Almost Home!

Our last few days at the Cooks in Sturgis, including a trip to KZOO air museum, including lots of interactive rides for the boys.
It is great to be back with Sam and Andrew - The family is complete again!

To Grosse Pointe Park later today.





Navy memorial to fallen comrades at KZOO air museum

Second night on the way back

Although we had some hope that we could make it back in two days, our short first night, combined with a LONG second day found us staying the night at the Best Western in Davenport, IA.

Tomorrow we go to Sturgis, MI (God willing) to reunite with Sam and Andrew and spend a few days R&R with the Cooks (Jennifer's parents).

First night on the road back

We left after dinner at the reception to begin our 1400 mile trip home. On the first night we hoped to go 300 or 350 miles, but as we called ahead to hotels on I-80 into Nebraska, they were all full! So we stayed in Julesburg, CO, about 3 miles from the Nebraska border and only 260 miles away from Copper Mountain.

It was a Budget Host motel. Generally we steer away from motels with outside room doors and no free breakfast, but this one was very clean (newly painted and new carpets) and we were grateful to have a bed for the night.

In the morning I said Mass for the family and we had communion before setting out on the road. Before we left, I had to snap a picture of this sign in the motel room!

Afterwards....

Meg dozed off during the service and I took a turn holding her.


Will spent time skipping rocks into the lake
Mom Kelly and Meg
At the reception - Uncle Dave, Aunt Emma, Emelia, and Liam Kelly
Mike, Mary-signe, and the proud Kelly Parents

Scenes from the wedding ceremony

Mary-signe and her parents coming down the aisle

Uncle Mike and Mom and Dad Kelly
Deb leading the service. Note the sailboats on the lake behind her!

Getting ready for the wedding

The wedding was outside, along Lake Dillon. We set up the "kids table" near the back to keep from being too loud and in the way. Along the back were picnic tables, so the kids could draw, color, etc.
My sister Deb, who got herself licensed Online to do the service (LONG story).
Will and my godmother, Aunt Jeannie

An easier day today

We took it alot easier today after the excitement of yesterday's activities.

We had breakfast with Mema and Grandpa, and played on the playground with Meg. Will and Daddy played catch between rain storms. And Daddy did a load of laundry.

Deb and Bill came over and hung out in the afternoon.

In the evening there was a Barbeque at my parents condo. We ate Bison Burgers and Bison Hot Dogs - the bison having been shot by Uncle Mike (the groom). It weighed 1175 lbs. and yielded 535 lbs of meat! It tasted great.

And we are starting to recover from Altitude Sickness, finally!
The party in the backyard, just behind the golf course

Mom Kelly and Mary-Signe's mom at the BBQ (Deb in the background)

Will and Uncle Bill

Will has his first ride on a bus - the shuttle btw where my parents are staying and where we are staying

Dad Kelly holding bitty-baby, with Uncle Dave

On the way to breakfast - Dad and Mom Kelly, William, Meg and Liam

Jennifer and Mary-Signe at the party.