The Elliotts go North

This summer, N and I decided we wanted to go on a trip. First, we wanted to get out of the house for a hot minute, and second, well that was really the whole reason. We started thinking about what would be fun and realized it has been almost 4 years since we made a trip up North to see the cousins. Commence Facebook messaging. Trip = scheduled.

We made it quite the family gathering - we'd see N's youngest bro in Lexington, Cousins Cousins and G'Uncles in Mason, and Aunts, Uncles & more Cousins in Saline. 

We made our way up to Mason, MI where we stole B's room (thanks Bro!) and spent the weekend with Elliott cousins. We had some big plans, including a 200lb pig roast and the general mayhem that ensues when the hubs gets together with his cousin D. Aka talking about life until the wee hours of the morning. 

Since this was our first big trip with M, we were really unsure of what to expect. I told A that this could go two ways - 
1. I'd show up at her house with my child and my entire house in preparation for anything or 
2. I'd show up at her house with my child. 
She assured me that there was a Meijer nearby and that'd be fine! 

We rolled into MI around 1am Thursday, after our stop over in Lexington. M slept the whole way... well.... M slept the whole way AFTER she took an enormous poop in her car seat and we cleaned in a Verizon parking lot. Can you smell that now?!

Friday we had brunch with more family! We saw the Gorishek fam and the G'Uncles (p.s. I LOVE that I get to say we have G'Uncles. They're only the coolest EVER). You can be jealous. It's okay. 

Me, G'Uncle Phil, M, and cousins! 

Then we sent the boys on their way. To pick up a giant pig. In someone else's car. At a farm. In Michigan. In August. An hour or so later, this is outside:

Giant Pig on Wheels! 

After a lot of "ewww", "I'm not eating that", "what did we get ourselves into" and "mmmm  Bacon!!!" (That last one is from my husband. Or his cousin. They're like the same person) we decided it didn't need a name, cause that'd be weird. So I named it. Martin. Hey Martin! 

M then decided she was tired from all the activities. So we rolled back to the E's house for naps all around and to get ready for a low key cookout (we weren't having Martin for dinner until Saturday)

Sleepy M

M got to spend some quality time in her bouncer laughing at everyone that came by, and with Uncle/Cousin D. We also had constant entertainment from Sydney the horse-puppy*, who enjoys playing with everyone and everything. 

14 weeks and 37 lbs

She's not a real horse-puppy you jackwagons. Those don't exist. They're like unicorns of the puppy world. She's actually just a mastiff/St. Bernard. You know, a teacup dog. One that you keep in your purse and push in strollers with bows in her hair.

M & Uncle/Cousin D

 

Bouncing!

Saturday - Martin's Roasting Day

So N&D had to go and burst my bubble - Martin was a girl. Damn. But I'm quick on my feet. New name - MARTINA. And we'd call her 'Tiny for short. Cause she's petite, like a baby elephant. 

After lots of set up, a few naps, and more bouncing, we headed to the party. It was a great success. Tiny was DELICIOUS and we saw all kinds of family we haven't seen in years. M was a champ and partied with everyone until it was well past bedtime. 

Us with our awesome Cousins/Hosts for the weekend

M with her "Aunt Meme & Uncle Pepe"

The next day, we hung out, had a leisurely breakfast, and then rolled out to see more cousins! 

M has now gone 3 days without a schedule and has been a champ. We knew the end was coming soon....

We had a minor meltdown halfway home... But it only lasted for an hour or so. All in all, it was an awesome first trip with M and one we will definitely be doing again!

The Final Tally:

3 Poo-Splosions

3+ cases of beer

2 Pizzas

40,000 Coffees (Blueberry! Who knew? It's delicious!)

1 Giant Pig 

1 Joke about age that will never get old (har har har)

Overall:

An Amazing weekend with family!