Pure Michigan with the Makris Family

In early July, we packed our suburban to the gills, and made our annual trek to Michigan. Our first stop was in Troy to visit the Makris family. All 19 of us were together.  It was the first time that Frances met her Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. And it was the first time we met cousin Charlie. We spent a lot of time in Chris and Stacie's backyard - swimming, water balloon fighting, swinging, chasing helicopter toys, eating popsicles. And we spent the Fourth of July in their backyard too. We had a big family barbecue, and then we watched the city fireworks from their yard. Peter waited very patiently on Daddy's lap for the show to start. The first firework went off, and he immediately stuck two fingers in his ears and went to sleep. 

Later that week, we visited the Detroit Zoo. The new penguinarium and the train ride were the highlights for the boys. After the zoo, we ate lunch at National Coney Island. It is always fun to walk in and say, "Table for 19, please." We took up 5 entire booths. We ended our visit with ice cream at Ray's. The boys were disappointed that they were out of superman ice cream. But scoops of cookie monster and birthday cake ice cream were still devoured. Poor Frances didn't get a taste, but she sure looked cute sitting on the counter.

I am thankful our kids will have these wonderful memories of summer fun with their cousins!