surprise visit

Some weeks I'm on top of blogging and last week week I could not get my act together. I scheduled a bunch of my posts from the week before because Elinor and I went on a secret trip to visit my family. It worked out that my whole family was going to be in Ohio at the same time. I couldn't miss out! So Elinor and I drove to Ohio. 

She was a trooper. We travel a lot but it is always with Dave so I can jump in the back seat and help her. We ended up having to stop every hour or so because "my bum hurts!!!" but besides that she was awesome. We got in town a day early and stayed with my friend. Elinor had a blast with her kids. We always talked about being neighbors and our kids being BFFs. I wish we could!

It's so sad that my nieces are close in age to Elinor but we all live so far away. She had so much fun playing with all of them. Last time we were in town, she wasn't full on playing with kids. My family just needs to move closer to us!

My sister rented an airbnb house for the weekend. It was beautiful and in a great location. We stayed 2 nights with her and my parents there. On Sunday Dave flew in to meet us for the drive home. Elinor and I picked him up and went back to my friends house for dinner. She made us an insane meal and treats for our ride home (thanks Allison!). Check back in on Friday for the details of the dinner. 

We are talking about doing this again maybe in Nashville. I haven't been there in years. Airbnb has some amazing houses all over so it won't be hard to find a big house to rent for all of us. 

buddy walk

My super awesome niece is walking in this years Buddy Walk in Cincinnati. If you are interested in donating to her team to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati follow this link

a puppy for after xmas

It is so hard to blog when we aren't home! We are in Chicago having a blast. Our trip to Ohio was fun and too short like always. Tonight (or last night because I'm scheduling this) Dave and I are getting a date night while my sister watches Elinor. We are going to a show but still an adult night out is something I need!
Our trip has been in 3 parts. Flew to Chicago, drove to Ohio and then drove back to Chicago. We didn't take any pictures our first day in Chicago. Well, on the real camera at least. We went to eat at Native Foods (so good!) and came back to my sisters. The next morning we ate at West Town Bakery (again so good! and they had smore's pancakes!) and then we were off to Ohio.

The drive is 5 hours but so easy. Elinor took a big nap most the way. We needed a snack and to stop a little over half way. The Midwest is awful for vegan or even healthy food off the highway. We ended up having some snacks in the car that my sister had packed and then bought a pack of apple slices for Elinor at McDonalds. Yes, that was as healthy/vegan as it gets. She was ready to party as soon as we got to my parents. Everyone spoiled here and had Christmas gifts waiting for her.

 My brother bought her a pull along puppy. She walked around the whole time holding him off the ground hanging from the leash.

 showing me presents

 My parents poor puppy is getting old. Elinor made him so uncomfortable.

 She had so much fun with her Pa

 Breakfast with Pa. He was able to get her to eat so much the whole time we were there.

Running in circles

Last day of vacation

On the day we left we just spent some time with my parents...and eating. We thought about maybe going to a park but decided to just stay at the house. It was a good idea. I wanted Elinor to have some play time and normal nap before we got on the plane. 

 There aren't many pictures of us like this

 this was from the night before. My mom had taken her for a walk

 Grandpa and Ellie

 Grandma, Grandpa, Ellie and the puppy

I had my hair in a bun but for some reason took it out right before this picture. So ignore my crazy hair please! Besides that I love this picture of us

and then Elinor flew us home

brunch and a park

Sunday morning we went to see Allison's new house. It is adorable and perfect and I always forget how much more space you can get living in the midwest. She has it decorated so cute, I should've taken some pictures. We decided to go for some brunch at Melt followed by treats (umm vegan donuts and cinnamon rolls??!) and coffee and Sidewinder. Oh and of course record shopping at Shake It. We had to wait in line at Melt for a bit but totally worth it. 

After I texted Annie to see if they were still in the area. She told me they were at Washington Park in the city. I had no idea where this was. I guess it recently opened. We all headed to meet up with her family. As soon as we turned the corner and saw the park, I said this does not look like Cincinnati! The park is beautiful. The first few pictures are (obviously) from my phone until I remembered we had our real camera with us. 

 Elinor and Honey

Paighton playing with Elinor

now for the real pictures

 Honey and Pumpkin were so sweet to Elinor and shared their toys. 

 look at that tiny perfect baby in the back! Congrats again Annie and Michael

 spray park

 Ashleigh took some pictures of the park while we all played

 sneaky shot of all of us

 how cute is Pumpkin's bathing suit?? 

 and her hat!

 making friends

 Annie dresses these girls so cute! 

All the girls