Family, Family, and MORE Family Time

Warning: This is going to be a L-O-N-G post full of L-O-T-S of photos. I thought of titling this post "My Big Fat Family Vacation," but somehow that just didn't sound right.

The purpose of this post is to share photos with family & friends from our trip to Indianapolis. I've already posted photos from the wedding and our trip to the Children's Museum. These are from various get-togethers during our long weekend trip.

Ready? Here we go...

Little D meeting second cousin, Grahm, for the first time.



Lots and LOTS of choo-choo time.

Love how they are both SO focused on their play.

Meeting my DH's Uncle Dave & Aunt Doreen

(which makes them a couple of "Greats"!).

Playing in the Thomas tent.

This did *not* make it home with us. Too big. D loved it!

Aunt D, Little D, Lena, Berlin, and Uncle Scott.

(That couch sure holds a lot of people, no?!)

Meeting "Auntie" Vanessa (my DH's cousin). In Chinese culture (my DH's mother's side of the family) everyone is either an "Auntie" or an "Uncle"...in addition to your REAL ones. This confused the heck out of me when I first met this giant family...but I totally get it now. Auntie Vanessa rocks...she & her boys (Grahm, Griffin, & Ethan) gave Little D the huge score of Thomas things. Thanks guys.

Out for a Korean meal (I know I posted this once already) to celebrate our family day. The newcomer in this photo is Little D's second cousin, Griffin. He wasn't into trying much of the Korean food...but decided the Mandu (dumplings) were AWESOME. I agree, Grif!

Just a shot of our some of our food.

Another day we were off to the Jamaican patty shop. Patties are small, flaky meat or chicken or seafood (or vegetarian...but...no offense: they are not nearly as good) turn-overs...that smell & taste like heaven...especially when you are really hungry. My DH's mother's side of the family is Chinese-Jamaican. My MIL was born/raised in Jamaica and my DH lived there for a little while as a child.

Meeting Uncle Henry (who owns this shop). This is one of those examples of "Uncle". He is my MIL's cousin's husband. He'd be "Great Uncle" to Little D.

Little D...getting ready to try his *first* Jamaican patty.

He loved it. We had to buy more.

Then we were off to Uncle Kevin & Aunt Mary Beth's house (my DH's uncle/aunt). Here my DH is talking to his Great-Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack is amazing. He is planning a long bike ride (from OH to Washington D.C.) to hand-deliver people's notes/letters to their Congresspersons. Did I mention he is 80-something?! We need to know his secret...now.

Little D and second-cousin Camee playing with the woof-woof.

Little D doing a little dance in the middle of the room.

When the mood strikes, you know.

Great-Great Uncle Jack showing Little D the guitar.

Music lesson in process.

Then my DH's aunt Kathy and her granddaughter, Alana, came over for dinner.

Second cousins having fun.

Train time outside on the deck.

My MIL ("Popo") working the grill.

No, that is NOT a potty-seat. It is a booster chair.

D liked it more on the floor than at the table, of course.

We had a GREAT visit to Indianapolis. It was wonderful to have Little D meet so many family members and friends. He did GREAT on the trip. Traveled well, napped well, slept well...everything seemed to go just right. Maybe we waited until the right age for him to travel. I'm still kind of amazed. The planets must have been in the perfect alignment, or something. All I know...is it was great. Thanks, everyone!