6-4-12 Detroit Weekend

by Tori & Mom

Friday we left around 3:00. Levi drove for the first 2 hours, then Dad took over as we got closer to Chicago. We never got into any traffic jams, which was a first for us when going to Detroit. We got to Jason and Carrie’s about 10:30 ET. Saturday we went to the Detroit Eastern Market, which is a HUGE farmers’ market and a major Detroit attraction. Like, 40,000 people go to this huge thing. The market was extremely interesting, with people from all levels of life and nationalities swarming everywhere. Anything you could possibly want out of a farmers’ market was there too, including Mt. Dew Jelly and cartons of ostrich eggs! (Cartons of ostrich eggs?!!!  Really?? Well no they were actually quail eggs – A. Carol said the wrong bird is all!!!)  After spending several hours at the market we walked back to the vans, had a snack, and then walked to a section of Detroit called Greektown where we had great pizza for lunch. Walking a few more blocks, we boarded the Detroit People Mover which was very fun, especially for the littles. It wasn’t crowded at all while we rode the loop but again we saw some interesting folks. After getting off we walked back to the vans and drove back to Jason and Carrie’s for the rest of the afternoon.  Dad & Mom went and toured Uncle Cloyce and Aunt Carols place, coming home to help get supper ready. After supper and dessert the littles started baths/showers; once they were in bed we played a game of Up the River, Down the River. After church Sunday we went back to the Rauhe’s place to change, then we packed up and hit the road. We got home around 8:30 our time.

A big mine right before Chicago – pretty amazing, as the 8-lane interstate goes right over it…

The Eastern Market. This is just a quarter of one (of seven total) huge sheds.

One-man band - - pretty intriguing rig. As he played the banjo, he marched in place which somehow ran the cymbal and drum on his back. He’s playing the harmonica but sometimes he would sing too.

His pink goatee isn’t visible - - yeah, pink like bright carnation pink!

He was the first of many musicians we saw – and most of them had some sort of tape on their instruments. He has duck tape under his wrist…looks to be holding some sort of padding in place. Very interesting.

Some of his enthralled audience.

We were so glad it worked out for U. Cloyce & A. Carol to come with us!

Some vendor’s fine scale system.

We got a bag of carrots for some friends.

This drummer sounded pretty good.

The drum player let Ben take a shot at the drums. “Free lesson for those under 20!”

In the background you can see SHED 2 and SHED 3. I think all the sheds are connected by covered walkways and have 4 wings in a + shape.

Jake got a turn too.

Snack time back at the vans.

Walking to Greektown.

Delicious pizza!

 

On to the DPM.

We had this car to ourselves for much of the loop.

 

 

Canada.

After the DPM we ran into a trombone player. After a picture, he played “Seventy-Six Trombones” for us. We ran into a saxophone player too, but didn’t stop to listen.

Back to the Rauhes.

Supper prep.

Relaxing

Wanting to go traipse the woods with the bigger kids.

Back home for supper.

The final round of Up the River, Down the River.

After church Sunday some last minute time to hold Megan.

The boys being weird on the way home.

“C’mon guys, a nice picture now…”

 

Mom played Swipe with the little girls for awhile. In the background, Jesse is writing a poem. It was a dandy.

Katie watched home videos with Josh.

After getting home we unloaded the van and put everything away while the littles ran around. Within an hour of getting home, everything was put away, laundry was started, and most kids were in bed.

A good weekend. Very good to go but very good to be home again safely too.