4th of July

We headed up to the region to celebrate the 4th of July.  We started out at the Griffith parade.

with my dad and his family

awesome photo bomb, creepy lady who helped Reese get candy.

Like a good mom, I let Reese eat all sorts of parade candy.

We stopped to swing on our way back to Kathy's.

Then we had a cookout at my dad's.

Everyone else had other things they had to do so my dad and I took the girls to the playground.  Sophia was very excited and Reese had to show off her new pumping skills!

Then we headed to my mom's to watch the Highland fireworks.

It was a great 4th of July with family.

Camping/ALA

Reese and I headed up to the Indiana Dunes a couple weekends ago so that she could have a wonderful time camping with Mimmie, Marcer, Josh and Sophia while I attended the American Library Association Annual Conference at McCormick Place.  We both had a great time.

bedtime stories with mimmie

I missed out on the beach... maybe next time.

I did get to hear Temple Grandin speak about autism and her newest book.  I cried pretty much the entire time.  What an amazing experience to hear her speak.

Then I went to see Ann Patchett speak.  She was inspiring and kept recommending books.  My "To Be Read" list just keeps getting longer and longer...

Fun with Sophia

My library swag.  I can't resist a free book so I didn't.  I grabbed every one I could.  I have learned my lesson to being a car top carrier next time I attend the conference.

Indiana Odds and Ends

Reese down by the late that we live on.

Playing at our complex playground.

Loving Molly.  My dad brought down all of my American Girl things, including Molly and Addy.  I instantly turned into a 10 year old girl again. I love that I get to share them with Reese!

Reese had to come to the Library with me one night and I felt guilty so we stopped at Alexander's Ice Cream Shop in Cicero.  It is right on Morse Reservoir and the ice cream was amazing.  I felt like we were on vacation for a minute.  Or until Reese had to emergency go to the bathroom and I had to scramble to find one.

One Saturday morning, the first words out of Reese's mouth were "can we put those rollers in my hair?"

My mom and Marc came down for a day to help with some projects around the house.  Marc put this lattice up on my balcony which I could not love more.  Now I need to get some comfy chairs.

The Diana

The Diana is a historic theater in Tipton that reminds me so much of the Town theater in Highland.  I took Reese up there to see Monster's University on opening weekend.  $15 bought me and Reese tickets, a large popcorn and a large drink.  Seriously the best deal ever.  Also there were tons of families there so it was awesome to hear all of the kids laughing at the funny parts.

This amazing Charlie Chaplin print would have come home with us if I could have fit it in my purse.  Amazing!

So much fun!  I can't wait for all of our movie adventures there.

Friends

I love being this close to Maria and her family.  I only wish that we were even closer to them.  

Reese and Dominic hit if off immediately.

We were invited to Maria's sister, Adrienne's college graduation party. Reese loved playing on the swing-set at Maria's parents house.

Then her and Dom drove around the yard on a four wheeler and had way too much fun!

Maria has been amazing so far.  She is always willing to help out with watching Reese or inviting us over.  I really don't think I could have made this move without her being this close to us.

I'm an adult...

I bought a washer and dryer... and I think they are beautiful!

Ok, enough blogging for tonight.  This picture reminds me that I have a load in the dryer that needs folding.  More catching up later.

First Indy Adventure: IMA

Since I interned at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in the Summer of 2004, I have held it close to my heart.  I was very excited to be able to take Reese to the IMA!

She was excited to blow the dandelions in the parking lot.

I love the look on her face in this one!

My love with Robert Indiana's Love sculpture.

We first went to the Ai Wei Wei exhibition.

Then we colored in the African Art Gallery.

The exhibition in the fashion gallery was African textiles.  When we walked into the gallery, Reese said "it smells like Africa in here."  I couldn't stop laughing.

These are smuggled photos that were forbidden but I just had to.  It is a floor in the contemporary galleries with little plastic army-like men with their hands up in the air, holding up the plexiglas floor.

Reese loved he entrance where the air vent blew up her dress.

Then we walked over to the Lily House lawn to have a picnic.

It was a beautiful day!

Then we walked to the 100 Acres where there is all kinds of fun contemporary outdoor installations.

Reese started to lose it here so we headed home.  She slept in the car and woke up to surprise milkshakes because I couldn't resist.

We had a wonderful time.  I cannot wait for our next IMA adventure!