On Sunday Mom and I drove to Southfield and went to my cousin Crystal’s bridal shower at the Franklin Athletic Club. It’s a two hour drive but the weather was not bad. I had been texting my cousin Heather so I knew she was going to be there and she would be driving my Aunt Donna. We sat with them, my cousin Angie, my Aunt Ruth and my Dad’s Aunt Carol (Grandma’s younger sister).

Cousins Heather, Angie and Aunt Ruth

We played games, including bridal bingo, a quiz on Crystal and photo identification, what’s in your purse, and the one everyone loves, constructing wedding dresses out of toilet paper.

This will come in handy, as Angie is getting married this summer!

It turned out to be a really lovely shower, and it was so nice catching up with everyone.

Aunt Donna and Mom

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Andy’s summer get together in August.

Crystal and Angie

Mom and I went home taking Telegraph through to I-94 (not the way we came in). Since we were so close, we drove past Mom’s childhood home on Westmoreland.

At the end of the day, I’m really glad we went. It’s a good feeling, family. Belonging to a group. Especially when I looked around at our table and was able to appreciate the really fantastic Russell women that make up our family. I feel lucky to be a part of them, and to have the chance to spend some time with them.

I always appreciate the chance to spend a little time in the Detroit area as well. Telegraph takes you through a few different areas, and it’s interesting to see how things look as you cross into each new portion. Mom’s area, doesn’t really look that great right now. Westmoreland looked okay…but I wouldn’t want to be there after dark. We talked about maybe making a day of it in Detroit this summer…