Tour de Michigan 2012: The Troy Times

Gus had a "mancation" planned for Labor Day weekend, and I was planning on a quiet weekend home with the boys. At the last minute, I decided that I was confident (or crazy) enough to take the boys to Michigan by myself. Traveling with them on the plane was actually easier than I expected. They were on their best behavior, and the nearby passengers sang their praises.

Once we arrived in Troy, we stopped by Grandma and Papou's house for a quick visit. They were heading up north with Uncle Chris, Aunt Stacie, and George the next day, but we were happy to get in some hugs and play time. Uncle Joe stopped by, too, and Henry and John loved getting wild with their crazy uncles. Henry and John also played us a little ditty on Nonnie's old piano.

The next morning we surprised my Papa at his favorite breakfast spot, The Nip and Tuck. He has been a regular customer for years, and used to dine there often with my Grandma. Now he eats breakfast at The Nip and Tuck everyday. In fact, the owner will call him to make sure he's okay if he doesn't arrive by ten o'clock! On this particular morning, we walked in the door just as Papa was sitting down at "his" corner stool. Henry ran right up to him for hugs, and the look on Papa's face was priceless! Papa couldn't have been more proud to introduce all the regulars to his great-grandsons.

That night we took the boys down to Ford Field to watch Zia Bella perform in the Athens High School halftime show. She performed a beautiful routine, and Henry and John loved watching the flags fly in the air. Henry was even more "cited" when he spotted her face on the jumbotron!

On our last night in Troy, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Guilbault stopped by to see the boys and get some hugs. Henry loved telling them all about Thomas the Train, and John (as usual) couldn't stop smiling.

Next up, the Longo Lakehouse!