Indy family trip

With my cousin, Jill

Noah, Matthew, LJ and Griffin

Aunt Lynn and I had talked for years how it would be fun to travel to Indianapolis and get together with our cousins, Jill and Debbie, and their husbands and kids.  So, we finally did!  No more road-tripping it there, like we did growing up, though!  Instead, you and I took a double flight and met Lynn and Matt in the airport where Debbie picked us up.  Deb and Aaron were such great hosts, loaning us their extra car, stocking up and cooking us great food, rearranging rooms for us, taking us to the zoo and just hanging out with us at their pool and on the couch (the Olympics had just started and we watched a bunch, together).  Their boys, LJ and Griffin, were equally hospitable, sharing their toys so well with you and Matthew. 

Don't fall out!

Not afraid of those strong fountains!

Petting sharks at the zoo

You walked a LOT at the zoo, way more than you rode in the stroller!

Once we’d spent a few days with the Hays, we met up with Jill and her girls at their church for the morning.  That day, you and Matthew were on opposite nap schedules, one sleeping when the other awake and then vice versa.  So you each got a chance to get to know Jill and Carey’s girls, Katelyn and Kiley, on your own.  Carey is a stay-at-home dad, and it was fun for me to swap stories and share tips with him!  That afternoon, Jill took us to a nearby splash park, nestled among a grassy field and connected to a man-made creek.  You played around some of the jets, then explored the rocks and creek and then got tired and calm when I held you…hmmmm, not tired and kicking off of me?? You also felt hot to me. I grew suspicious. 

A more gentle splash park

Cute little bums

   By the time we were back at Jill’s and everyone including us was ready to walk out the door to take Carey’s boat on the lake, I was feeling bad for you, like I’d put you through too much and you’d had enough already.  We took your temp. and it was 102.3 degrees.  How I’d wanted to go out on the boat, but at that moment, I was almost relieved because that temp. halted me from going further and putting you through any more “fun” in your day.  So, you and I stayed behind for you to bathe and rest up while the rest of them had a blast on the boat and surfing behind it.  Later that night we had a great dinner and great conversation and the next day you continued to feel sick but play for a little when the medicine kicked in.  I got to know Katelyn and Kiley better when we went on a walk and as they played with you boys.  Your fever was still high the next night, so I took you to Urgent Care where they said you had blisters on your tonsilsL Poor baby.  At least I knew it wasn’t an ear infection or that there was anything I could have done for you.  I’m pretty sure you felt your first sore throat that night as you had the worst night of your life, crying inconsolable and unable to sleep or nurse.  Aunt Lynn, Uncle Alex, Jill and Carey were all so sympathetic and willing to help me, but I was exhausted and ready to get home and get you back in your own bed.

Fun times w/ Kiley

At the Indy Children's Museum

Poor baby, you were SO tired and still sick:(

Jill and Katelyn made an awesome spread!

Over our time there, it would have been our Gran’s 103^rd birthday, so we had fun swapping our Gran memories.  She was a dynamic woman-a gentle soul but with a strong fight in her.  She loved animals and people-never met a stranger-and would have absolutely delighted in seeing 4 of her grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren all together. 

  After 5 trips this summer alone, I’ve realized that vacationing with a one-year old/baby is no relaxing thing.  But, I am still glad we did it, got to catch up with our amazing family and have some good memories to look back on.