Our Trip Home to the U.P.

As you all know, the fall is a busy time for us. It's football season and that means lots of trips to go watch my dad's games. I love it! 3 weeks ago we went home for NMU's homecoming. Not only did we head up to the U.P but our good friend's (and neighbors) the Dippold's joined us. We were so excited that they wanted to come with us. We decided to all pack into our Acadia. So we had 4 adults and 3 kids in 1 car and about 11 hours both ways. I don't know if you'll believe me but it really wasn't bad at all. The girls were all good (only tested us a few times) and we all fit fine. It was the Dippold's first time to the U.P. and it was a great weekend. I have tons of pictures from the weekend (thanks Ness) so I'll get to it.

We left Thursday after work and went as far as Gaylord. Then Friday we only had a few more hours to go. It was nice to split the drive up. When we got there on Friday the weather was absolutely beautiful. We went to my dad's practice and then we headed to the homecoming parade.

Our family watching the parade.

My sister Bailey was in the parade and she was handing out balloons to the kids.

Rylee with Gramma and Grampa (apparently Rylee was awestruck by whatever float was going by)

Kisses from Papa

They threw a lot of candy and we didn't have any bags so Vanessa emptied her purse and let the kids put the candy in that. They got tons of candy! Rylee loved picking it all up, she thought it was great.

Rylee showing Grace all of her candy, she looks so proud.

There are a lot more leaves to play with at home then there are down here in Indy. My dad collected a lot of leaves and the girls loved playing in them. It wasn't quite peak color yet but there was some color change and it was still pretty.

Rylee throwing the leaves at me and giggling the whole time.

The girls throwing the leaves up and still laughing.

Sadie even joined in on the fun.

The homecoming game was Saturday afternoon at 4. We did a little bit of tailgating at my parents and then headed to the dome for the big game. It was an awesome game! We beat Ferris St. 34-0! The second straight shutout at the dome!

The Superior Dome ("Yooper Dome")

Hugs!

Rylee watching Papa's team. It is so cute how she says "Go Cats". It's more like "Do Tats". She likes to look for Papa out on the field. Here she is sitting in the isle, maybe she can see better there.

Gramma trying to watch the game with all the kids hanging all over her.

Sadie slept for the first half and was wide awake for the second half.

Sadie watching the game with my Uncle Gary.

The kids love to run around down on the field (after the game obviously). They were throwing the ball around and tackling each other.

Family pic (I think it's our first since at the hospital with Sadie)

Group shot

Everyone was in such a good mood after the game. My parents had a party at their house after and it was a lot of fun. The weather was still so nice so we were able to be outside all night. On Sunday we had some pictures taken down by the water. I don't have the pictures back yet but when I do I'll be sure to post them too. That afternoon Brad and Ryan went out to deer camp to check it out and Vanessa, Mindi, and I climbed Sugarloaf Mountain while my mom watched all the kids.

Mindi and I on top of Sugarloaf

The three of us on our hike.

We left Monday morning. It was nice that we were able to take 2 days of vacation and make it a longer weekend. That way we got to do everything and not feel rushed. Rylee stayed with my family for the week so it was just Sadie and Grace for the long ride home and they did pretty good. It was such a great weekend...a big NMU victory, great weather, and lots of fun had with family and friends. Thanks for making the trip home with us Dippolds, hope you enjoyed the U.P!