19-29-362

Nineteen evenings spent watching the sun go down over Lake Michigan



Twenty nine afternoons spent lounging at the beach





Three hundred and sixty two days learning and growing as a family.


Michigan became a blessing that none of us anticipated. We spent hours crying over leaving our families, friends and everything we had always known. Now, nearly a year after that move across the lake it hasn't been hours spent crying. I can't speak for Justin, but I've been crying for days. Its not because it is beautiful here, or because there is so much to do or because the lake is nicer or any of those superficial reasons. It's because our time spent in Michigan has been wonderful for our family. We only had eachother so that is who we turned to. We grew together this past year more than I thought we would have ever even needed to. The implementation of family dinners nightly was one small change that made our family closer. (something that was never feasible in Wisconsin due to crazy schedules) Gathering around the table for a well-rounded dinner and a chat about our days is something we have always wanted for our family. I have seen Logan open up and been able to recognize nightly what an awesome, smart, clever little guy he is. 30 minutes spent together at a hand me down table is one memory of Michigan that will never leave our hearts.

We have spent hours walking, driving and now even running to explore every last inch of our new home. We have made great strides to be healthier here, to implement all kinds of fun things into our weeks to make the time go by. The problem is, the time did go by. Much too fast.
So yes, when someone exclaims with such glee and excitement "you're moving home!" It stings. Not because I don't love the people in Wisconsin, not because I will yearn for the warm waters on the Eastern side of Lake Michigan but because I will miss our lives here in Michigan. Fulfilling. Easy. Slow-paced. All things we never experienced living in Wisconsin for various reasons.

The thought of moving to Michigan made Justin and I cringe when we found out we were moving here. But now we are reluctant to leave. Funny how that works eh? All we can take away from this experience is the lessons we have learned and the bonds we have forged.

As for you Michigan? We'll be back ;)