a venture to "that state"...

Why would we go to Michigan at all? Why would we go just days before the big game?!? That is how much we love Garrett (G-Squared, G-Unit, Grahammy-Poo....)! Mr. Graham was about to join Todd in the big 3-0 and his girlfriend, Thais, decided to surprise him. Why do we ladies love this so? She did a great job - G2 is a tough one to surprise and she pulled it off like a champ :) By the way - Thais is pronounced "Ty-Eese"... I can't let you read the whole blog calling her Thays in your head. :)

He finally got out of her that they were going to the Fifth Avenue Ballroom to meet up with friends - but she still had a few (Ohioans) up her sleeve. Not long after they got to the bar and played some pool, Clay made a surprise appearance and then Todd and I weren't far behind. Have I mentioned that I LOVE surprising people?

Thais even baked a special G-Unit cake: white cake with coconut icing and cookies in the shape of the Audi symbol. The Fire Marshall would have been pleased to see that she used Happy Birthday letters instead of 30 candles!


We had a table going the entire time - I didn't play much, but had a great view!


Todd wore the perfect shirt :) Here he is with the master planner...


She's famous - I wanted a photo too!


The next day, Thais and I did some damage shopping and the guys spent some quality time at Lifetime Fitness playing basketball, lifting, swimming, hitting the sauna/steam room - you name it! Then, we all met up to see 007 - Quantum of Solace. Then, it was off to the Macaroni Grill. Despite the bad weather, full bellies and jam packed day... we still had just enough energy to get dressed up for a visit to the MGM Casino's V!

Michigan is a bit behind the times and smokers are everywhere - combined with a lack of light, the photos aren't too great, but we had fun! Here are Todd, Garrett, Johannes and Clay. Johannes lives near Garrett - he's in the States for just a few weeks from Germany - what a group he fell into!

Definitely not our best photo op as friends... but you get what you get! I think Johannes may have taken this one - he's a bit taller than I am - haha!


This is one lucky man... happy 30th Garrett! (he still had about 4 days left of his 20's at this point).

Sitting at Agua after we left V - I think Todd was singing... I asked him to recreate the moment and this is what I got.


Clay, Todd and I headed back to Ohio on Sunday - just a few miles into the trip an IKEA appeared - darn! We all made some new friends: Todd found some hippos...

Clay found a new ride...

and a Moose told me all about how the stuffed animals were sneaking into peoples' carts! I was amazed (obviously).


Michigan has two redeeming qualities: GREAT FRIENDS and IKEA. It was wonderful to surprise Garrett, meet his friends and enjoy an action-packed weekend. Cheers to Thais for putting together a perfect celebration for Garrett!

dreaming of Clayton on the horse,
jamie.