Day XVIII -- 22

The mini-DVD player was perhaps the best investment ever made…
better than buying a house, buying cars, going to college...

It was without a doubt our saving grace as we spent four of our six vacation days in the car.

Note to self – buy more movies. If I have to hear “Ladybugs picnic” one more time I may lose it.

The trip was nice – both Nashville and Cinci. It was great to see the three sisters, grandparents, nephew and bro-in-law.

I know my son will beg us to visit the farmet in Nashville every summer. It’s gorgeous and a child’s dream between the dog and the kitties and the horses. It’s like summer camp but with good food and clean bathrooms.

Jack lost his mind when he went on a carriage ride with the mini-horse. You could hear him full-out laughing across the pasture. That little horse could really move and my kid seemed to like it the faster he went. Jack's braver than his daddy who freaked out about 30 seconds into his turn.

Jackie's cousin also mesmorized him. We caught Jack several times with his mouth open, idolizing the 3-year-old’s every move. I predict future mischief with these two.

What is it about kids and grandparents?
Jack hadn’t seen this side of the family in months but as soon as we walked in the door, he leaned in for them to hold him. I didn’t really see him for the rest of the weekend! It’s like some sort of internal grandparent radar.

And how did the sleeping go, you ask? Um, yeah. He pretty much stayed up late every night (wouldn’t want to miss anything) and then tossed and turned (in our bed) for the next few hours. Luckily, he slept in a little in the mornings and took some naps. At least everyone in Husband’s family, and Sister, now knows we aren’t exaggerating about his refusal to close his eyes.

In Cinci, he was so stir crazy I’m not sure Sister will want children any time in the next decade! In his defense, he had been in the car for five hours and he was in yet another place in under a week. Luckily, he slept through dinner.

Quick highlights/changes post 4th festivities:
* Watermelon is now a favorite… along with strawberries, cherries and cantaloupe
* The “Uh-oh” craze continued across the mid-west. He would throw things from his car seat and then say, “Uh-oh!” until we acknowledged the incident and “Uh-ohed” back.
* Jack can find the on-off button on any appliance no matter the size or function… and he thoroughly enjoys turning of the TV even if you are watching a program.
* Pretzel rods in.
* The biting stage has now begun.
* Burping is funny.