Ohio Adventures

After landing in Detroit, we had about an hour drive to Grandma Shaw's house. Madelyn slept the entire drive, and it was an easy last leg to our trip. Grandma Shaw was outside waiting on us when we pulled up, and she was thrilled to meet her fifth great grandchild.

As soon as we arrived, Madelyn had presents to open!



That evening, we relaxed and enjoyed a quiet dinner with Grandma Shaw. Madelyn has recently become aware of "strangers," and she'll get really quiet and become a little withdrawn until she warms up to the new person. Except for Grandma Shaw. It was like Madelyn knew her from the moment she met her. Madelyn went to her immediately, and Grandma wouldn't put her down!
Mary and Madelyn

Whatcha cooking Great Grandma?


On Sunday, we went to church with Grandma, and then our girl decided to take several really long naps. Because of that, we didn't venture out at all the rest of the day (and good thing because it was COLD!!!). Mommy & Daddy did sneak out after the girl's bed time and went on a date at a nearby sports bar.

Monday was spent visiting family!

Hi Great Grandpa Joe!

We also spent much of the afternoon and evening being silly...


On Tuesday, we did a lot more relaxing and hanging out with Grandma Shaw. We did a little shopping here and there, and that evening, we planned to go visit Santa in the town shopping square. We got all bundled up and drove there to find out that Santa only works weekends at that particular location.


She decided this was the most efficient way to carry this toy around all week.

Getting bundled up to go see that Santa was "closed."

After dinner, somebody got a case of the giggles...


On our final full day in Ohio, we went and visited Grandma Lou and Grandpa Joe again.



And why not one more picture of the cutest little smile ever?! (Like this will really be the last picture of her...) ;)

When we got back from our visits, Grandma Shaw had invited several of her friends over to ooh and aah over Madelyn. She enjoyed all the attention, but she was happy to spend more time with GG (Great Grandma) after they all left.



Thursday meant it was time to say goodbye to Ohio (but not to Grandma Shaw. She came to Texas with us!). We had another easy drive to the airport, and the flight home was great. Madelyn and Daddy fell asleep on the plane, but while awake, she giggled and laughed and entertained those around us and the flight attendants. She was such a good traveler, and I hope she stays that way in the years to come!

My girl and me

Our family!


Overall, we had a great trip and really enjoyed the time off from the hustle and bustle of our everyday schedule. We also had some firsts while in Ohio, too. While we were there, Madelyn decided she wanted to try anything and everything we were eating. She tried peas, noodles, mashed potatoes and cheerios, and she did great eating them. She used her Great Grandpa Shaw's high chair while we were there, and she loved being pulled right up to the table to eat with us instead of having a tray separating her from the table. We used one of Grandma's friends' pack and play for her to sleep in, and of course, Miss Picky Sleeper wouldn't sleep in it. She also didn't want to sleep in the bed with us. Or in the bed with Daddy after she kicked and hit Mommy in the face enough times that Mommy slept on the couch. Needless to say, our great sleeper was up once or twice each night wanting a bottle. I just couldn't keep up with her, and because she decided to go on a nursing strike while we were there, we had to make a trip to the store for formula. Thankfully, she didn't really notice the difference, and she'd take a bottle and go back to sleep.

We were so thankful to spend most of our 5 days there relaxing, playing, reading and enjoying the company of our family. It was a great vacation, and we look forward to going back soon!