Michigan - Shena's Wedding and Paul's Birthday

In June we took a quick trip up to Michigan for our friend Shena's wedding... which happened to be on Paul's birthday. First we spent a few days with family in Western Michigan, including a surprise boat cruise on the Grand River to celebrate Paul's birthday and some time hanging out in downtown Grand Rapids.

We flew over Cedar Point on the way to Michigan.

Detroit on the left; Windsor Canada on the right.

We hung out with a giant wiener in Climax at Bowman's BBQ.

Cruising down the Grand River.

On the boat with whisky sours.

Paul's sisters re-creating Titanic. Luckily we didn't hit an iceberg.

Paul and Betsy's birthday!

Eating lunch at the Downtown Market with Tina and Amelia.

After our family visit, we drove over to the east side of the state and spent some time with friends, visiting downtown Detroit and going to the wedding in Livonia. We had some Lebanese food at a restaurant called "Sheesh," which then became our favorite term of the weekend. As in, "sheesh, I need another beer" or "sheesh I'm tired!" In Detroit we visited the Eastern Market, rode the people mover, and walked along the river. 

Shena and Kyle's wedding was gigantic (375 guests) and we had a great time hanging out with old friends from Kalamazoo. Bonus: there was an ice cream bar at the reception. Congrats to the couple!

Eastern Market in Detroit is brought to you by Kid Rock.

Hanging out on the Detroit River.

Downtown Detroit from the people mover.

The Renaissance Center.

Hart Plaza.

The "Spirit of Detroit."

"Welcome Neighbors" cookie with the Kzoo kids at Shena's wedding.

Gettin' hitched!

Little kids getting down on the dance floor!

Of course we made a quick stop for Tim Bits before leaving.

A New Year in the Smoky Mountains

For New Year's Eve we went up to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to stay in a big cabin with our family. Paul's brother and sister-in-law found a cabin for all of us, way up at the top of a steep winding road - the cabin was even called "King of the Mountain"! We've been to Pigeon Forge several times, but it was fun to go with the nieces and nephews and take them to some of the kid-friendly stuff in the area.

A waterfall on the drive up from Atlanta at Tallulah Gorge

The road to Pigeon Forge goes straight through the National Park

It was very warm for late December. Normally the highest mountains would be covered with snow.

Fog rolling through the mountain valleys

We drove down through the fog on the other side of the mountains

It was kind of creepy!

We made it to the cabin

Way too much food...a common theme in our lives!

Paul's niece working on an adult coloring book

The view at night from the cabin. That's the glow of Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg

This is pretty much how it looked the whole weekend. That blur is Paul's nephew running by.

We went on an adventure through some more cabins that were under construction. Very creepy at night. Walk the plank!

The view in the day

Can't beat waking up to that view from the bedroom window!

We went for a short hike on the river front Greenway in Pigeon Forge. It was cold.

We made a quick trip up to Ober Gatlinberg. It was really crowded, so we didn't stay long, but it was fun watching the zamboni and ice skaters.

Spinning tunnel at WonderWorks - an interactive play place/science center

Our nephew Gabe liked making huge bubbles

Of course, Paul had to try too :)

Just goofing around at Goats on the Roof! They had an alpine roller coaster too.

Nice domo hat, Gabe!

We played Risk. Paul was red. World domination: achieved.

We tried some moonshine. It was strong!

We also had some beer. Not bad.

On the way back to Atlanta we went for a hike in the National Park, at Alum Cave trail.

There was a lot of needle ice along the trail. It was really cool looking.

The giant overhang near the top of the trail.

Made it to the top!

Beautiful sunny (but cold) view of the mountains.

We had a great time hanging out with family, visiting the tourist stuff in Pigeon Forge, and enjoying nature. We'll be back soon, especially since Dollywood is building a new roller coaster.