To Ft. Wayne and back

My Grandma Grossman passed away while we were in the midst of our trip to South Dakota. Though we rejoice that she is at home in heaven, she will be missed by many who loved her.

So a few days after returning from South Dakota, we were preparing once again for a big trip. Since Ft. Wayne is a "medium" distance away (more than a morning drive, but not an all day drive), we decided to break up our traveling days with a fun stop. Originally we were going to stop in Valpo on the way out, but made a quick change of plans when we saw the sign for the Indiana Dunes. For those who don't know about this state park in Indiana, Matt and I visited their often during our college years, both before we knew each other and then again together. In fact, Matt proposed to me during a picnic up at the Dunes! We thought it would be fun to take the girls there and visit, especially since we hadn't been back in almost 10 years. We had a fun time :)



This family picture is on the same dune where Matt proposed, although not quite in the same spot; these are moving dunes so much has changed in just 10 years!


Friday night and Saturday were filled with family, memories, and tears, in addition to chasing around and caring for the five under-six-year-olds who were there. Not only were we surrounded by my immediate family, but my Aunt Sandy, Cousin Travis, and Cousin Leigh (and family) were all staying at the same hotel. The last time we were all together in one place was at Grandma's 80th birthday 6 years ago, before there were any babies!


The kids enjoyed playing with each other and with the uncles. We also all managed to have some pool time together on Saturday afternoon. Anna was pretty excited to have her oldest girl cousin, Lucy, around.


On the way home, we stopped at the Illinois Railway Museum, thinking it would be fun for the girls to see some big trains up close. We learned on the website before we left that if the kids went in their Halloween costumes, they could ride the Trick or Treat Trolley. So we packed along their costumes and dressed them up, only to find out that the only thing special about the Trick or Treat Trolley was that each girl got a piece of candy when they got off. Oh, well. At least the girls liked wearing the costumes.


We've had a rough time transitioning to life this morning. Kate picked up a cold sometime in the past week from any number of places and Anna has been really struggling today. At least we don't have any trips planned for awhile and can all sleep in our own beds once again!