Fireworks, Family and Fun!

There's nothing quite like going home.

Over the Fourth of July, I made the trip back to Michigan to spend some much-needed time with family. It was everything I needed and more. We kicked things off at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds for their Fourth of July fireworks. Corndogs, fries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, an elephant ear of course, and fireworks lighting up the sky while I sat next to my mom, sister, Cody, Cole, and my wild bunch of nephews and niece. Nothing fancy, just good food, loud booms, and big smiles.

For the Fourth of July weekend, we spent time setting off small fireworks and firecrackers with the kids, grilling out, and celebrating my niece's first birthday. It was a fun and special few days surrounded by the people I love most.

The rest of the week flew by in a blur of family time, catching up with friends, and making the most of being back in Michigan and Ohio. Toward the end of the trip, we headed to Sandusky, Ohio to cheer on two of my nephews who were wrestling in the Cedar Point Wrestling Tournament. I’ve never seen anything like it. There were over 60 mats all going at once. It was intense, loud, chaotic, and such a good experience.

To top it off, my mom booked us all a hotel suite at Kalahari. It turned into the ultimate mini-vacation. Between the wave pool, lazy river, waterslides, and just hanging out together, I felt like a kid again. No work, no responsibilities, just family and fun.

Living far from family isn’t always easy. Some days it’s really hard. But trips like this are a reminder of what matters most and why I never take these moments for granted. After all the laughter, miles, and snacks, my mom and I made the 11 hour drive back to Shenandoah. Yes, we drove straight through. We passed the time with Bailey Sarian’s Murder, Mystery, and Makeup Monday podcast, some throwback jams, and the good old alphabet game. It’s totally acceptable to skip X, right?

Already counting down to the next trip. Until then, I’m back in Iowa, but my heart is still soaking up that sweet Michigan sunshine.