Annual Leave

This two-week annual leave was spent driving from Calgary to Michigan (three full days) in crazy wind and snow/blizzard warnings. We spent a lot of time in the car, but Sophie was amazing, pretty much as always. The only time(s) she was fussy was when she needed her diaper changed.
































We went from Calgary, to North Dakota, through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The only way to get to the Lower Peninsula is to cross the 5-mile Mackinaw Bridge. The wind was so gusty, trucks were banned from crossing. We decided to stop for dinner, and as we sat down we saw a line of trucks go past the restaurant. They were allowed to cross, but only going 20 mph.


















So that's why we didn't see any in Banff.









We made it to Mt Pleasant later that night, and had a wonderful time catching up with Jim's parents, professors and even getting a chance to swing dance! Sophie and Grandpa shared a special time looking at the big band, listening to the music, and dancing of course!




































We also went to the CMU football game to see and hear the Marching Chips play Lady Gaga and South Park! HA! It was pretty awesome and the band looked and sounded great! They had Sophie's full attention as soon as they started playing until the very last note. We were bummed we missed a tailgate hang put on by my brother- and sister-in law (and our nephew Brett, since he attends CMU now) because Sophie was sleeping, but Jim got to go so that was a plus. He said both the food and the conversation were excellent. I think the team lost, but I admit I don't go to games for the actual games. The marching band was playing that day, and there just happened to be a bunch of guys there that like to get in two lines and fall down for a while.

The next day, we drove to Lowell where we were welcomed by my parents and my relatives, many who have never met Sophie. We seem to never be in Michigan on the weekends, so it could never be arranged. It was fantastically loud and chaotic, but I'm so grateful that so many made the trek just for us, and especially for my parents who hosted the fête. And the food wasn't bad either!























Sophie and her cousin Eve, who happened to be a puppy dog that afternoon.















My cousin Stacy, with her two kids Alex and Abby (the little one) with my nieces Ivy and Eve.










By far Sophie's favorite part of Lowell would have to be the dogs! They L-O-V-E her!





Cuh-laaaaay













Stella Bella




















And Grandma and Grandpa too, of course!














Here is some randomly random cuteness.




































































Yup. Let's Go Red Wings!



















Playing the drums like a natural!










After that, it was two days to Chattanooga to spend time with Jon, Tina and Erin. Then another two days to Miami. So far so good. The apartments are nice, and the view isn't bad. We had a friend, Angie, from Blast! visit. She just left this morning, so now I can focus on getting this thing caught up! Here's the view from our balcony, overlooking Bay Biscayne.