Michigan

We need something fun and positive on here. So why don't I tell you all about our trip to Michigan. Are you ready for lots of information? It might take me awhile to tell you everything. I'll start at the beginning...and when I get to the end...I'll stop. (that's my favorite line from Disney's Alice in Wonderland).

We got on the train at 11:30 pm. in Garden City on Wednesday June 2. Since it was bedtime, we pretty much just slept until we reached Kansas City (where the train stopped for like 45 minutes). It was after Kansas City that it got a little more exciting. A drunk guy decided to board the train and a couple hours later in La Plata, MO. he was escorted off by a police officer. Poor guy couldn't even stand up straight, let alone tell the officer if he had any personal belongings.

We went over the Mississippi River and just saw some very pretty scenery as we went through Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois (and I think a corner of Indiana).

We got to Chicago at 3-something and had a two hour lay-over. We were a little nervous to venture out, so we stayed in the train station. But this was not a bad decision, because we went to the "Great Hall" in the old part of Union Station. It was so beautiful. I will eventually post pictures of it, but for now, I just don't have the time to get it done. I guess there have been movies filmed in this "Great Hall." I can't wait to start researching and finding out what they are so I can watch them and recognize the room.

We got back on the train two hours later and were on our way to Grand Rapids. Pretty uneventful.....we were pretty tired by this time. We got to Grand Rapids at 10:30-ish (Thursday night). Scott's brother picked us up and we went to his house and got a quick house tour and went to bed.

We woke up Friday morning ready to get on with the sight-seeing. We slept in a bunch and had breakfast out on their deck. Did you know that Michigan gets hardly any wind, and they don't have the pesky bugs that we can get? We were able to eat breakfast in peace (while watching Alvin, Simon, and Theodore play in the yard...lol...really)

We went to a music festival for a couple hours right around lunch-time and saw some groups perform, but then we went and got Amy (Kevin's wife) from work and went home to eat some supper.

After supper we went to a baseball game (the Whitecaps). It's the farm league for the Detroit Tigers. The Tiger Mascot was there...it was cool. Again I got lots of pictures. Martie and Scott ate Dippin' Dots for the first time at this game..it was exciting. And our team even won.

Saturday....we had an even better day. We drove to Shipshewana(sp?), Indiana. This is an Amish community that is a big tourist place. We went to an Amish grocery store, saw Amish made furniture, and even went for a buggy ride with an Amish guy. He showed us some of the town and a little bit of the country around the town. We saw many little shops and ate at a small deli (awesome sandwiches) for lunch. We visited a cheese place, a popcorn farm, and even a honey farm. Some of these places don't even have electricity in thier stores. It really showed us how spoiled we are.

That night we ate at a huge Amish restaurant. The food was all home-made, really home-made and for dessert we had home-made pie. The best and biggest pieces of pie I have ever eaten. Wow.

Sunday was pretty calm. We visited Kevin and Amy's church and then visited Amy's parents (and went on thier paddle boat in the lake behind thier house). After that we just went back to Keven and Amy's house and watched tv and fell asleep.

Monday we went to Lake Michigan and saw a light house, a coast guard station, and lots of water (duh). The water was pretty and there were tons of boats. The pictures describe everything about that better.

Then we went to a place called "Craig's Cruisers". This is where we rode go-carts, bumper boats, and played some arcade games. Scott tried to play a semi-truck racing game, but it was broken....darn. Then we ate Mongolian BBQ (a first for Martie). It was good.

Tuesday was our going home day. We got on the train in Kalamazoo, Michigan and again went to Chicago. This time our lay-over was 3 hours...and we decided to venture out a little. I'll admit the big city scared me a little (we were in the heart of downtown Chicago). If you've ever seen movies set in the big city they are pretty accurate....the horns honk, and the machines are really working on the roads and sidewalk, and lots of people walking thru downtown.

We ventured a block and a half over to what used to be called the "Sears tower". It has been re-named to the "Willis Tower". We went up to the 103rd story and got to look out the windows. Again, awesome pictures. It was a little scary, other than an airplane I've never been that high off the ground. It was cool.

Then it was back on the train and heading for Garden City. We finally got to Garden City train station at 7:30 Wednesday morning (we were delayed an hour for flash flood warnings). Got home and slept for the rest of the morning.

Wednesday was our day of being lazy and now we are almost back to normal life (Scott still isn't back to work yet).

This was a great trip and Scott and I have already decided we are eventually going to do it again. Now that we know more what to expect the trip will be smoother next time.

Hope to have a post filled with pictures for you soon.

God bless you.

Song of the Week

Ok, we were in Michigan for almost a week, so I haven't posted for awhile. My first post I guess will be the song of the week. I forgot about this song (sort of) until someone commented on the lyrics for it on my facebook page. So I re-listened to it and realized that I need this song right now as I learn go say good-bye to another "angel" baby..my sweet Lily Rose.

If you're going through some tough times, just sit back and listen (maybe read the lyrics) and remember that you are not alone, no matter what.

You're Not Alone

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
**sayin'

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's love you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life