We got home last night.  Here, some random snippets of our trip to Michigan and Wisconsin…

…an absolutely, unbelievably well-behaved baby.  Three nights of 8+ straight hours of sleep, and minimal crying in the not-so-well-liked carseat.  Smiles and giggles for the many participants of the pass-the-baby game that seemed to happen wherever we were.

…two-hand touch football with my family, which quickly brought the realization of how woefully out of shape I am, followed by the hopeful reasoning that being 10 weeks postpartum was a good enough excuse.

…stressful moments, and renewed conviction of the need to pray for those I love.

…a huge hotel room that comfortably fit our whole family.

…lots of bad-for-us food.

…cousins playing and being loud.

…learning about quilting and siamese cats.

…visiting a great-grandma and great-great-aunt.

…staying with an unsaved brother-in-law, trying our best to demonstrate the love of Christ in a not-necessarily-kid-friendly house.

…foggy nights, lots of coffee, cookie baking, potato peeling, a few unfamiliar faces and lots of family

…church where hearts were seeking Him, with family members who need to find Him again.

…the same six cd’s (yes, I know, cd’s…I’m resistant to technological advancement) played over and over again for the 1600+ miles traveled…and speaking hope and conviction and joy to my heart the whole time.

…of course, turkey and stuffing and potatoes and cranberries and pie.

…pizza and movie night done a little differently.

…an indoor waterpark, swimming with grandpa, a playground and a “house” made of tree branches.

…frayed nerves, too little sleep, gracious hosts, missed routines, memories made, happiness to be home at the end of it all.