With many friends and family to be see over our two weeks there, our first stop was South Bend, Indiana. Normally on our trips home, we go to the Cincinnati area where my parents live. However, this year we changed it up and did a small tour of the midwest, making stops in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan over six days.
It's always a beautiful sight to see the golden dome of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend
The biggest highlight in South Bend was getting to meet my brother's new twin babies, Hudson and Greyson. Arriving into the world on June 11, they are so precious and it's fun to finally have a sibling join me in the journey of parenthood. Gosh, Quinn looked like practically a teenage next to the twins! Hard to believe he was their size just a few months ago. I CAN'T WAIT for 2-3 years time when these three little guys will be getting into so much cousinly mischief together.
Also in South Bend we squeezed in a quick visit with my dear friend Stephanie and her family. Stephanie is one of my oldest friends. I've known her and her family since I was probably around 4-5 years old. It's pretty incredible we've kept up our friendship for 30+ years when you consider we've only lived in the same city for about 14 months!!! The last time we met up was eight years ago when there was only one child between the two of us. Now look at these six!
From South Bend, we drove up the road to a house my parents had rented in Michigan to spend a few days with Mom, Dad and my brothers and sisters who journeyed in from all over the country. The house, situated on a small lake, was perfect. With warm midwest days, the lake was ideal for various boating activities. The house came loaded with kayaks, a paddle boat and a row boat, toys (the girls were in toy heaven!), a swingset, volleyball court and a bonfire pit which we put to use one evening roasting s'mores. It all was a pleasant (minus the darn mosquitos) reminder how great summers in the midwest can be.
Chillin' at the little beach down by the lake
If you look closely in Olivia's hands, you'll spot Fred, a toad that she caught with some help from her uncles. After enjoying him for a few minutes, Olivia thought Fred missed his family so she decided to release him into the lake so he could be reunited with them. Upon entry into the water, he was promptly swallowed up by a fish. Fortunately, she missed that part and thinks Fred is still living a nice life with his family.
This is how baths look when you're traveling
About a 30 minute drive from the lake house was the real lake...Lake Michigan. One afternoon, we packed up our beach towels, sand toys and sunscreen and headed there. With the hot temperature, we were all looking forward to cooling off in the water. Well, the water was FREEZING. Normally by August during a hot summer, the water is a pleasant temperature. It was not that day. The girls, Geoff and and few of my brothers braved the cold for a bit while the rest of us preferred to stay nice and hot on the beach.
Grandma and Paw-Paw with their five grandchildren
The Heckman clan...17 and counting! I'm so thankful for each person in this photo. One night at the lake house, we went around, one by one, describing something that we love about each member. What an incredible time we had recognizing everyone's uniqueness, what they contribute to our family and affirming their gifts and talents. How many families do that?!? Love them so!
After saying our goodbyes to my family, we were off for a day in the Windy City. It had been five years (wayyyy back here) since we last visited Chicago. It's such a fine city, especially when the sun is shining and the lake is sparkling.
After checking into our hotel, our first stop was Navy Pier and of course, included a ride around the big ferris wheel there.
After leaving Navy Pier, we hopped on a boat for an excursion onto Lake Michigan and tour down the Chicago River.
Someone in this photo might have been overly tired. Any guesses who??
Growing up near Chicago, the city has always held this idea in my mind of being so big. So fast-paced. So cosmopolitan. However, after now living in London for the last four years, Chicago felt on the slow side. The thought "Where are all the people at???" actually crossed my mind. Funny how your perspectives change. I don't even want to think about how I'm going to feel about Houston when we eventually move back. I'm probably going to feel like we moved to a deserted island! That is until the traffic quickly brings me back to reality.
Part two of our USA tour to Texas up next!
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