Moria's Visit

A couple of weeks ago Kevin and I had a special treat because Moria was in Michigan. She had commitments in Ann Arbor but we drove down there one evening to pick her up and bring her up to Midland for a few days. Kevin had to work but it gave Moria and I a little girl time which was a lot of fun.

Moria treated me to a pedicure which was much needed and felt amazing!

With the Olympics on we decided to just grill out and enjoy each other's company. 

Kevin manning the grill

 The next day Moria accompanied me to yoga class before Moria's mom, Heather, made it to Midland. She drove up from Nashville to see Moria and check in on Moria's grandparents who live in Ann Arbor. They invited me to come down with them for a couple of days until Kevin could drive down on Saturday morning. It was fun hanging out in Ann Arbor and I had a great time with both of them!

When Kevin got in on Saturday morning we drove over to Chelsea which is where Moria lived and grew up before moving to Saline (closer to Ann Arbor). 

Heather, Kevin, and Moria in downtown Chelsea

 The downtown area was so cute and we had a fabulous lunch before checking out more of the city, including getting to drive by the house Moria lived in when she was little. Fun Fact: Chelsea is the home of "Jiffy Mixes" and the blueberry in the mixes is actually apple.

Heather and Moria also took us to this nature area that they used to visit frequently and we went on the "Bog Walk". Heather used to be a volunteer and took kids on the walk all the time so we got some extra fun facts. A bog is a type of wetland that forms in glacial lakebeds. It is a very acidic environment and only certain plants are able to grow in it including lots of peat and mosses. The bog has a layer of growth over the top but it doesn't go all the way down so it was a spongy like surface. We got to stand on one part and when you jump or bounce you can see the surface moving. It was really cool to see the area and it was even better having two bog experts in our midst. 

Bog Walk!

After driving by a few more places important to Moria as a child it was time for us to head back to Midland. Moria and her mom were going to spend some more time with her grandparents and then she had an early flight back to California the next day.

We were sad to say goodbye but we'll get to see Moria again at the end of the month. Brian and Moria are moving to Ithaca, New York for their post-docs and the move includes a trip to Peterborough, Canada where we will be going to Colin and Andi's wedding reception. Both Sarah and Jonathan (who just got engaged...yay!) will also be there so we look forward to a mini California reunion!!!