Remembering a fun trip makes sad good byes a little easier

We said good bye to two of our kids tonight as they left on their long road trip back to LA. We surely will miss them so much. Lots of tears and hugs and then we all reminded each other that as grandpa Pete would say, the only thing that really matters in life is a saving relationship with Jesus. So that is where our hearts will turn as we said our goodbyes.
I thought I would share a few pictures of our trip up north last Sunday with Jessy and Perry. It was a lot of fun and I am sure I will post more as I get them. We had such a delightful day.

This of course was the first pictures we took along the way. The kids needed coffee so using our apps we found there was a Starbucks in Gaylord. We drove all over looking for it. Our phones kept telling us we were there. Finally we discovered it was in the grocery store. I think the kids were talking about pictures they have been taking and of course as usual Joe and I are holding hands. Thats an all the time thing with us and its the best.

It seemed like they moved the UP and we would never get there. But lively conversation and cameras clicking we finally reached the mighty Mackinaw Bridge. It was beautiful as usual with the sun shining off the towers against the blue blue skies. There was a lot of ice floating on the lake too. I am to short to have captured that out the window as we passed by though. But it was really pretty.

We finally got to Taquamenon Falls. We decided to eat first as we all were starving by the time we got there. We opened a new jar of crunchy peanut butter and grandmas homemade grape jelly and made some yummy sandwiches and had apples and cookies. Then off to the falls for some pictures. By the way there was about 30 or more inches of snow out there.

• Joe and I had walked on ahead of the kids and were enjoying the view and the warmer air outside. The kids caught up and I took a few pictures of our little photographers. It is fun watching them enjoy the simple beauty in the world around us that we has country MI people take for granted. If we lived in a big city such as LA we might feel the same. 

This is what the kids were taking amazing photos of. Now tell me that is beautiful isn't it??? It was so pretty that day. And the falls were gorgeous. So worth the trip. there is usually not this much snow here in April. It made for pretty pictures though. There was not much wind either. So that was even better.

Enjoying some cuddles by the falls in the warm sunlight. Are they not just the cutes couple?? We have been blessed having them here. Going to miss them so much. I love all our kids. 

Sitting on the fence waiting for the kids to finish up taking pictures. There is nothing like the fresh air of nature, the warmth of sun rays and the sound of the water rushing and the birds singing. I think this was a perfect day. I needed this day to give us a fresh new perspective on our life at the moment. So again thank you Jess and Perry for making this day so wonderful and special and possible. We love you!!

Joe playing on his phone while we waited on the kids. I did the same just looking at pictures and doing some editing. I sure love this man. He has made my life complete. 

Well I think this will end this post and will share more pictures of the rest of our trip a little later. Remember wherever you are to look for the beauty around you. God has so many lessons for us out in nature. Ask our Heavenly Father to open your eyes to the world around and take every moment to make the best of everyday. Take time with those you love and take time to put Jesus first and formost always. We serve and amazing God and we must always remember that.