Roadtrip to Kentucky

One of the worst parts about the COVID pandemic is missing out on family gatherings, like the trip to KY we planned to celebrate mom and dad's 50th anniversary. But, we are nothing if not resourceful so when Bob realized he needed to take a trip to Ohio to see a project, we decided to tag along. And lucky for us, Bob's project put us up in a fancy hunt club (which felt a little safer than staying in a hotel). We just had to prevent Audrey from asking too many questions about the fox decor.

The Hunt Club was really nice. And more importantly, the kids got to swim in a pool for the first time all summer. And it was nearly empty!

These are two happy kids!

In the morning, Bob took off for his job meeting and the kids and I went hunting for bagels. Thanks to a recommendation from our friend Jamie, I had the best lox bagel of my life!

And then we spent a couple hours in the Cleveland Museum of Art. We made reservations in advance, wore masks, and had our temperatures checked when we walked in. But on the positive side, less people means fewer strangers photobombing my photos! Bonus two, I think the kids are really enjoying not  being asked to smile. (They are not fooling anyone, their eyes are clearly NOT smiling!)

Weirdness aside, it was so awesome to be seeing art again. Things almost felt normal.

After Bob's meeting, we hopped the the car and drove to Grandma's house, arriving just in time to catch some lightning bugs.

Since Grandma saw Maddy last, she almost caught up to her in height. I think Maddy has her beat by a pair of sunglasses.

The next day, Grandfather wanted to take us on a road trip to Scott's Ridge. It was a gorgeous view!

Aside from the dogs next door, I think Audrey's second favorite thing about Grandma's house is being able to sneak over to the neighbors house and steal some tomatoes.

Patrick hosted us at his house for a pool party on Saturday. But first Audrey got to meet the Heather's Hens (which have become some of my favorite subjects to watercolor) and take in the eggs.

The silkies are just too much fun. They feel every bit as soft as they look!

And the barn kitties were so much fun too! I'm pretty sure they let the kids pick them up way more than our own kitties have. When I was putting Audrey to bed, later that night she actually broke down in tears and said, "Oliver and Gus make me think that our kitties might me jerks." Sorry Audrey, you may be onto something.

All the animals were just the beginning of the fun. Shelby showed off her swimming and jumping skills. She is fearless!

It was such a nice day, Patrick and Heather have such a beautiful home!

On Sunday, we rode out into the hollow.

Playing in the creek is mandatory.

On Monday, we went BACK to Patrick's house for another pool day. Given that pretty much nothing is open right now, we're so grateful to have a fun place to go. 

Grandfather and the kids had a water battle. I'm not sure who won, everyone ended up wet.

Maddy living her best life.

Aunt Patti came over for a couple hours as well, it was nice to catch up with her.

In the day or so since we were last here, a floating unicorn was procured. And here I didn't think Patrick's pool could be more perfect!

More chicken time.

I really don't know why, but hanging out with hens is really good for the soul. I don't feel like I've been that relaxed for ages!

It was a great trip. And everyone stayed safe and healthy. Thank goodness. Such stressful times we are living in!