Fishbecks at the Sweetwater Grill

Well, everybody made it - despite the early blast of nasty, iffy Michigan winter weather. So Thursday evening found us all at the Sweetwater Grill in Okemos for a wonderful meal, courtesy of Jim, and a fun family gathering. No easy task, all in all. Jan and Bill had to drive several hours in challenging winter road conditions, both on the trip down and on the return trip. Jennifer found herself having to drive from Brighton all the way back to Grand Ledge to collect Derek, Dalayna and Wyatt, then return to Okemos. And poor Steph didn't get out of work until 6:30, and found herself battling downtown East Lansing traffic on the way to the restaurant.

But eventually it all came together, and I think everyone found the effort worthwhile. Some pics from the evening:

Wow, Dalyana is, ummm - startled? Amazed? Terrified? Who knows?

Ah, she's on her game now! Dad thinks she's petty funny!

Jan, Bill, Stephany and Frank

Hoo-hah! Lee and Jan think something's pretty funny!

Aunt Jan gets a hug from niece Dalayna...

Wyatt was a pretty good trooper almost all evening, despite all the commotion and being up way past his bedtime. But he finally pooped out, to the understanding (and amusement) of Mom.

All in all, a good mid-Michigan gathering of the Fishbeck clan. I know I enjoyed it, and I think everybody else did too. Thanks to all for making the not insignificant effort to join us, and, of course, big thanks to Jim for picking up the tab.

Family time

Jim and Lee flew out from Massachusetts yesterday so that they could attend the graduation ceremony from the MSU MBA program of the daughter-in-law of lifelong friends Mike and Diane Kelly. Making this trip back home to mid-Michigan provided the opportunity for everyone to get together. Jan and Bill drove down through very nasty, snowy winter weather from Leelanau peninsula yesterday - a normally 3 1/2 hour trip requiring more like 5 hours in the wintry conditions.

So tonight we do a big family get-together/dinner at the Stillwater Grill in Okemos. Daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Dalayna will join us (looks like son-in-law Derek will have to stay home with grandson Wyatt, who's fighting a case of pink eye and sinus), as will sister Stephany and her hubby Frank. Should be fun, and an opportunity for all to catch up.