In the middle of April we made our routine trip to Illinois and Indianapolis to see our family!
This time we had a full van, as Addie Mae and Chad were able to join us.
We were so glad they came along!!
We have a routine that works well for this weekend trip, and we stick to it!
We left on Thursday evening after everyone got home from work, and drove to Peoria, Illinois, to our favorite hotel to spend the night.
Since there were so many of us, we had a girls room and a guys room this time.
I took along my reading light and managed to have Bible time in the pitch black while the girls still slept the next morning.
I also take little bowls of food for myself for the weekend, and brought along breakfast for the whole crew for Friday morning.
We spent most of Friday with Grandpa and Grandma Nettell.
Lilli served us a FANTASTIC lunch that we all enjoyed!
We like to go for walks when we are there and Lilli always buys the kiddos safe ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Such a sweet time that fills our hearts and minds with the best memories!!
Of course we had to get our traditional photo on the stairs!!
Late in the afternoon we head to Morton, Illinois, to meet Blake’s Mom at our favorite coffee shop.
It seems that on every trip I take way too many photos of that sweet place – but it is just SO fantastic there!
We had coffee and scones for a late afternoon treat, and spent some time visiting with Grandma Barb.
SO special and always enjoyed!!
It was the most beautiful day Friday too!!
Before long we needed to get on the road and drive to Indy, which is about 3 1/2 hours further down the road.
We also cross over to a new time zone when we reach Indiana, which is never helpful when you are traveling, ha, ha!
We made it to our hotel safely and headed to bed.
The next morning came early and fast, but we were very excited to get to see my Mom and brother!
My Mom looked SO good.
My heart was SO glad to be there!
We enjoyed all day Saturday and then Sunday morning there with them.
We did do a little shopping and had some coffee treats too!
When we are in Indy, Sunday morning comes way too fast.
We leave to head home by lunch time, as the whole way back to Wisconsin is almost a nine hour drive.
Our little weekends to see our family are always short, but they are WONDERFUL.
We would rather have many times a year that we can make these weekend trips than only one trip where we stay longer.
We already have our next trip planned and it is only nine weeks away!!
I can’t wait to see everyone again and enjoy the summer weather with them too!
Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of these precious times with our families!
We are so grateful for every second we get!!
