We took a little road trip, leaving Wisconsin late in the afternoon on Thursday, July 22nd!
This time our passengers were Addie, Lane, Tate and Eliza!
It was fun to have more kiddos with us this time!!
Our first stop was Peoria, Illinois, where we headed straight to a hotel and straight to bed, because is was almost midnight!
The next morning we got an early start so we could head to see the kiddos grandparents.
We packed our own breakfast food to make breakfast quick and easy!
We had such a nice visit with Blake’s Dad and Lilli.
It is always so good to be with them.
We love being there so much!
Next we headed to Morton, Illinois, where we used to live before moving to Wisconsin 19 years ago.
We met Blake’s Mom at our favorite new coffee shop – Four 30 Scones.
They have gluten-free vegan scones and they are delicious!
We spent quite a bit of money there, ha, ha!!
Before we left Morton we drove around and showed the kids where we lived when we were there.
We had lived in three different homes during our years in Morton.
This is the home that Grant came home to – a beautiful spot we had outside of town in the country.
We also had to make a quick stop for someone to buy some new clothes because she left the clothes she brought with her in the hotel closet!
It wasn’t me, just saying!!
Late Friday afternoon we headed down the road to Indianapolis.
It was a beautiful day!
Guess who is asleep under that blanket?
You got it – Tater Tot.
Funny boy!
Saturday morning came quick!
There is a one hour time change when we head to Indy and it is not in our favor!
This is what you look like when you are not a morning person and you are now living in a time zone that is one hour earlier –
Sweet girl!
We were so excited to head over to my Mom’s place and see my brother and Mom!
We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with them, watching the Olympics, doing fun crafts, eating good food, playing with water guns, taking walks, and enjoying being together!!
My brother had just completed a new photo wall in my Mom’s kitchen and I love it so much!
There are so many great photos and memories on that wall!
We left Indianapolis Sunday afternoon to head all the way back to Wisconsin – but we did make a stop in Peoria to pick up Addie Mae’s clothes at that hotel!
So….here’s the thing.
It might be my age, or these times we are living in, or both – but I really don’t want to be driving so far to “visit” our family for a few hours or a few days.
I never have liked living so far apart, but it is harder now than ever before.
I want to be doing life with our extended family.
Everyday.
All the time.
I just feel like we are all missing out on so much because we are not together!
This is what it is though, so we will keep driving to Illinois and Indianapolis to be able to see our precious family.
We are planning to go back one more time before the snow flies, Lord willing!
Until then, I am so happy that we have these photos!!
They are so sweet to look back on, and will be treasured for sure!
Memories made and memories kept!!
Can’t wait until next time!!
