DING! You are now welcome to climb aboard.

So this summer we were off to the mother land of Ohio. After much searching for tickets we could afford for a group of 7 we had to settle for a less then perfect travel itinerary. We left AZ around 7:30 at night to fly into Chicago landing there at 1am their time. We had a rental van there, however the company closed at 1am. So Tim grabbed a spot near the front of the plan and pushed his way to the front of the line when we landed. The rest of us headed for baggage claim to grab our mountain of luggage, and met Tim out front. Needless to say with 7 people and luggage for all we were a bit tight in there! We drove a bit then stopped to arrange things more comfy, and get a bite to eat. And then I started driving. As I neared the Ohio boarder there was a beautiful light show going on all around me. The sky was full of lightning, and the sun was rising. The two combined made for a fascinating drive. However with lightening usually comes rain (at least out East), and as I neared Toledo it started to POUR! I don't mean a light sprinkle...This was the kind of rain that made your ears ring it was so loud...wipers on high didn't stand a chance of clearing it off. I couldn't believe the the kids were able to sleep through it. The rain lasted probably for the next 100 or so miles before it finally started to clear up a bit.
We were supposed to have breakfast with Tim's parents and mine out in Madison. We called as we hit the East side of Cleveland only to be told that Dot had already started cooking breakfast at home. So with a quick change of plans we went ahead and met up with my parents at Eat n' Park. For those that don't know, this is the best resteraunt around...well at least as far as dinner styles go. It's kind of like a Denny's, but better, and they have the neatest smile face cookies. After breakfast there, we headed out to Madison. When we got to the house we walked in to surprise Tim's parents. Dot, you have no idea how hard it was to keep this secret! Sleeping arrangements were made and while a few took a nap, Tim worked on starting up his old 3 wheeler. Eventually I took a short nap also (seeing that I had been up since the day before). Tim tells me that he did get it to run for a bit and drove it down the street and back, but since I was napping I can neither confirm or deny this.

Stay tuned for more updates on our trip. Read about Scott and Michaela's first roller coaster rides. How we actually saw Noah and his Arc. Our BBQ's for Bill and Dot's 50th wedding anniversary, and get togethers with friends!