Even More Family

After publishing the last post I realized I didn't like it very much. I felt I was just listing people and places and photos, and not giving a good idea of what our days were actually like. We had a really great time visiting but its kind of hard to write that down in words. Just picture happy people eating and drinking and enjoying each other's company.

So even though the next bit is still about family, and yes there are of course photos, I'm going to try and be a bit more interesting . . .

Matt and I were heading to my cousin Michelle's house in Toledo to spend a few nights. We were not going to get there until after dinner on Saturday night so we figured we would pick up takeout for ourselves to eat there. While I am COMPLETELY aware that Toledo isn't exactly near the ocean I really wanted sushi so we googled and found this little place near our destination to call in an order. Matt kept telling me that raw fish was a bad idea, but I'm stubborn so I asked for a tuna roll and some yellowtail sashimi. He decided to be safe ... 'boring' ... and get chicken teriyaki. When we get to this tiny little place in what looks like a strip mall we find their walls covered in framed awards! Apparently they have won 'Best Sushi in Toledo' a couple times. I have to admit I felt pretty superior and I did really love what I got. I'm guessing Matt liked his chicken because he ate it all but I like to think he was jealous of my sweet meal - haha. (I want you all to know that I did have enough sense to not order any raw anything in West Virginia, Virginia, or North Carolina - so far).

It was great to arrive and see Michelle, her husband Dennis and their kids. They have a lovely daughter, Lydia, and twin boys, Nathan and Reece. When we pulled up they were playing in the driveway, keeping the watch. The cutest part of arriving was a sign they had made:

I have it rolled up in my bag and I'm going to hang it again when we get to Cali!

Sunday morning was wonderful - we didn't have to get on the road and go anywhere. Just got to hang around and visit. Hell, I didn't even shower til 2 or 3. The kids were up and cute and wanting to play and they had found a new friend who wanted to play, too:

And even though it was way too cold for me (I'm moving to SoCal so I don't have to deal with jackets anymore!) they all convinced me to go outside for just a little while:

Look at my mad skills. I should have auditioned for the Hunger Games.

For Sunday night dinner we were joined by my cousin Melissa (Michelle's sister), her husband Jeff, and their flock of kiddies, Abby, Chloe and Garret. I was so happy they were able to drive out on a school/work night because I'm quickly finding that most things aren't really that close to each other. Even when it looks like it on a map, that inch is probably a 2 hour ride! I don't think we're in RI anymore, Toto.

It had been over a year (since last July) that I had seen everyone and while it is such a cliche, kids grow up so fast! Taller, smarter, cuter and all in new grades at school learning new things. I really think they need to move to the West coast with me so I don't have to miss them so much. Easy as pie, right?

Monday was our last day in Ohio and we were planning on getting as far as West Virginia that night but we had to say bye to the kids who had left for school before we were up in the morning. Michelle took Matt and I to their elementary school where we met their teachers and principal. I was so tickled by how tall Matt is compared to all the little munchkins walking around.

We got to sit with Lydia while she had lunch. I didn't remember the cafeteria being such a loud crazy mass of kids but now I've had a refresher course. I was kind of jealous of her awesome lunch - who doesn't want a rice crispy treat? Then we stopped at the boys gym class to give quick hugs, and then we really did have to leave.

I miss them all already.

Matt says:
I enjoyed meeting everybody, and I had a lot of fun with the kids.

We drove for most of the day with one essential stop in Columbus to make an addition to the truck:

We had packed the truck SO full that Matt couldn't put his seat back far enough and his knees were brushing the dash since we started. Obviously not good. So he decided to add a cargo box to keep the surf boards company. And there is probably a little extra space now, just in case I buy shoes. (I'm waiting for him to read this later...)

Most of the drive was through gorgeous rolling mountain/hills, and the sunset was rather spectacular. I tried to take pictures out the window but they really can't do the scenery justice. Here are my best attempts:

Monday night was spent in a super crappy Days Inn in West Virginia right outside of Charleston. I think I'm going to start rating the various hotels we stay in because I can only imagine they are going to be interesting. I give this one a 2 out of 5 stars because the bathroom was clean and it had a fridge and microwave. It looses out on the other 3 points because the bed was really uncomfortable, location was questionable, it only had basic cable, and the guy at the front desk was missing teeth and vaguely unfriendly. Not real specific, but thats what I've got right now.

Yesterday we finished driving through the Virginia's and ended at my Aunt Pam and Uncle Rob's home in Durham, North Carolina.  How nice to arrive someplace warm and clean and full of people I want to see! Especially when there is also dinner to eat and catching up to do.

I have more random scenery shots to show you and what I'm sure are clever life observations from us both - ha - but right now we've got to get up and going. We are going to do some sight seeing! Finally we can explore and not just drive :)