Memorial Day

The first day of our vacation in Chicago was rainy but great. Riley, Maddie and I celebrated our birthdays. A big group of us (my parents, Jen, Ed, Cody, Maddie, Belle, Nancy, Casey, Riley and me) went out for some mexican (Maddie's birthday meal choice). We opened presents, caught up, had some drinks, ate too much and had a wonderful birthday.

The second day of our vacation was filled with tornado warnings, debates on whether or not we should spend some time in the basement, card games, Red Sox/Tigers double header and then a glorious evening outside after the weather had passed.

The third day of our vacation (Memorial Day) was spent mostly outside. In the morning, a walk to the playground with Uncle Ed and Grandpa Jim. Later in the morning, on a big kid swing with Maddie. Right about high noon (on an extremely hot day) is when Riley grabbed Grandpa Jim by the back of the leg, said "here" and steered him towards their destination. Unfortunately, the destination was the very small plastic house in my sister's back yard. He insisted that Grandpa "sit down" in the very small space, and also decided it would be a good idea to stay in there for almost an hour while he ate his lunch and hung out with his grandpa. It was very cute and very sweet, but my poor dad had some serious issues straightening his stiff muscles back out and getting out of the house. And pretty much as soon as he did, Riley was steering him right back in.

After a solid nap, Riley's battery was recharged and we decided it was time to head to the pool for the first time this year. He seemed to love it even more than last year. He also seems much more fearless (uh oh). He also thought it was a whole lot of fun when he was in his cousin Cody's care at the pool and ran back and forth down the side of the pool while Cody swam like mad to keep up with him. Not sure who was more exhausted by the end of the day.

I am leaving many parts of the weekend out, as he had precious moments with my mom, my sister, Nancy, David, Casey and me too, but I will have to save those for another day.

All in all, a wonderful Memorial Day and we were so thankful to be able to spend it with my family. It is always sad to leave, and the long drive home doesn't make it any easier.