Michigan Vacation -- continued continued

Detroit-- Motor City

The orange sign says Tunnel to Canada but we didn't.

The thing about Detroit was it was graffiti and litter-covered and this bridge looks like one of its best actually. You can't really tell from this far-away shot, but this building is just a deteriorating shell-- everything's busted out, no windows at all. Many, many of the buildings were like this, and not just really old-turn-of-the-century buildings--buildings like this one that could be kinda modern if not for the totally abandoned state it was in. Downtown Detroit felt like East St Louis and that was sad. I haven't travelled all that many places but of all I have been, it was the unclassiest city, and really just downright dirty. Sorry, Detroit, I know it sounds harsh. But so true.

It feels like this Detroit arrow should be pointing downward, if you get my drift.


So we hightailed it outta there, but along the way couldn't miss that Detroit really is, or used to be, automobile-world. Sam loved this:

Mimi told us a story about once when she went downtown Detroit, she was harassed by a group on the street because she was driving her Hyundai.

All the Ford sites seemed to still be working, but some of the GM buildings and other automobile-relateds, like parts factories, were shut down and boarded up. There was no avoiding noticing the economic effects and high unemployment in this state.

We headed back west across the state and here's our handsome navigator:


And have you ever seen headphones made to look like earrings?
We spent that night in Kalamazoo and there's not much to say about that other than we would not rave about that night's hotel, although their pool was fun for us. Well, until Sam threw up in it. I guess they could say there wasn't much good to say about the Gills staying in their hotel.

The next day, we continued on Westward until we hit Lake Michigan. And can I just say THANKS A LOT to whoever invented the SlugBug game because 1) there are a heck of a bunch of these on the road, yep, even in Michigan and 2) all the kids pick me to slug when they see one and you can imagine how quick and focused they are when it comes spotting them.

We had lunch at South Haven, a Lake Michigan harbor town.

You might notice the smile on my face and it is similar to the one you saw July 13, 1996 or July 9, 1998, June 29, 2000, June 17, 2003, and even the one from Sept. 8, 2004. Well, the reason for this happy day, I was having my first taste of chocolate in over one week! It wasn't intentional that I didn't have any chocolate, but with us in the van and hoteling it, I just hadn't had any.

And can I ask, if one is blessed with such a sweet tooth, why would the same one also have to be blessed with hefty arms? I'm telling you, they shouldn't go together. Just make a note of that, DNA-planner person or whoever it is that's in charge. Thank you.

And you know I am not the only one who is serious about ice cream.

I don't even know what to tell you about this picture except Miss Girl was trying out new 'dos in the van and this shot just cracks me up so much, even though she's not gonna be happy it's included. But I couldn't deprive our loyal followers of a chuckle just to save her some humiliation.

Well, The Gills on the Go are signing off for now, and the last installment of Michigan Vacation follows. The beach is within reach!!

Michigan Vacation--continued

First, let me announce today's grand prize wieners....

Vacation Day 2 involved, like I warned ya, a motorized hot dog that the boys thought was just too cool. The Henry Ford itself was very cool and a pleasure for all of us. And it is officially known as The Henry Ford. You don't add on Museum or anything dorky like that. Really, all the signs and people refer to it as The Henry Ford. What a great place for all ages! It had areas that kept Sam and Caroline happy while the others could go look at all the cars and guns and planes and millions of other interesting things.

We made the kids work on the assembly line. These kids don't get a vacation.


There was a special exhibit of rock star guitars and cars which was cool for me. So wrapped up in that, though, I guess, I have no pictures to even share. Grant turning into a hot dog was probably his coolest moment.

Caroline's memorable moment: her so secretly but violently kicking the crash test dummy. Yes, this picture shows a sweet kiss to his hand, but when she thought no one was looking, she kicked his shin. No kidding, I saw it all.

Jack loved getting to sit in a real Model T. He was all about getting to see the original Quadricycle and all those other Henry Ford thingies he can quote ya facts.

Sam even got to drive this Model T, where drive = sit in it and turn the steering wheel.

Remind you of anybody?

But I would have to vote for Sam's Most Moment Mom Will Never Forget was when I was sitting on a bench with Caroline while Sam was constructing a car with K'Nex, this very "car", by golly, and was so wrapped up in his work that he didn't realize he had to go pee until he made a puddle on the floor and maybe even then he didn't realize, but other parents were scrambling for paper towels and napkins since I a) had no purse or anything on me and b) couldn't leave since I was to stay in one place until Gary came back with the older boys. Again, if only I had a picture. I cleaned up the puddle with other people's napkins and Sam stayed playing in his soaked shorts and socks and tennies. A little awkward, but by the time the place closed and we left the Museum, everyone had kinda forgotten about Sam's mess until Gary lifted him up to carry him on his shoulders through the parking lot. Everybody say eewwww.

Back to the hotel, this pinky place, the Best Western in Allen Park, Michigan. This is one that we raved about for excellent everything.

Night time fun in the pool and hot tub!

Tomorrow we leave the 'burbs and head dead into Detroit.

Watch out!!

Michigan Vacation

This is the man who started it all.

Along with this young man.

Henry Ford, this is Jack Gill, and Jack, this is...well, you know Henry Ford; you know all about Henry Ford.

Since the completion of his 4th grade Images of Greatness project in which Jack chose Henry Ford as his famous American, going to see everything Henry Ford has been a dream of Jack's. This summer we decided to go!



Jackson HENRY Gill, 4th grade, May 2008

After setting off bug bombs in the house and accidentally killing Blueberry the pet fish (unbeknownst to us at the time), we took off for Vacation '09 and made it to Debra's around midnight to spend the night. We'll blame Gary's long day of work and the last minute craziness of planning-to-be-away-for-10 days-and-having-everything-one-might-possibly-need-for-a-family-of-6-packed-in-the-van-and-let's-hurry-and-go-rush for the unfortunate end of life. End of life, beginning of vacation. Sorry Blueberry.

May 2009 - August 2009

RIP

You were a fine fish, as true blue as they come.

We had a fun time at Debra's, especially moving her washer and dryer, and chatting and eating and yelling at the kids to calm down, but then it was time to hit the road to Michigan. We met cousin Mimi in her nice town of Plymouth, MI for supper, and then headed on to our hotel in Allen Park, a 'burb of Detroit, near Dearborn, the home of Henry.

Did you know that a single hotel room with four kids that have been seatbelted in for a good chunk of the day is not an ideal recipe for adult rest and relaxation? Who knew?

We would highly recommend the particular hotel, however, with all seriousness. It was probably our best overall hotel experience ever, given the location, price, amenities, the room itself, and the staff. No kidding, Best Western at Allen Park, MI. Highly recommend it! We had a family package including tickets for the Henry Ford attractions and free breakfast at the hotel restaurant for us all each day, and it was all very nice and worth so much more than we paid, and how often can you say that?

Here's a little about what we went to see. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Henry_Ford

Since rain was in the forecast for the following day, we spontaneously decided to spend the beautiful, sunny day at Greenfield Village, the outside historical museum of Henry Ford's creation "illustrating the American experience and American ingenuity" instead of doing the Henry Ford Museum, the indoor attraction. We just flip-flopped the days which you would think sounded like the smart thing to do, but of course, was not. Should've had hindsight [famous words of Michael Scott].

Because we are a family of white white folks, some of us cannot take the sun and brightness of a beautiful summer day without adequate preparations of which we had none with us. So after trying the approach of let's-walk-a-little-bit and-then-sit-in-the-shade, finally all the whining and near-death moans got the best of us after 10 minutes. Enter the Joe Cool, made in China sunglasses from a souvenir trap kiosk that Diane gladly shelled out $15 for. Gary not so gladly, but at least Albino, I mean Grant, could enjoy the day which means we all could enjoy our day.

BEFORE

AFTER

So we spent the day at Greenfield Village and that was a blast other than when panic hit the moment we sat down for lunch and realized we didn't have Jack's medical kit with us. Where was it?! How did we not notice before?! Like Caroline said, Gary ran, in his long pants and boots for miles to get back to a place that he could call to reach the hotel and see if it had been left in the shuttle van. It had, and it had been returned to the hotel by the driver Eddie. The hotel sent the shuttle back specially to meet Gary and then he ran back with the kit across Greenfield Village which is hundreds of acres overall, but I think was across 90 acres in the area that we were in. So, our hero, the sweat-drenched, long-pant, boot-running Gary delivered the precious insulin to Jack and we went on with our day. And Eddie got a letter of recognition and praise from the hotel owner following Gary's input to the hotel owner.

So, getting on with our day involved old timey games and play on a huge lawn, kinda just what we needed with all that stress. Sam and Grant played old-time baseball with five bases. Caroline was Queen of the Tops. You should have seen all the Gills, minus Mom, working the wrought iron brain teaser puzzles. (I had to hold the camera. Yes I did!)

This the childhood home of Henry Ford.

This is called Girl on a Lamp Post.

That's not all of our adventure, but is all for today. Stay tuned for the next day's events. It involves a huge motorized hot dog.

We Went to Michigan!!

By Caroline

We went to Michigan and Chicago. We went to Michigan Lake and saw Santa. The End hahahaha

We stayed at 100 hotels. This is a picture of Mr. Mugly. He lives in the first hotel that we stayed in. We went to Henry Ford stuff for two days. Jack lost his medicine bag. And then my dad runned a lot of miles to get it back.

The End

Aunt Debra Visits

Hey, wait, where's Sam?









Hiding behind.

Here he is!




Sis/Aunt Debra came to stay with us for many days this summer, at a very key time when Jack was in the hospital and then the days following. What would we all do without her? I know I can't even imagine. Every big event we have experienced-- new baby, crisis, happy times, whatever--she's right there and always knows just what to do to be the greatest help and support.

Deb, you rock--

BIG TIME!!

(BIG HAIR!)

Did I say that?

Seriously, big big thank you for being you. And being with us. We all love you!

Summer Wrap Up

We have definitely gotten away from our blogging here towards the end of summer. Here are some pictures and a few words of summary. Watch for upcoming installments of

Michigan-The Vacation-A-GoGo and School Bus--Don't Be Late. Or something like that.












One of Sam's play creations: a traffic jam of farm machinery, cars, trucks, and even planes on the highway.















So, this is what school supplies look like these days for three kids. Well, not counting the supplies that were tacked on after school got started this week--more pocket folders, more paper, more binders, more sanitizer. Um, if I had to put a $ amount on the whole school start up, it would be at least $400 and that's not counting any clothes or shoes or anything other than school registration/fees and supplies. Not counting Sam. Not counting our nice hefty tax bill, either. But I am not complaining too much since our tax $$ go to educate 3, soon gonna be 4, kids for the price of one (or none), but whew...










Two brothers, twins, if you will, separated by 4 years.

Bionicle World on Walton Drive

Is this not summer??

Did you hear about the poor little girl who had to wear her brother's clothes and the little boy who had to dress like a girl? Yep, right down to the girlie undies.













THE END

Fairy Tale Story with a little sidenote at the top

by Caroline Grace Gill

• I lost a tooth and it is gone! Now I talk silly. And now I look silly. And people say "Wow, wow, wow!" ha ha hee hee

• Once upon a time, there was a princess and her name was Caroline. Everybody said, "She looks pretty and gorgeous." She had a magical car. It flied and flied and flied. She could go anywhere with it. One day, she went outside, sitting on a bench. Right then a dragon flew by and she ran inside to tell the King and Queen. She lost her shoe, just like Cinderella! "Oh no!", the Queen and King said. She found a knight and she told the knight to kill the dragon. Then she found more knights and told all of them to kill the dragon. The dragon said, "I was just trying to be nice!" She found a prince and they lived happily ever after. THE END