Family Reunions

Whew! This has been the longest 2-day work week I have ever had and one of my quickest weekends.


How was I lucky enough to have a 2-day work week you might ask? I was on vacation July 1st - 10th and then took a day of rest to return to work on the 12th.


Let me give you a quick run down of our trip, only because it was so wonderful that I want to share it with you.


First, my husband and I flew into Michigan for my cousin's high school graduation open house. While we let our weary, travel legs rest we ate some delicious grub, re-hydrated and then got back into the car...or van...or whatever you would classify a Ford Flex and joined the caravan down to Johnson's Island in Lake Erie, Ohio.


We stayed at my aunt and uncle's cottage on Johnson's Island and it was wonderful. You may be imagining a quaint, comfy cottage, however, this is not your run-of-the-mill cottage. It is basically a large house that can house - well we fit 18 people in it and that is not counting the mother-in-law suite over the garage that is currently being rented out.

The backside of the cottage.

18 people sure was a lot. My father's entire side of the family was there including my grandparents of 82 and 79 years old (who I literally ran to hug when we arrived in Michigan). The week of July 4th is becoming a family tradition, where my family from Georgia drive to Ohio and my family flies in from California and we all coalesce at "the cottage." I hadn't had the opportunity to join the family reunion for the last three years. So seeing everyone, my cousins who have grown up (and are taller than me); my grandparents who I have missed dearly; and my aunts and uncles who have been so supportive throughout my life was such a blessing. I could not have asked for a better family. Thank you Jesus!

The Prestel family.

There are so many activities to engage in on the island, not to mention the fun water sports off the island. Everyday people went knee boarding, water skiing, wake boarding and/or tubing. Taking rides in the golf cart was a huge commodity for those who don't have their license yet. One morning, before a hugh thunder storm hit, most of the gents went out for a round of golf. And this year 10 of us spent a day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. I can affirm, and not on a positive note, that I am not the fearless roller coaster rider I used to be. When landing my feet on solid ground after many of the rides, my head would need a minute or two to come back to earth and stop spinning. I think I have come to the conclusion that I am getting older, which is extremely sad to say at 25 years old. Everyday on the island I was out with someone - my mom, my aunts, my husband, and/or my dad - either walking, biking or jogging around the island. It was so nice to go somewhere and not have too many responsibilities and just RELAX. My husband and I needed, so desperately, the time away to rejuvenate and reconnect.


After our week at the cottage had come to end my parents, husband and I took my brother to Detroit Metro so he could fly back to California. From there we drove to Trenton Michigan to spend time with mom's family.


If you haven't noticed by now, my family, both sides, are a little scattered. Why, you may ask? My Dad is a retired Naval Chief Petty Officer. So my mom and dad grew up in Michigan and then my Dad joined the Navy and their travels began. Their travels eventually ended them up in the Mojave Desert in California and they are still there to this day, bidding their time till my mom retires as a teacher from the local school district.


Anyway, we arrived at my maternal grandparent's house and it was a warm welcome full of loving embraces. Now, I hadn't seen my mother's parents in four years - the wait had been entirely too long. We spent the rest of the day playing games (heard of Racko and/or Four Score?) and enjoying each other's company.


Now I didn't mention that the weather, while in Ohio, was less than desired. It was HOT and HUMID. Yuck! Now I am from sunny, DRY, California, where it may get hot, but it is very rarely humid. However, this was not a normal hot, these were record-breaking summer days that just happened to occur during our stay there. Our second day in Trenton was gorgeous! Finally, real Michigan/Ohio weather. Mid to high 80s with a slight breeze coupled with low humidity. Much better. So needless to say, I went for a run. A pretty pathetic run. I had lost so much endurance but forced myself to get some exercise all the same.


Later in the afternoon of our second day in Trenton, Michigan we went to my aunt's house (mother's sister). It was nice to see my aunt and two cousins, who again, I hadn't seen in four years. We had a lot of fun there, playing in the pool, playing ping pong, ladder ball, pool and darts and later, of course, card games.

My husband and father playing pool.

We had one more full day at my grandparents before flying back to Cali. It was another relaxed day; everyone was a little off due to mild fatigue and the aching already rooted in our hearts knowing we were going to have to say good-bye the next day, and for how long, no one really knows.


July 10th, our day reserved for traveling back to California was bittersweet. I was looking forward to not living out of a suitcase anymore and sleeping in my own bed but I already missed my family. We made it home, safe and sound, ran some errands and I was in bed by 9:00 p.m. that night.


Overall, our trip was fantastic and we got the R&R that we have been needing. I have been blessed with an amazing family and wish I could see them more often.


Family vacations are so special. Do you have any special trips planned this summer?