Fifth Stop: Indiana
We headed off to Indiana on Friday afternoon. We were there to attend two family reunions, the first of which was the First Annual Yergler Reunion. All of my aunts and uncles on my dad’s side were there, along with many of my cousins and their children. Most of us stayed overnight together in a big lodge (the same one we stayed in for my Grandma’s funeral in January). This was great, as it helped maximize our time there and the kids all had a blast running around and generally making a lot of noise. At two years old, Adrianna fell right between two 2nd cousins who were 15 months old (Noah and Ella) and one who was almost 4 (Maddy). Adrianna enjoyed playing with Maddy. I know that next year when the age/maturity gap closes with her two younger 2nd cousins that they will get along fabulously too. Adrianna also spent a lot of time chasing after a 3rd cousin (Paige) who is also 2. I hope that some of her first cousins can make it next year too. (Hint, hint Cindy!)
We also were able to make a trip into LaPorte to visit my cousin Larrina and her children. I hadn’t seen her in quite a few years, so I am really glad we were able to chat with them for a morning.
On Sunday, we attended the Whitcomb family reunion. Here is a fun fact: this branch of my family has been in the United States now for 378 years. My grandmother was also an active member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), which is a non-profit group made up of women who are direct descendants from patriots of the American Revolution and are interested in historic preservation and genealogy. Since I am her granddaughter, I guess this means that I could join too. So could Adrianna, after she turns 18.
Sixth Stop: Springfield, Illinois
No real excitement here. This was just an in-between stop for us as we traveled to our next destination. We did stay at a nice Ramada hotel and go swimming though.
Seventh Stop: Kansas City
We visited Greg’s sister, Kristi, in Kansas City. I tell you what; it is SO great to visit locals when you go to visit other cities, because they can take you to the greatest restaurants or other attractions. Kristi took us to the plaza, a place neither Greg or I had been to before. The buildings there are beautifully designed after Spanish architecture and there are water fountains all over, much to Adrianna’s delight. We ate at this wonderful BBQ place called Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue.
On Tuesday morning, Kristi took us to this farm that has miniature horses. We were in luck; they were right up at the fence along the road. The horses were adorable and some even let us pet their soft, velvety noses. If I ever get the hobby farm I have wanted all my life, I think I may have to get myself a miniature horse too. 🙂
Eighth Stop: Kansas
Our next and final stop was to visit Adrianna’s Grammy and Grampy in Kansas. Greg and I were both treated to some delicious homemade pies to celebrate our birthdays. Yum!
So as you can see, it was quite the trip. 11 days, 3000+ miles, 8 different destinations. Visits with lots of friends and family. I loved it.