First in line

Whenever someone finally invents real-life "beaming" technology, as in "Beam me up Scotty," our family will be first in line. We love to see our family and friends and fun destinations, but traveling as a family of four is really a bit of work. As a break from packing, and to remind myself why we do it, I browsed through some of last year's visit to Indiana photos. Not to steal my own thunder, but I'll probably post this year's photos next week, after we're done having all kinds of fun together -- assuming you can trust the below photo evidence to set a precedent.

Troy's new favorite driver

Troy had the amazing opportunity to attend Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway with his generous and patient brother, Brian. The Cardinal boys had a "Hot Pass" for the day, allowing them the same access as the Sprint series drivers. They rode around with Jimmie Johnson in his golf cart, attended the drivers' meeting and met a half dozen of NASCAR's current stars. If you don't believe me, here are the pictures to prove it. In my humble opinion, they are unbelievable!

A visit from some V.I.P.s

Grandma Mary enjoying ice cream cake with the kids

Rod and I smiling over our scoops

Two red shirts - match!

Snuggling with Grandpa Rod at the hotel after swimming

It was so great to see our Illinois grandparents. Thanks for coming to visit!

Twilight hours at the pool

We met our friends, the Jaysons, at the pool the other night for twilight hours, which along with being cooler and less crowded are also cheaper - score!

The night went very well right up until we were changing into dry clothes to go home when in spite of my best corralling, toweling and dressing efforts there was a moment when both kids were naked running in opposite directions through the women's locker room. Ah, the proud moments of parenting.

That's Jane in the foreground and Darby in the bucket. Yep. 

It was so rainy tonight...

How rainy was it?

It was so rainy tonight I showed up at the gym looking like I had already had the hardest workout of my life.

It was so rainy tonight the kids watched TWO movies with the babysitter.

It was so rainy tonight ducks were lining up to high-five drivers on the highway.

It was so rainy tonight my car hydroplaned and boogie-boarded all the way home.

It was so rainy tonight I checked the basement for water. None! Yea!

Thank goodness it wasn't this rainy last weekend when we had Troy's sister, brother-in-law and niece in town. Although, see if you agree with me that this little girl brings out her own special sunshine.