Midwest Tour

Our trip started with a flight to Cleveland (via Atlanta). After almost missing our connection due to flying in a holding pattern around Atlanta for almost an hour, I vow once again to never fly through Atlanta on a connecting flight. Fortunately, Carolyn did well during the long day of flying, napping for a short time and climbing on mom and dad the rest of the time.

Our time in Cleveland was fantastic. It was so nice to be there for more than 48 hours. Steve was able to play a couple of rounds of golf with his dad. I was able to spend an afternoon with Kristin, Katy, and their kids. We enjoyed a day riding bikes on the tow path (Carolyn was at first unsure about being in the trailer, but quickly fell asleep). And, we were able to spend time with Steve's brothers' families, including attending Scott's 50th birthday celebration.

Fortunately my family - with the exception of Great Granny :( - was able to come up to Cleveland too, giving us the opportunity to celebrate a very important day in Carolyn's life with both of our families. Carolyn was baptised on Sunday June 14th at Steve's parents' church. And, then we celebrated her 1st birthday at a park. Carolyn shares her birthday with grandma Carol (who was 75 this year) and Aunt Char. The party also celebrated the 50th birthday of uncle Scott, birthdays of cousins Addie, Rachel, and Hayley, as well as Father's Day. What an exciting and special day! And, a special thank you to all of you who made the trip to Brecksville to celebrate with us.

After five fun-filled family days in Cleveland, we rented a car and drove to Ann Arbor, where we stayed with Joerg and Ann for a few days. We ate at all of our favorite restaurants, saw friends, walked miles and miles through town, listened to music at 'Top of the Park', and managed to NOT get Oliver's strep throat.

Next stop -- Chicago. We arrived via Amtrack. We enjoyed good food, lots of attention from Auntie Kristin, a Cubs game, a visit to the zoo, and more walking. Carolyn loved looking at all of the lights and tall buildings downtown. And, we enjoyed spending Steve's first father's day together as a family, walking through the city.

Surprisingly, Carolyn handled each new location pretty well. She had her crabby moments, mostly from her two top front teeth pushing their way through her gums, but was generally pretty adaptable and pleasant to travel with. Well, other than our flight home .... she never had a full-out screaming fit, but she was not all that quiet or cooperative either.