened to mow through that and some of my sandwich. After a not so long night of sleep we had breakfast at the hotel and waited for my parents to arrive. We knew our busy vacation was about to begin and we were excited for what was ahead.

Looking out the window in the plane::Keegan's birthday party with Lexi::Kyla and Dom at Moo-ville:: Dom clapping for himself in the mall

Since we knew we would be staying in Detroit that first night we looked for tickets to a Tigers game and happened to find some. We hopped at the chance and were excited for it. We thought it was going to end up raining, but the weather was beautiful and while a little hot it was perfect for a game. I was super excited because my “tiger” was pitching that day. Dominick met one of the staff and they told us where to go so we didn’t have to wait in lines to get in and where he could get a certificate documenting his first Tiger’s game. We only stayed until about the 7^th inning and we lost, but it was still a fun day. Dominick was super excited to see Paws, but when Ryan brought him to meet him he clung on for dear life. We did get this picture with him though. After we left the game we headed to do some shopping at the outlets. We were there for several hours, but got quite a few good deals. On our way home we stopped at our FAVORITE Chinese restaurant and got our favorites from there. It was the perfect day, but we were exhausted and ready to be home.

Dominick's first Tigers game::Verlander pitching::Dom and his daddy::Us in front of Comerica Park::Dom and Ry with Paws

Friday was the day of Dominick’s birthday party in Michigan. We did some final prepping, errand running and in true Boutwell fashion arrived late to our own party, but we made it and it was a great night. We got to see all of our family and some of our friends. There is nothing better than having so many of our favorite people all in one place. We were so thankful for my parents who hosted and it was a good day. Dominick’s cake was made by the same person who made our wedding cake and baby-que cake last year (it was white cake with strawberries and cream filling and buttercream frosting…so, so good!).

Dominick's Michigan Party::cakes::family::presents

Saturday morning we had family pictures. I was super excited for these because we honestly haven’t had family pictures taken since last December. It has been too long. After pictures we went home, gathered our things and made our way to Ryan’s mom’s house for the afternoon. Dominick explored their backyard and we mostly just hung out there until we had to get ready to go to some of our friends’ wedding. It was beautiful, but already a long day and Dominick was antsy so we didn’t end up staying too long. We love our friends and met them shortly after we had started dating. We couldn’t be more happy for them. After we left we stopped by another friends’ house. We weren’t sure when we would see them if we didn’t see them then since they were unable to make it to D’s party. We spent a while there and around midnight headed back to my parents’ house.

The Beardsley's wedding

Sunday morning we somehow woke up early enough to make it to church. Dominick did well in the nursery and even though it was the church I grew up attending I was still nervous to leave him there. After church we had family dinner and then went to my cousin’s baby’s first birthday party. His party was farm animal theme and at a park. Dominick had a BLAST!  He loved playing and it was a very hot day, but it was nicely shaded and such a good time. We hope Keegan had the BEST first birthday (and think he did). Sunday night we left Dominick with my parents and met my best friend and her husband for dinner. We love them so much and wish we would be able to see them more often. We had a great dinner and loved spending the evening with them. By the time we got home our best baby man was already in bed. We know he had a good night with his Gigi and Papa.

Monday was spent in our favorite little lake town. We woke up extra early and were only an hour late out the door, but it was the best day. Once we arrived it started out cloudy, but by the time we left it was hot and humid. We walked around town, down the pier, saw friends (and introduced them to our son) and around the beach. We haven’t been in 3 years so it was so nice to be back even if it was only for a day. We love Pentwater so much and so I was happy to show Dominick our favorite little place.

Family in front of the Pentwater sign::Gigi and Papa::on the pier::first time in Lake Michigan::with momma

Tuesday we spent most of the day packing up Ryan and hanging out at home. Ryan was leaving in the afternoon so we didn’t do too much. My dad took Ryan to the airport since we didn’t think it was necessary for D to ride 4 hours (total) just to see his dad off. We were sad he had to leave early, but glad he was able to come for a little while regardless. I know he had such a good time despite the craziness of the trip. It was sad to see him leave, but he had to get back for an NCO induction dinner and other things. AND we would of course see him on Saturday.

The rest of Dominick and I’s time there was spent with my parents and our families. I got a much needed haircut, playing at moo-ville and hanging out with my niece and being around family. Our trip was nonstop go, go, go and not much relaxation. We were glad to be back in California, but we could sure use a couple more days off. We love our family and our Michigan friends, but home is where ever we are together.