Tigers game! Adam, who works nearby for Quicken Loans, couldn't join us. Mom, Dad, and I waved to him as we enjoyed our ball park dogs.
My best friend since Kindergarten, Philip, got married on June 29th, and I was fortunate enough to be a member of his wedding party. I got dressed up in a fancy tuxedo and did the whole thing with the walking down the aisle accompanying a bridesmaid, taking fancy pictures, and being a mini-celebrity at the wedding. Of course, those two people who had gotten married kind of stole my thunder, but I guess that was fine with me. Philip and Lauren looked so happy that day. On top of that, the food and company was great, too!
My brother and I could stop traffic, pretty much.
Some family came in from out of state to visit. One of those was my Mom's youngest brother, my uncle, who has a son I'd never met. We spent some quality time with him. One day we went to the Detroit Zoo. I hadn't been there in years, so it was a pleasant surprise to see how beautiful it is. The polar bear exhibit was especially amazing. We got lucky, and one of the bears came swimming across the viewing tunnel when we were there. He put his massive paws on the glass several times, swam back and forth, and basically put on a show for our viewing pleasure.
Along with the Tigers game, which allowed my parents and me to walk around Midtown (and catch a post-game meal in Mexicantown), the zoo was a chance to see some local attractions. It's nice to be reminded how much Detroit has to offer. I got pangs of nostalgia from my days in Summer in the City, and it made me think yet again how I want to find my way there some day.
On July 3rd, I joined some family at Salute to America at Greenfield Village, a Metro Detroit favorite. I'd never been before. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the 4th of July. Fireworks accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra? I can think of nothing better for the occasion.
On the 4th itself, my aunt hosted all the family at her house...pool included. Not pictured is me lounging on an inflatable lounge chair. Hamburgers? Check. Hot dogs? Check. S'mores? Psh, you know it! Too much food? So much so that my Peace Corps self kept thinking, "Gosh, I wish there were some chickens around to eat the leftovers."
Those were just the appetizers! There you can see Grandma, who was just beaming from having all six of her children there and an old friend from Eagle Pass, Texas. Sitting with the round table of Chicanas gave me the opportunity to flex my Spanish speaking in front of some family members. I mean, a year and a half in Panama? I'd better have something to show for it!
Time flew by during the week and a half I was in the States. People kept asking me what I want to do when I get back, which used to seem so far away. Now I realize it's only 8 months until the end of my service. Incredible. What will I do with myself? Uhhh...(stuffs face with Triscuits and cheese)
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