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Sunday, July 26, 2020

Birthday drive

My Dad turned 89 in March, my stepmom turned 91 in June.  With all the covid issues we couldn't do much to celebrate, so we waited and finally did something on Saturday.
We rented a van, and my brother, 2 sisters and myself drove with Dad and Ann to Traverse City.  It's about 2 1/2 hours north of us.  Dad has always loved to go for a drive, but his eyesight is getting worse so he only drives short distances in his little town.  We knew he would appreciate the drive and also having all his kids with him.  Ann has always enjoyed going up north so we knew she would like it too.


We left about 9:45 am; Terri and Cheri were in the back, Ann and I in the middle, Duane was driving and Dad was up front with him.



It was a sunny day and a pretty drive.  We got to the restaurant where we planned to eat at 12:30, and were told that the wait time was about 30 minutes.  Because of Covid, we had to wait outside.



 We had a pretty spot to sit and wait, looking over Lake Michigan.  Us "kids" sat at this table....



 Dad and Ann sat on the comfy chairs.



Here's our view while we waited!




We had a not nice surprise though...   because of Covid, they were not seating more than 5 at a table!
So, they gave us 2 tables kitty corner from each other, but we were bummed not to sit together.  But there was nothing we could do.

 So, Terri and Cheri sat at one table,




 Dad, Ann, Duane and I sat at another.



 Our view in the restaurant was also nice and the food was very good!



Here's me and my Dad.   He is the best and I sure do love him!   See that twinkle in his eye?  He's still full of mischief!


 Here's Dad and Ann after we ate.  She is a blessing to Dad and to us too.  We are thankful for all she has brought to our family and the joy she brought Dad after mom passed away.  But, although she smiles and laughs all the time - I can't get a good photo of her smiling!  She always scrunches up her face when the camera comes out.



It was 2:30 by the time we started back home.  Duane took back roads instead of highways, which was fun for both Dad and Ann as they remembered so many places.
We had a good time talking about memories of their youth, naughty things Dad did, memories of his parents....
We got home after 6, so it was a long day, but a very good day!

12 comments:

Terra said...

Your family day turned out to be a big treat for all of you, especially for your dad and Ann. You dad does have a twinkle in his eye.

Laurel Wood said...

What a nice day! I especially love the photo of you and your Dad. So glad that he and Ann enjoyed the back roads drive coming home.

Joyful said...

It was a beautiful day and there was such a lovely scene on the waterfront. I'm glad you were all able to have a visit.

LL Cool Joe said...

Your Dad has a twinkle in his eye, and so do you! What a lovely family gathering that a few months ago wouldn't have been possible at all!

Sylvia said...

Sounded such a great trip. What fun for your dad and Ann.

Changes in the wind said...

That was the best birthday celebrations ever!! Loved the views from the restaurant. Very thoughtful and creative and am sure your Dad and step mom loved it.

Jenny the Pirate said...

Awesome excursion. We are about to celebrate Henry's 88th birthday this coming Saturday (actual birthday 8/4). We are so blessed to have had Henry in our family since 1983. He's a fine Christian man as is your dad, with that same twinkle and endless stories that are funnier to him than to us after all this time, but you know how that goes! I miss seeing Bob along for the fun; did he have to work? And I HATE those arbitrary numbers restaurants come up with for seating. Can COVID count? At one place it's four; at another it's six; at the next it's eight. But FIVE? Utterly dumb. Sorry not sorry. Happy Birthday to your Patriarch. And many more! xoxo

R's Rue said...

A good day. Beautiful view.

Terri D said...

What a blessing of a day for all of you! The memories made will be cherished always. Your folks really do look great! It is too bad you all couldn't sit together. They should have made an exception for you as family members who arrived in the same vehicle to celebrate those special birthdays.

Connie said...

What a wonderful thing to do for all of of you. You are so blessed to have both them yet and their minds being so sharp. I’m sure this day will be long remembered....

Henny Penny said...

What a nice thing to do for your dad. You have the nicest kindest family. Couldn't help but think of myself when you said Ann scrunches up her face when the camera comes out. That's me! Exactly! I ruin every picture I'm in. Don't know why I can't just look at the camera and smile, like a normal person. :)

Jean said...

What a wonderful day!!!! I remember a road trip some of us sisters took with my dad and stepmother to a wedding. I wrote down all the funny memories from that trip and it still gives us belly laughs.