Bloomington, IN

Last Saturday Blythe, Ethan, and I hopped on a plane to Indiana.  That sentence makes it sound like an impromptu trip, but in reality I bought the tickets back in September when I found them really cheap and we've had a countdown to the trip ever since.  So first off, traveling with kids who are almost 4 and 6 is WAY easier than travelling with a baby or a 1 year old or a 2 year old.  Both Blythe and Ethan were pretty good on the plane (short of the occasion kick to the seat in front of them and the fascination with the tray tables).

We arrived in Indianapolis and Ashley, Luke, and Amy picked us up and we drove the hour down to Bloomington to see the Freel's new home.  The kids picked up right where they left off like the last 4+ months never happened.  Amy and I talk still at least 4 times a week, so of course we picked right back up too.  Their new house is beautiful and they (like us) have been very busy since they moved in painting, working in the yard, hanging stuff up, and trying to get acquainted with a new city.  Their hard work has paid off!

Ethan and Luke dove right into the endless supply of cars, trucks, and trains that the Freels have and Ashley and Blythe were out of their street clothes and into dress-up clothes in probably less than 2 minutes after getting  to the house.  Neither Blythe or Ethan have had much of that kind of play since we moved, so it was so nice to see them play so hard for the whole trip.  Makes us miss the Freels even more though.

The trip was Saturday to today (we woke up at 4:35am to catch the early morning flight).  The 3 day trip was highlighted by a visit to the Wonderlab...a science kid museum, a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo (which was decorated with lots of lights for Christmas and had an amazing Santa), some shopping, a trip to the park, and a movie outing to see The Muppets (do NOT waste your money on it!).

A few pics from the Wonderlab.  The place was super cool and the kids had a blast!

And some pics from the zoo.  Although the Santa was awesome, he did have a fault.  He told Blythe and Ethan they could each have 2 things (instead of 1).  So Blythe then also asked for an American Girl doll and Ethan asked for drums.  WTF?

And a few others from the trip:

Thank you Freels!  We had a great time and can't wait to come back!