Ohio Tour

Before Jack was born we had discussed taking a trip to Ohio so that Jack and the twins could meet most of Mike's cousins and family.  Mike's uncle Terry had also not been doing well with progression on his melanoma so we wanted to make sure to get a visit in with Jack just incase he made a turn for the worse.  On Friday afternoon we packed up the car and headed to Cleveland.  It was a whirlwind of a trip to say the least.  We did LOTS of driving.  All three boys did amazing and we all had a great time.  I don't have any interest in long car trips in the near future but for this weekend...I am grateful.

In order to stick with the theme, I am still going to do some random things that I am grateful for that happened on our road tour in Ohio.

1. Naps

Saturday and Sunday we turned off the movie and had the boys nap.  They never argued, complained, or disagreed.  They closed the TV, turned off their headphones and fell asleep.  WHAT??!!!  It was amazing.

2. Taco Bell & Starbucks
We are trying to save money so we were doing this adventure on as little as possible.  Basically we just wanted to buy gas.  On the way home on Sunday we made a stop at Starbucks and then lunch at TacoBell.  So besides the gas we spent less than $25!  Yes, we went into Taco Bell in our pajamas.  That is how we roll.

3. The car arrangement
It took us awhile to figure out that both boys needed to sit in back and then we could keep the seat open to feed Jack if necessary.  Once we figured that out we were golden.  Here is Mike doing a picture of all four boys and then I snapped one when everyone fell asleep.

3. Terry

In Cleveland we were able to visit with Terry and Sue for a few hours.  We found out that his scans looked FABULOUS.  

4. The Jarret's
On Saturday we stayed the Rob and Judy.  Mike absolutely loves this family and I can see why.  I originally met them two years ago when we stayed and partied on their boat.  Judy also came to help around Erin's funeral.  She reminds me so much of Pat and we have such a great time when we are with them.  I think that Mike feels completely comfortable, safe, and happy when he is with Rob and Judy.  I think that it awakens his creativity and inspires him.  It was a great stay and Jack slept for 9 hours.

5. 9 Hours
Yes, you read that correctly, Jack slept for 9 hours.  I slept with Cameron and Owen on an air mattress and Mike slept on the couch.  At one point in the night I went over to Jack and touched his head to make sure he was still alive.  It was absolutely insane.  Clearly the weekend of traveling and being on a different schedule wore him out.

On a side note:  To those parents who sleep in the same bed as their kids,  I feel sorry for you.

6. Katie Nainieger
On Saturday we stopped at Jonathan's birthday party (we invited ourselves) for a few hours.   It was great to catch up with Katie who is also married into the family.  She is so much fun and I wish that she lived closer.  I also wish that the party was at night so we could chat over wine.

During this afternoon shin-dig we forgot to change Jack.  Yes, we completely didn't think about how being in the car for an hour, then at the party for a few hours, and back into the car....would turn is diaper into a giant bomb.  We learned quickly. Ooopps.