Mid-week adventures

We were again O.O.T. (out-of-town) for Cary's monthly meetings in Indy last week. I'm so glad we were once again able to go with him because we all had so much fun. While Cary attended his meetings on Wednesday, McKinley and I headed to the Childrens' Museum. Let me tell you how much fun our boy had on his visit...o.m.g.!!!

The short drive from our hotel to the museum spawned a well-deserved nap which lasted long enough that I got to walk around and take in a few things for myself while McKinley continued his nap in the stroller. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit they have about how a child can change the world and some inspirational children who have done so. My favorite featured 'child' was Ryan White. I'd forgotten that he was from Cicero (where we went on the pumpkin train!) but I never forgot what an inspiration he was to me and to many other children of my generation who were just learning about H.I.V. and the AIDS virus. His story is heartwrenching, to say the least, but the beautiful way the Museum has dedicated this exhibit to him and his life is really special. I took some pictures of the replication of his bedroom. I had the exact same Debbi Gibson poster - lol, how late 80's is that? There were so many other things that I recognized from his 'room' and I think that may have struck me the most. It kind of showed what a normal kid he really was, if you only look beyond his diagnosis. What a touching exhibit and a thoughtful look back in time.

While McKinley napped, I even took a picture of him by the actual Batmobile (used in the newest Batman movie). It didn't take long to rouse him though, soon after that picture he was up and at 'em...that was my cue to head to the Museum's Playscape - which was pretty darned incredible.

I could not believe the great amount of activities the Museum had for children McKinley's age. The first thing McKinley and I saw when we walked into the Playscape was the massive water table, so I parked the stroller and we headed over to suit up in a water proof smock. He immediately started screaming with delight (which turned every head in the joint because of his volume) and splashed and played with all the water toys he could round up. A little boy about the same age came over and stood beside McKinley. It gave my heart a little leap when our son saw that the little boy had no water toy yet and he so willingly offered his own prized yellow shovel he'd sought out so that the little boy could play too. I didn't even suggest that he share, he totally did that on his own! The boys shared the shovel (much to the surprise of me and the other little boy's Mommy), dipping it in the water then passing back to the other. It was seriously very cute.

I finally got McKinley out of the water table-though he certainly did scream when I did so, but I wanted him to check out all the other stuff. So, we headed to the 'Exploration Path' which consisted of a fully padded, maze-like path with different heights, textures and colors for children 2 and under to explore. There was even a 'mountain', a bridge and a castle. Let's just say I put McKinley in and he was OFF! Which prompted my very first encounter with a Mom-Bully. No more did I place McKinley in the path then I got a, 'Whoa, Whoa, Whoa' from a SAHM of triplets who looked like she'd just come in from either the prairie or mountain climbing (SO w.n.t.w.). Anyway, she must've thought she was the Museum's curator because she made it more than obvious that my son was not welcome to play with her triplets and her friend's twins. She was all, 'Look out kids, he's a BIG BOY' - like he's the stay-puff marshmallow man of babies. I said, 'no he's not. He's in the 75th percentile, thank you and he is only 15 months'. She said, 'Oh. So are mine and they're small." REALLY? Ya think? You had THREE in your belly, I had ONE. Duh. Here's your sign...

Anyway, I promptly removed McKinley (which he totally bawled about, sorry, buddy...Mommy had to make her point) and made a snide comment as I walked away - which I won't share, but it was appropriate even with children around.

Mind you...this holier-than-thou Mom-Bully was too good to even park her three-car WAGON in the stroller parking lot and she wants to get all over ME about putting my 'BIG BOY' in the Exploration Path?

Some people.

Sure to not let this ruin my son's big day with his Mommy, I called my Mommy, vented and moved on to the awesome sand box. McKinley again took to a shovel and thought it was wonderful to fling sand. We played there for quite a while, then when Mom-Bully and friend moved their litters to the water table I took McKinley back to the path where he had the entire thing to himself and squealed with delight about it too.

Just to be catty...I overheard Mom-Bully complaining to her friend that none of her litter would go over the bridge or go through the castle. McKinley went through the castle a minimum of 10 times, and the bridge...well, he crossed it and then some. lol That's my boy!

Just before the end of the Museum's day, McKinley and I headed out of the Playscape and up to the beautiful antique carousel. I hadn't seen it in YEARS. We watched it go round and round for a while, I was hoping to get McKinley used to the sounds and movements before sticking him on it...last time we encountered a merry-go-round he was not pleased. So, finally I plopped in our dollars and picked a big giraffe (that did NOT move), strapped McKinley in and off we went! He talked and gabbed the whole time, I'm so happy he enjoyed it!

The two of us finished off our trip with a big sippy cup of milk and a giant iced tea and we picked up a very yummy cookie for Daddy since he couldn't be with us. McKinley fell asleep before I exited the parking garage...dreaming of sand and water and big painted giraffes, I'm sure!

I cannot wait until next time we visit. It made me feel like a kid again too!

Lynn

October means weddings and pumpkins!

We had another exciting October weekend, this one included a very sweet wedding reception and a ride on the Pumpkin Train. Saturday afternoon, Cary, McKinley & I picked up Mom and headed to Indianapolis for Valarie & Tony's wedding reception. We were unable to make it to their wedding because of work issues, but we had a lovely time at the reception.
Valarie is the sister of Vanessa, McKinley's Godmother. As I have gotten to know Valarie over the last 4 1/2 years I've found she is just as sweet as her older sister. Matter of fact, the entire family always makes us feel so very welcome in the many events we have shared together.

Cary and I were honored to be invited to share in the wedding festivities and to be witness to the couple's very special day. It was obvious that Tony & Valarie were smitten and totally caught up in the emotion behind the day. We had a wonderful time together - just the two of us! - and it was so nice to spend a little time with Vanessa & Aaron too!














McKinley and his Nonna had a lovely time waiting FOREVER for a table at The Cheesecake Factory, but they did see Marvin Harrison (GO COLTS!) at Sak's. Afterward, the two hunkered down in the hotel and McKinley was quickly off to dreamland after to prepare for his busy pumpkin picking.
The next day it was off to the Indiana Transportation Museum for their annual Pumpkin Train. This was our first time and definitely something we all enjoyed so much we plan to continue this family themed event.
Before the train ride we got to jump on one of the museum's trains, complete with a Mail Car from the early 1920's. I know that was very cool for Cary to see how it was done in his Grandfather's Day. It was also pretty cool for Mom and I to have an opportunity to take in what had no doubt been a part of my Grandpa's long-time job as a 'railroader'.
We soon boarded the passenger train and took a nap-inducing half hour ride to Cicero, Indiana. We got off at the local FFA chapter's pumpkin patch, complete with petting zoo, face painting stations and straw maze. McKinley really enjoyed the petting zoo and when he met the little pig he said, "Hi, Goo!!!". (Note: Goo is the nickname of our cat Gunther Goo and the first name McKinley learned after Mama and Dadda. Gunther thanks us every chance he gets for constantly being heckled by his little brother who shouts, "GOO! Hi, GOO!" He loves it...we know it)
McKinley also got to meet two beautiful rabbits a bunch of chickens, a calf and some ducks! He was pretty taken by the pig - it made him giggle hysterically - but he really enjoyed the ducks too...whom also got the "Hi, Goo!!!" treatment. I think the chickens and the calf left him a bit speechless.
After the petting zoo it was off to the face painting station where we opted for the I.U. emblem on McKinley's arm. What? You thought we'd ask for Purdue instead? hahahaha
Afterward we went pumpkin picking! We picked out one teeny-tiny pumpkin perfect for McKinley and two big, beautiful pumpkins to go along with the little guy. I was pretty darned impressed with this pumpkin patch. These kids had obviously worked very hard on their annual fundraiser and I was glad to support them. It was their jobs to bring out their own animals for each scheduled pumpkin train visit, they were also solely responsible for this big patch of land dedicated to the pumpkins. They ran the entire thing, pumpkin painting, face painting, cashier stations and all! Each child who arrived received a balloon from the FFA members and someone even created this adorable little house that was PERFECT for picture taking.
Not only was the day really nostalgic with the museum and passenger train ride, it turned out to be a beautiful, warm day in the Indiana countryside. We all really enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to go back next year. Nonna gave McKinley a special "Pumpkin Train" t-shirt as a reminder of our fun adventure, but I'd say it's something none of us will soon forget.

Lynn

Four years of wedded bliss

Happy Anniversary to us!

I can't believe we have been married four years already, where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday I was standing there at the front of the church, with my Dad, waiting to walk down the aisle to my groom.

The face of our family has changed pretty drastically since that day - for better and for worse, just as our vows promised. I look at the Wedding Album and wonder why McKinley isn't pictured - seems like he's always been here! Almost like we didn't know a life without him. I also look at the pictures and desperately miss my father in my present life - he would really love his grandson and would, I hope, be pleased with where we 'are' in life. He was one of the biggest fans of Cary's and my relationship, always supportive and thankful for what we have found together.

No matter what has happened or has yet to, Cary and I both know that we grow together more and more everyday. We have built a life that fits us and works for us, and have an incredible family started - all our own. Each passing day is one of God's most precious reminders that life is short, but we make it sweet by being together.

It's hard to comprehend all of the myriad of things that have gone on in the four short years that we have been married! It has been a whirlwind and it has been pretty darn wonderful. Looking back, there are a few things I would have changed about our wedding day...but I would not change the groom! There is NO DOUBT about that! Hee hee hee!

Happy Anniversary, Cary!

Love,
Lynn

A weekend of outings

It's October...which, for us spells c.r.a.z.y.b.u.s.y.

The whole month usually turns out to be a big blur, but it's so much fun and so gorgeous around here at that time that we are always sure to take in some of the beauty in nature and breathe some fresh air.

The weekend kicked off the month of running with our city's annual Komen Race for the Cure. Our sorority chapter has now hosted a team for this event every year for TEN YEARS! I'm so proud of our little team!

This was McKinley's second Race, my ump-teenth. Up until I lost Dad I was heavily involved in all things Komen. I served as a board member and the chair of the Education Committee, a vital and active part of the Komen brand. I loved the challenge of meeting the members of our community, meeting deadlines and attending the inspiring trainings. How lucky I was to have served such a wonderfully interesting role in my community in my early and mid-twenties. It's always so easy to get caught up in the meaning and the true celebration of the day. I've got goosebumps just typing about it!

This year, like every year, there is a parade of survivors and every man, woman, child and dog on that campus stands at attention, cheering and clapping. I knew so many faces from that parade, as did Mom. There was a special one missing this year, but she is in a better place than we are now. Even more chilling, I knew the youngest survivor of this year's parade! She's a year younger than me and someone I have been friends with since high school. I'm so happy she's doing well now. What a tough road. Much respect for all of them...much.

The morning was brisk, so Mom, McKinley and I bundled up - big time. I love that kind of weather where you layer and layer and shed those layers throughout the day as the sun warms you all over! Gosh, I love fall.

I made McKinley a very special t-shirt of his very own since no one has come up with the idea to add baby and toddler size shirts to the registration sheet. McKinley's shirt has a sweet hot pink-ish breast cancer ribbon on the front, and in blue boy-ish font above the ribbon says, 'Real Men Wear Pink'.

LOVE IT! I was so proud. Now, I do realize that someday he may get really irritated with me about that one...but it's all for the cause!

We had a wonderful day, but boy were we tired at the end...you can tell because McKinley really wanted his pacifier. He only wants it when he's really tired. Nuff said.

On Sunday, we again took advantage of this gorgeous weather. Cary, McKinley and I headed West to a small town about an hour away, the home of a long-standing tourist destination called Rockome Gardens. We had an awesome Amish-style home cooked buffet in the Gardens' restaurant, then went out into the actual park where we made our first stop to take a picture that has certainly become a tradition within our families. It's the picture in the GIANT rocking chair. When my family took me they took the exact same picture. When Cary's family took him, they took the exact same picture. Now, McKinley has one of his very own and I hope someday my grandchildren will have the opportunity to have that same picture. I should frame all three of us in the giant rocker.
We walked through the lovely gardens (forgot to take pics...duh!). The garden 'walls' were sculpted with rock in various shapes and sizes, they also feature a sunken garden and a secret garden, that made me just want to sit inside it's concrete walls for hours. It was beautiful.

After that, we toured main street of the 'ole town'. It was like stepping back in time. There was a blacksmith, a weaver, a horse barn (where Cary played a game of tic-tac-toe with a CHICKEN...no joke), a bakery, an old school house and a petting zoo. I loved the massive amounts of red ladybugs that were EVERYWHERE. They were seriously swarming, it was beautiful to see them float through the air.

McKinley thought the goats were pretty dang funny. Every time they would call out or run over to the food we had for them, he would let out this loud belly laugh! So funny!

At the end of the day we shared some yummy ice cream in the old ice cream parlor and went for a 'train' ride. Unfortunately, the train was 'robbed' on our way back to the Gardens and the 'robbers' took three prisoners and one lady's handbag. Ha ha ha. All in good fun. When the robbers came onto our car, McKinley was really just looking them over like, 'Um, what do you think YOU'RE doing?' He was quite the observer.

Finally, we packed it in and headed home.

We had such a fun weekend!

Yay for road trips!

Lynn

Visits

Last Sunday we made another trip to Bloomington to visit Grandma & Grandpa. McKinley even got to see Mamaw, Aunt Lori & Uncle Michael and his big cousins.

Cary took the opportunity to play some golf with his Dad and brother on one of their favorite courses, while McKinley and I had some fun of our own with Grandma. It was such a nice day again! We really are loving this Indian Summer...too bad I think it's almost gone.

All three boys had so much fun playing on the circle drive. McKinley's big cousins pushed him around on his firetruck while he squealed with delight. Logan and Mason played some basketball and rode around on their scooters, and everybody played with the sidewalk chalk. Good times! -Lynn

The outdoorsey type

I can't believe I'm just now posting this...our super-fun trip was almost two weeks ago! But seeing as how we have been crazy busy, well...I guess it shouldn't surprise me.

On Sunday (Sept. 21st), Cary and I grabbed the boy and a bunch of stuff (jogging stroller, cooler, sneakers, sunscreen & bug spray) and headed out to McCormick's Creek State Park about 45 minutes from home. This RARE picture of the three of us, not taken self-portrait style shows a 'glowy' Mommy & Daddy with a sleepy baby boy in a sling. This was at the END of the day, incase you couldn't guess. hahaha Good times!

On the way, we stopped at a great farmstand and got some Indiana peaches and some GORGEOUS green tomatoes - guess what we had for dinner? McKinley's favorite was the little tiny banana the owner gave him, 'just because he was a good boy'. He sunk his chompers into that little bitty banana and it was gone in a flash!

At the big park, we had a lovely picnic lunch ala nearby Subway (didn't want to pack sammies and have them get soggy on the ride), enjoyed an invigorating swing on the sweet little 'old school' play ground (yes, that includes Mommy & Daddy) and even took on a long hike.

We ended the day with a jaunt down to the Park's Falls, which aren't Niagra or anything, but they're pretty nice for the Hoosier State - uh...they were a tad dry. It had been a while since we'd had a good rain.

By the time we were finished we were all exhausted - McKinley especially, he had so many things to see and learn!

It was a nice way to spend the final Sunday of the Summer.

Just to update...

McKinley is having a fabulous time in Wee Read every week. He's quite the ham and the socialite. Last week ALL KINDS of girls were FLOCKING to him. Flocking, I tell you! Daddy was so proud! Must have been the singing. My son is already serenading the ladies. Oh lordy.

I'm still in Physical Therapy for 'the neck' from 'the wreck'. I'm seeing some results but still in a fair amount of pain. Here's hoping that goes away someday.

Cary's keeping up with all of our comings and goings like a champ. He's happy to see the fall weather and not melt into a puddle anymore. Maybe he can get in some more great autumn golf!

Lynn