Trip to the Midwest

At the beginning of this month our family took a little trip to the Midwest. Well, really it was a big trip--one and a half days in the car each way. But I think I prefer driving with Austin to flying--there are no rest areas in the air. Austin did pretty well in the car, although his Mommy and Daddy always felt some relief when he drifted off to sleep.

Isn't this cute? I love the little fists.

Didn't come to a rest area at the right time, so we had to settle for lunch in a parking lot one day. No problem.

We stopped in Chicago the first night, mainly because Zach wanted to have pizza at Giordano's. I don't think I've ever eaten so much cheese in one meal but it was delicious. We stayed at the Priceline-negotiated Hilton Suites and enjoyed the luxury quite a bit. And look, the comfy bed comes with a toy!

The primary reason for our trip was to attend my cousin's wedding in Iowa. Sadly, I did not take a single picture while we were in that state. Suffice it to say, it was a nice wedding and I really enjoyed getting to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins who I don't see often at all.

After the wedding we drove down to Independence with my parents to stay with them for a few days. Austin LOVED the time with his grandparents. By the end of the trip he walked up to Grandma and made it clear he wanted to be held by her every chance he got. He is really developing a sweet personality--he loves to give hugs and cuddles to his favorite people (and stuffed animals).

My sister and I had a playroom behind our bedroom when we were little. For many years it has been serving as a storage area but Mom recently brought it back to its roots for Austin. He especially liked the drums.

A few highlights of the trip...

My parents watched Austin overnight on June 8 so Zach and I could go away for our anniversary. We stayed at the Chateau Avalon. I know it's not likely that most of you will ever desire to have a romantic getaway in Kansas City, but if you do, that is where you should stay. Every room has a theme, sparkling cider is waiting for you in your room when you check in, a delicious breakfast in your room is included, and every room has a two-person whirlpool tub. It. Was. Fabulous. And we got to sleep until 7:30!!!!!! Those of you with an early-bird toddler know how exciting that is. (I used to be able to sleep later than that but Austin seems to have robbed me of the ability.)

We also took a tour of Kauffman stadium and got to see the dugout, visiting team's locker room, press box, and a few of the luxury suites and "clubs."