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Michigan--Here We Come!

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One week before Christmas, we headed to Michigan to celebrate the holiday with my mom, and John's mom and sister (and family).  John was on a mission--to replace my mother's beloved recliner.  (If any of you are fans of the TV show "Frasier", hers resembles Martin's recliner....)

We arrived late Friday night, and early Saturday morning, John got us all out the door with the story of "we are headed to Santa's workshop".  My mother didn't have any idea where we going, but she was totally game for the whole thing (and a very good sport about trusting all of us with the surprise).

When we got to the furniture store, we thought we would be in and out in a matter of minutes, but it turned into a couple of hours.  Everyone had fun, especially the kids.  Shopping is not usually a favorite activity of anyone, but laying on beds and sitting on massage chairs?  Now THAT'S shopping!

We visited two different stores, and only as we were going back to the first to buy what we thought was the perfect chair, did we spot the ACTUAL perfect chair.  A high-quality La-Z-Boy, complete with Michigan insignia!  Of course, it was out of stock, and she's still waiting for it to be delivered, but I think she will agree that it will be worth the wait.

Little did we know at the time (but I highly suspected) that Mark had mononucleosis.  He literally couldn't stay awake, and he was "sick as a dog".  Poor Mark...


On the way out, we spotted the most beautiful Santa.  I mean seriously, this guy had a suit that looked Swedish, or Norwegian, and even though we just wanted the photo op, he totally wanted to talk to the kids and wish us all a Merry Christmas.  Now that's the spirit of the season...


We came back to the house after that, had some really good food, played an hour of music for my very attentive mom who makes an excellent audience member, showered, and headed out to see John's family.  We had a delightful dinner at Outback (thanks, John, for treating everyone) and played games, and talked at Beth and Chris' house.  Too, we got to meet and hold Baby Maggie--precious!  

At 9:15, we left, thinking we were going back to my mom's, but discussing possible gifts for John's mom (and realizing that it was Saturday night), we headed back to the furniture store to buy John's mom a recliner also.

The next morning, we were up early for church, after which we went and picked up the recliner and delivered it straight to her home (yes, we like to play Santa!)  We had a quick lunch with my mom, and opened lots of fun gifts, and we were off.  Poor Mark slept most of the way home.

If this sounds like a whirlwind trip, it was.  It always is when we go to Michigan.  Merry Christmas, family!

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