Mike and Mara's Surprise Visit

Well, a surprise to everyone but Chris and I. We were suppose to meet them in Joliet, IL for a hotel weekend but due to an approaching storm we had to scrap that so Mike and Mara said they would leave the day before the storm and drive up. Sounds easy enough but it' not a short drive from Kirksville, MO to Green Bay, WI (~9 hrs). So on my Dad's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!) they show up and surprise everyone. The video of my Mom coming in after work and being surprised is priceless:



We had an awesome time with Mike and Mara and the "cousins", Linus and Lucy. The dogs play together so well, especially when they're free to run at Baird's Creek (see photos). They wore themselves out, just like we planned. I really appreciated having Mara around to go to the gym with me, especially the Saturday morning class...that was rough. I know Chris enjoyed his racquetball game with Mike. If I remember right, the last time we played as a foursome I was 5-months pregnant and one of my shots nailed Mike right in the throat. He dropped like a lead weight and I almost wet myself. What a sight we must have been.

Jackson loved his time with his Aunt and Uncle, they are great at entertaining him and he really took them, even Mike! Chris and I enjoyed the extra set of hands to help us (THANK YOU!). It was awesome of them to make the trip to see all of us, can't wait to see them again!!!

For additional blogging and photos see Mike's website (Syring Blog link on right side of my blog).