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Michigan Trip

What a fun vacation! Parish and I arrived at Grandma Ruth’s on Thursday, June 12 – it was a long day, so before we headed over to see Grandma – we took a nice (very much needed) 3 hour nap.

The flight went well – Parish loved it (as I knew he would). Here are some pictures from Parish's window seat...

I can’t believe that our vacation is over with. We learned so much about our family, got to know our cousins a lot more and made priceless memories – some too funny to even mention (you guys know what I mean)...

I wanted to introduce the loyal blog readers to my cousins. By the way – we couldn’t stop talking about all of you!!

CUZIFICATION....

Benny and Skyler – the most talented long boarders that I’ve met. Skyler does these “pretty” moves that look so awesome and Benny can walk across his board like there’s nothing to it. It was so much fun to sit and listen to them – their brotherly bond reminded me of me and my sisters – they can find fun where ever they go.

Grant – We are so glad that he was able to make it. Talk about a mature guy – so down to earth, beautiful smile and great goals in life. He’s going to be a huge success someday and we can’t wait to watch him grow. I don’t even know the last time I met Grant, but we made some memories this last weekend. I was his side-kick dish dryer – we all make such a great team!

Tim – Parish and I got a chance to get to know Tim pretty well. The last time I saw Tim was years ago – I think it was before I turned 10, so it was really nice to spend some time with him. He has a new appreciation for things in life that also is contagious. Parish and I wish him nothing but the best and we can’t wait to see him again next year!! Below is a picture of most of the cousins on the dune ride...

Here's a picture of Parish and I on Lake Michigan.

Rachel (and Mike) – We had a chance to spend some QT with them (Quality time) – not only did Rachel and Mike make us laugh with their funny one liners, but we made plans for the future (since they only live about 1.5 hours from us – if that). Rachel has a unique spice for life that is contagious and I am so glad to not only call her my cousin, but my friend.

Hannah – like another sister to us! It was so much fun to go shopping with her, her mom, Donna – my mom and Rachel, Marsha and Jenny. She shares a love for Hannah Montana (yep, we rocked out to the theme song) and she also introduced me to a few new songs too. We had so much fun with her this last weekend too.

Danny (directly to the left of me in white shirt) – Probably one of the funniest people that I have met – the kind of guy that says what’s on his mind, and yet is so caring. Parish and I had a blast with him on the sand dunes, side bar conversations on Grandma’s patio. When he walked into grandma – we knew we’d instantly love that guy! Big smile, just loves life (oh, and Hannah, his girlfriend, of course)!

Garrett (the far left) – I can’t believe that he is 12 (well actually 12 and ¾) ! Seriously, my cousin Garrett looks like he is 17 or 18. I totally would have guessed that he was entering high school. What a nice guy too – bringing Grandma tea in the morning…he was also our tour guide as he led us to the sand dunes. Again, we had an absolute blast and can’t wait to see them again. Garrett told us not to sit where he was sitting because you would get really wet. Apparently, I was "safe" in my spot. Ummm...not so much! :)

Jenny – Wow, are we twins? Jenny shares the same clumsiness that I have – it was her (not me) that left with a fractured foot – and I was almost willing to put money down on the fact that I would have been the one to hurt myself. She attempted long boarding with Benny and Skyler and ended up landing on her foot wrong. We shared so many laughs about our tumbles and ER trips that we’ve done in the past and realized that we have more in common than what we thought. Jen – hope your foot heals fast!!

This is all in addition to our fabulous aunts and uncles that we haven’t seen in ages either! Plus - Herbert and Judy and Jim and Diane, it was an absolute treat to meet you guys.

We love them all and can’t wait for next year. What do we got – like 360 days left? Can’t wait!!

Oh, and thanks to Grandma - who is 90 years young!!

Love you all and thanks for a great weekend.

Chaston William Finckbone

We have a new nephew!

Yesterday, Parish's sister, Nicki, had a beautiful baby boy (by C-section) at 7:47 a.m.

Chaston William Finckbone was 5 lbs. 11 oz. and 18 inches long! He's just a little peanut!

Proud parents: Nicki Barten & Chad Finckbone
Sister: Haylee Autumn Finckbone

Both mom and baby are doing well and expected to go home on either Thursday or Friday. Parish and I haven't had a chance to meet him yet, but when we get back from our trip and we get a chance to get up to Grand Rapids - I will post pictures!

Congrats Nicki and Chad!!!

Today's my last day of work for a while. I am leaving this afternoon a bit early to finish up a few last minute errands!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Memorial weekend pictures

Our aunt Kee Kee just sent me these pictures last week and I thought I would post them. This is the 2nd annual memorial weekend get together of Parish's family. Parish's dad LOVED things like this, so it's really important for all of us to continue to get together like this. Unfortunatley, I couldn't attend this year, because I had to help my sister move in, but it looks like it was a blast!
What a great group - can't wait for next year...

Here's a picture of our beautiful neice - Haylee!

Uncle Rick, Parish, Uncle John and Chad

The other Chad and Parish

Sandy, Brandy, Nicole, Kee Kee, Shirley and Shannon

Group shot - beautiful weather

In other news...my sister in-law, Nicki will be having a baby tomorrow (C-section). She goes in at 7:30 a.m., so stay tuned for an update on our beautiful new addition to our family!

Weekend Review

We had a great weekend.

On Friday, we bought a new car - 2008 Chevy Cobalt to replace my cavalier - we got a good deal on it, and the settlement that we received help us a lot. Then, right after we signed the papers, we headed to Grand Rapids for our friend's wedding reception. Below are some pictures from the night...

This is a picture of Parish and I taking a break from dancing. The next day, we were so sore and wondered what the heck happened to us! It's so funny what a few beers can do - we always laugh the next day because at the time (we think we are so good) haha!!

Tasha and Andy - I love the "Yes" gesture she's making.
Again, what the heck are we thinking? We look like puppets. Hey, at least we can laugh about it!
Kristin & Michael (and Judd) rocking out
Then, the next day we woke up early, struggled on our ride home to get to Gavin's birthday. I can't believe that he is 5!! It's so amazing. I just love those kids to pieces. He had a transformer birthday party - and he probably got all of transformer toys that were ever made!!

Here's a picture of the birthday boy -

We leave for our trip in 3 sleeps! I can't wait to just leave MN for a while and relax. I will be sure to upload pictures - it's Parish's first time in an airplane. It's so cute how excited he is!

Have a great week.

S&P