All good things must come to an end...

Today was our last day in Michigan, and our last chance to see Grandpa Ritchey (this trip). We visited him three out of the four days we were here, so we've gotten our Orville (yes, that's his real name) fix!!

While visiting Grandpa, Adrey got SO much attention from all of the residents. Everyone stopped to talk to him, hold his hands or pinch his cheeks! He brought so many smiles to so many people. It broke my heart to see all of these elderly people, helpless, and most of whom seem lonely (I don't know that they are, but it appears that way). To see the JOY that Adrey brought to them melted my heart and made me so proud. The woman below saw Adrey and asked if she could hold him and have her picture taken with her.... Adrey, of course, obliged...

In the dining hall, where we were chatting, there was a statue of a chef. I walked Adrey over to it and he put his arm out and quickly brought it close to him, without touching it. He repeated this a couple times and then realized the chef was way too scary. After a bit whenever we got close to it he would bury his head in my chest!! So cute...

Last night after visiting Grandpa, we had dinner at Judee and Mats's house. Jim, Jacqui and Ron all joined us. Judee and Mats's friends, Janice and John, stopped by to see Adrey also. Janice commented on how she loved the St. Paddy's day photo of Adrey! I love how this blog has reached out to people I don't even know and makes them smile! It was a special evening that ended with all of us sitting around the kitchen table, drinking wine and listening to Ritchey childhood stories. It was amazing to me to hear all their stories... they're a family with five children so there was a lot to share!!

Today we went to Ann Arbor to visit Jacqui. Adrey didn't come.... he napped at Aunt Judee's house. After visiting with Jacqui we went to the "M Den" where they sell every sort of University of Michigan paraphernalia you can imagine! John's a big fan, so we had to stock up on all the gear! Adrey has his very first U of M "outfit". He wore it to the nursing home again today to visit Grandpa and he was, once again, a big hit!!

Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end, which includes this wonderful trip to Michigan. We had such a great time. I love John's family and feel blessed to have them in my life. Thank you, Judee and Mats, for your amazing hospitality. I will now have to go home and starve myself so I can fit back into my clothes (but after I finish the bag of M&M's tomorrow on the plane... technically I will still be on vacation)....