In early November, Ryan and I got to take a trip to Michigan together. It
felt like a second honeymoon, though it wasn't all play, there was some
work involved. Ryan and I were invited out so he could have a job
interview with JR Automation. It's a company that consults with other
companies to design and build the machinery that will automatically
manufacture a certain product. This is something Ryan would love to be
able to do and he was really anticipating getting to work with this
company.
The
first day (Thur 5th) was an adventurous and energetic day of airports
and rental cars. We were relieved to finally be at the hotel in the
evening. The second day (Fri 6th), was a somewhat stressful, but
exciting day for Ryan. He had two interviews and three tours of their
facilities here in the Holland area. I was invited for lunch half way
through the day and was able to go on two of the tours. Their facilities
and projects were very impressive. Later, Ryan and I went to dinner
with one of their engineers, his wife, and one of the ME managers, where
we were able to talk more casually about the company and the community,
etc. Ryan was able to get a really good feel for the company and their
culture, and really liked what he saw.
On
Saturday (7th), we were able to relax a little more and have some fun.
We went to three house viewings in the morning and then spent the rest
of the day with Ryan's sister, Alisha, and her family, the Wells. We
went to a small expo that was going on in town where the kids got to
meet Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. Next we went to this little dutch village and
looked around a really neat Holland shop where they had a lot of Dutch
shoes and handcrafts candle art that was very impressive. We also made
sure to go see Lake Michigan, which was beautiful, but freezing. Later
at the hotel, we went swimming and then played a card game the Wells
taught us. Good thing I was on Elena's team, because I don't think I
was very good at it. ;)
The
last day (Sun 8th) We had time for one last spin around town before we
had to head over to the airport. We made it back to Houston around 8pm
and were very excited to see our little guys again. Our good friends,
the Bicks, there in Houston had watched them for us, and they seemed to
have a really good time. :) But Karl was especially glad to see us and
was all smiles and hugs.
It
was a great, and very worth while trip. Mid-November, Ryan was able to
accept a job offer from JR Automation that we and they felt comfortable
with. We were very excited to be going back to Michigan as a family early this January, and staying this time! :)
