(Hudsonville, MI) Samuel Machado, 10 week old son of Marcos and Hannah Machado of Swartz Creek, MI, traveled across the state this past weekend, visiting family and friends alike. Samuel himself described the trip as "ooooo" and cried on the way home at his having to leave.
The family stayed with Grandmother Irene Machado (pictured, right), who opened up her house and even took the night shift with the boy.
The two day, one night stay was marked by visitors.
Friend of the family Jonathan Karnes (pictured, right) arrived during the meet and greet, unfortunately his wife Thea was not available due to illness. Of the visit, Samuel remarked that he now wants a motorcycle, not a huge hog or anything, just maybe a Honda. While this was frowned upon by the mother, it is well know that at this point Samuel gets whatever he wants.
Great Uncle Larry and Aunt Martha (left) also met the child. Samuel expressed his great excitement to see them by being generally fussy and spent most of his time, in his words, "working it out."
Second Cousin to the father, Nicholas, also on hand to hold and generally entertain Samuel. Here (right) they were engaged in deep conversation, trying to elucidate exactly how they were related. While Nicholas maintained that they must be third cousins, Samuel thought there should be a "once removed" in there somewhere. While debate continues,
further research confirms that that Nicholas is in fact a first cousin once removed to Marcos and a second cousin to Samuel. (Please feel free to debate this in comments)
Paul and Amy Bush (left) were also available in the evening for an impromptu poetry reading. Paul enchanted all present with his recitation of "Hickory Dickory Dock." Of the event Samuel remarked, "I've never heard such a stirring rendition of this beloved children's tale." Indeed.
After a wonderful nights sleep (according to Grandmother), Samuel awoke refreshed and happy and posed for some shots while his mother was getting ready for church(see pictured, right). Incidentally, Samuel gets ready for church by flying around outside (note clouds).
Dinner after church was had with Mark and Dolly Peterson (not pictured) and time in the afternoon was spent with Ryan and Karina White, Uncle and Aunt to Samuel (see pictured). In a bit of contagious diarrhea of the camera, Karina felt compelled to snap a bazillion pictures of Samuel (6 are displayed below, you may need to click on picture to see all).
The trip ended later that evening with a visit to Great-Great Aunt Hazel. The bridge of 98 years was easily crossed as the youngest member of the Bell Family met the oldest member. Overcome with emotion, Samuel marked the event by promptly filling his diaper.
The remainder of the trip was uneventful for the Machado family, and the night was rounded out by an impressive 6 hour stint between feedings.
