A visit to Columbus, OH

Well, it's been a long time since the last post because I couldn't find the USB cord for the camera. But, YAY...what was lost has been found!! I've been excited to get a few pictures up of our visit out to Ohio to see Jay, Deedee, and baby Ben.

First of all, we carried on our luggage and were feeling so proud. We packed very lightly since Jay and Deedee have all the baby stuff we need. We didn't have to bring a pack n play, or a stroller, not even a car seat! It was great. The flight then turned into an adventure for our little family of three. It took 5 hours to fly to Chicago as we were diverted up in to Canada to avoid storms, then circled the airport for an hour trying to land, then were diverted to Grand Rapids, MI to get fuel because we didn't have enough to keep circling. We waited IN THE PLANE for 2 hours while re-fuling in MI, then flew back to Chicago. Obviously, we had missed our connecting flight! So, we were re-booked on a 7:45 AM flight to Ohio and got a hotel room close to the airport for the night. We probably arrived at the hotel at 11 PM, and Ella got a VERY short night of sleep as we had to get her up really early for the early morning flight.

Ella was a TROOPER! She remained happy and polite and sweet, and only had a few moments of tears the entire time. We learned that she is more flexible than we think. The world does not end if she doesn't get enough sleep - go figure! She had lots of new friends from the flight departing Portland, and found a new love ....the airflows vent above our seats. She giggled with delight every time the air hit her on the head. Here she is showing off her scrunchy face again.

Chewing on her favorite letter of the Alphabet....



And here she is after a loooong journey, having just landed in Columbus.

Deedee and Ben picked us up at the airport and we were so happy to see them!


Here Jason is reading to Ella and Ben....




And here Uncle Jay is playing with Ella who was very, very interested in the doggie, Rudy.

Ben was a very sweet boy and joyfully shared his toys We had a few outings while we were there, first to this really neat swimming pool with a fabulous kid area, and 2 fun waterslides. We got stuck in a rainstorm at the end but it was FUN. And then the next day we went to the zoo. Here is a shot of Ella seeing the Elephants....who were outside.

Aunt Deedee and Ella, who drank out of a sippy cup for the first time ever on the trip. Thanks for sharing, Ben!

Ella loving on Rudy, and Rudy loving on Ella. It was so cute to see how interested they were in each other!

Jay and Ella on Jay's 34th Birthday - we had a delicious steak dinner, and topped it off with yellow cake and chocolate frosting. Happy Birthday, Jay!

Thanks for having us!!