4 States in 8 Days

Last month I decided it was time to start traveling the country. What I didn't expect was that so many people would want to meet me. I didn't want to disappoint anyone so we rose to the challenge and managed to cover four states in just eight days.

I got to take my first airplane ride. I expected mom would get a picture of the event but since dad and the boys were on a different flight, mom was carrying a car seat, a stroller, a diaper bag, a carry on, and me. That was her excuse but I think she just dropped the ball and forgot. Lets face it, she wasn't holding any of that stuff once we got to our seats. Oh well, she will get another chance Monday when we take Drew to ski camp.  The other passengers on the plane looked happy to meet me as well. They all smiled as we walked past their row. 

First stop was Louisville, Ky so I could make sure mom and her friends behaved themselves on their girls trip. Steve Varriano rocks for making the house exactly how I like it. Mom told me all about the dangers of hotels and what they can find with a black light so I was happy to stay at the Varriano's. Louisville had great shops and one of the best vegetarian restaurants ever. We will definitely be back.

Next we picked up Dad, Drew, and Brandon and headed to Ohio to meet the Keller family. Alex and Layla hosted a  BBQ and I got to meet Grandma and Grandpa Keller, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins. Next time I will be old enough to ride in Uncle Aaron's golf cart too.

Our next stop was Indiana to visit Grandma and Grandpa Keller at the house dad grew up in.  We are taking the RV back at Thanksgiving where everyone will be together for the first time in a few years. 

We went back to Indianapolis for a few days to see mom and dad's friends. 

This is GIna answering one of many emails and not giving me her undivided attention. I let her have it after the 2nd email

Chris Pierle hosted a dinner for me and Teresa was able to come. She is the one who introduced my parents to each other in college 21 years ago

Chase Kroger also hosted a BBQ for me with all the neighbors from the old "hood". This is his dad Cory bonding with me.

Before we left I got to have dinner and hang out with my good friend Jude Schaefer. I liked him so much that I made sure to throw up in the grass and not on any of his stuff. That's love! Mom forgot pictures again but we will be back to see him in August so I will take some myself. Jude was my inspiration to start this blog. He writes one as well because his parents must also be bad about keeping track of his adventures. 

The fourth and final state was Illinois. We drove to Chicago to see my Uncle Steve and Uncle Mike who are mom's brothers. When we pulled into town I thought maybe they were having a parade for me because the streets were blocked off, there were people everywhere, and security was tight. Then uncle Mike burst my bubble when he explained they were protesters in town for the NATO convention and the security was to prevent riots. I would have been alot more entertaining than the guy with the megaphone and picket sign.

 Here we are in front of Cheesecake Factory on Michigan Ave.

And there you have it. That is how you cover 4 states in 8 days and see a ton of people. We were pretty exhausted and mom says we will never try it again unless its in the RV. I have to agree. The back seat of a Honda Civic gets quite boring after a while. 

Caroline greeted me back home. I was wearing my travel outfit from Traci, of course.

Cheers!

Alexa