Indiana...home of the Nagels

Indiana has the best place to play ever. It beats Disney, Knotts and even shh, don't tell Grandma's house. It has the all important trifecta of childhood happiness: water, friends and fireworks. We spent a fabulous day with our friends. It started with pancakes, followed up with a rousing game of "wack the heck out of your friend with the foam sword" and then headed to the outdoor neighborhood pool for several hours of major waterplay. Then head home for a movie, snack and hot dogs off the grill. Follow up by ice cream at the local hang out and fireworks and you have the perfect summer day. Even the moms had fun watching our kids play to their hearts content and enjoy the joys of childhood. I think the key was having a playmate for everyone. I never thought middle America was for me, but if I had to choose a neighbor, I'd pick Jolene in a heart beat.

The Pregnant Lady

The Pregnant Lady:
So I am quite sure that I am looking worse than I’ve ever looked. Six months pregnant and I realized that all my clothes are a little, shall we say less than flattering right now? Too short shirts (hello, Britney Spears). Pants slightly too tight and pulled up to compensate for the short shirts…Yes, it isn’t pretty. Now imagine me sort of sprawled in the front seat of the van, surrounded by all the extra pillows (hey, we might need them!) My sciatica is acting up, thanks Baby T, and I can’t sit on my left side very well. I looked down and realized that my shirt is hiked up and my belly is sticking straight up. Yes, attractive. I’m sure the truckers passing us are getting quite the thrill.

Oh, and this realization was about 2 hours into this trip…I can’t wait to see what I look like on day 10 after camping for 3 nights.

Lunch Time! 12:30

Lunch Time!
Richfield OH Rest Area
In my efforts to save a penny or two, I had it all planned. I bought the pb and j. I brought the bread. I had strawberries, corn on the cob (cold leftovers from last night) and cookies (thanks to Ziggy.) We were going to picnic while the kids ran around and burn off some energy. A few miles earlier, I pointed to some black clouds and said, “Gee, Look! I think it is going to rain over there, kids.” And the raindrops hit our windshield. And then we pulled into the rest stop. Joy. A wet lunch. It wasn’t raining too hard so we decided we would still eat in the covered shelter. As we walked toward it, the Heavens opened and we all began to run for cover. Our sandwiches were only slightly soggy and the kids did run around a bit under the shelter. Thank you OH for having a nice Rest Area. The rain stopped and the muggy heat hit us as we were finishing and we headed back to the car, full of white carbs and ready for the next few hours.

10:23

10:23 Fighting Abounds. “Can we watch a movie yet?” “He touched me.” “He is taking all the room.” “I’m hungry.”

All I can say, "are we having fun yet?"

10:21 a.m.

10:21 First Bathroom break. Yes, we almost made it two hours before someone had to urinate.

8:20 a.m.

We really ARE leaving now. Peeing, prayer and last minute thoughts: Please let this be a fun trip. Family time.

6:30 a.m.

Okay, we're getting ready. We are all so excited. (Yeah, the kids are still asleep and I'm packing the cooler.) My husband is still gathering cds. He's been doing that for WEEKS! Do you think he'll pack them for the celestial kingdom? :) Surely we'll get out of here by 7:30 a.m.