Favorite season

I always thought fall was my favorite season, but as I get older (and moved to CO!) I am starting to rethink it. Summer has a lot of perks - sunshine, pool time, cocktails - all the good things one should have in life. I liked summer when I lived in WI, but you couldn't really love it because the season was so short. Living here has changed that for me - funny how life without humidity can just make you a happier person!

Memorial Day weekend is the start of summer for me. You have the Indy 500 and a Monday off from work - who could ask for anything more?! We wanted to host a party for our friends on Memorial Day to get the season started off right. It was a great mix of our favorite people and good food! We didn't want the night to end, but I guess all good things must come to an end.

Ian was excited to break out his pool. He loved it! Especially the new trick that Uncle Jon taught him...

Thursday Ian and I headed to IN to see Grandma and Grandpa Schneider. I was a little nervous about managing a toddler in the airport and on the plane being 7 months pregnant, but Ian did fabulous. We had so much fun! He was so excited to be riding on the airplane, he could barely contain himself. I love seeing the world through my child's eyes. Grandma and Grandpa were so happy to see us. We knew it was going to be a short trip, but we made the best of it.

Thursday we were pretty tired. Ian didn't take a nap until the car ride to Grandma's house - too much excitement to think about napping before that point! That night I enjoyed dinner at Little Mexico. I had been dreaming about that meal for some time! Ian was thrilled with all the toys he had to play with at Grandma's house. Thanks to my cousin, Lisa Tyler! She let my parents borrow so much stuff - car seat, toys, trikes...I so appreciate her efforts in making our trips easier.

Friday we were up and off to Turtle Park. We played for a bit before grabbing lunch at Dari-Licious. Something about those Vanilla Cokes. I just love them! It was sunny, but not too humid yet. Ian loved going down the slide and playing with the bubbles. Before we knew it naptime had arrived. Friday night, I got to enjoy dinner with my friend Erica. It had been awhile since we were able to catch up so it was great to have an adult dinner just the two of us. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of us. I somehow managed to get pictures with everyone else but her. I think we were so busy getting caught up on life that we just spaced it.

Saturday was hot and HUMID! I was quickly reminded why I don't live in IN anymore. I am so weak - I could barely stand it. Ian helped Grandpa fill the cooler on Saturday morning and watered Uncle Jon's cacti. We had a lot of work to do to get ready for our cookout that night. Before all the craziness I got a surprise visit from Jim Rich, he is the father of my friend Jay. It was so nice to see him and catch up. Sadly he did not get to meet Ian because Ian was napping. As he was leaving, Tammy Staton arrived for a quick visit. I always love getting to catch up with her. She was my daycare provider growing up and I love her dearly. One of the kindest people I have ever known in my life. She was what I envisioned when I was searching for a daycare provider for Ian and truthfully, Kristin reminds me of her a lot. My aunt, uncle and cousins arrived shortly after that. We finally got to meet my cousin Laura's two daughters, Bevin and Halli. Bevin was born a couple of months before Ian and Halli turned one last month. It was so cool seeing all the kids play together! Ian loved checking out all the new toys. My friend Stacie also popped in to say "hi". It was so good to see her. I always appreciate the people who make an effort to visit us when we are in town. The visits are short and life is busy, but it means a lot to me to get to see them.

The night ended abruptly though when Ian took a big spill on the cement in the backyard. Ouch! I didn't freak too bad, but he was pretty beat up. I was just happy he didn't lose any teeth. It was a hard fall, but after a clean up and a couple of hugs he was ready to go back outside. I was seeking refuge inside in the AC and he quickly moved on to other toys inside as the party goers dispersed.

Sunday was a low-key day. My parents went to church so Ian and I took a trip to Milligan Park. We had some crazy storms roll through the night before so most of the playground equipment was wet, but we dried off what we could and enjoyed a quiet morning in the park. Ian went down early for a nap and then it was time to head back to the airport. Ian was so happy when he woke up from his nap and could finally talk to Daddy! Casey had been camping in the mountains all weekend so we weren't able to talk to him until Sunday afternoon. Ian couldn't stop talking about all the fun he was having, but we all know he was ready to get home to be with Daddy.