Escape to Indianapolis

We got back from the PEF retreat on Sunday afternoon, October 28.  We had been keeping an eye on the weather forecast, since we knew we were supposed to get hit at least a little by the storm that was starting to come up the east coast.  We figured we would have to hunker down and deal with rain and wind for a few days.  But as we kept watching the weather and reading the dire prognostications, we started to worry about what it would be like to care for our two little ones during what might be days without power...  So we decided, somewhat spur of the moment, to evacuate.  David had the week off since it was Princeton's fall break, so we called the grandparents and planned a trip out to Indianapolis!

(And as it turns out, this was definitely the right move.  The power went out in our neighborhood on Monday afternoon, and didn't come back until late Friday night.  Major roads were blocked by downed trees and live wires, and Princeton was just a mess for the entire week.  So we were really glad to be enjoying grandparental hospitality out in Indy for the week instead!)

We drove out on Monday morning -- in hard driving rain almost the entire way.  The storms didn't let up until we were well into western Ohio!  Joshua and Sophia did surprisingly well in the car.  We stopped every few hours for Sophia to nurse and Joshua to stretch his legs (i.e., run around like a maniac in the turnpike rest areas), and we only had a few toddler tantrums and infant meltdowns on the 14.5-hour trip.  The biggest tantrum happened in western PA -- Joshua was entranced by the large tunnels through the mountains, and was so excited every time we came up on a new one.  Unfortunately, there are only four tunnels on the PA Turnpike.  After we went through the last one, Joshua kept asking to "see another tunnel??"  And meltdowns ensued when I tried to explain that we were all done with the tunnels.  (Joshua apparently believes that we're omnipotent and just holding out on him in these moments...)  In an attempt to distract, I pointed out a truck hauling a tractor in the lane next to us.  Joshua was fascinated.  And as soon as we passed the truck: "See another tractor??"  It took us a while to live that one down...

But we made it safely to Indianapolis!  It was Sophia's first time meeting her Grandpa Keddie, and she wrapped him right around her little finger.  :)  The kiddos both loved hanging out with their grandparents.  Joshua and Grandma picked up right where they had left off after her last visit -- nice long walks, reading new library books, and playing with all kinds of wheeled toys.

And David and I got to go out on an actual date!  Kid-free!  :)  We recreated the very first kid-free date we went on after Joshua was born, by going out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and walking around the mall together a bit.  Many, many thanks to Grandma for watching the kids so we could spend some much-needed time together!

We're so thankful we were able to get away for the week -- not only to avoid Hurricane Sandy, but to have such a wonderful time with those we love.  The four of us can't wait until the next time we visit!