Graduation

Sorry for the long delay in posting. Last week in New England was rainy - and not that nice, spring rain type of rainy - it was cold, dark, and pouring. All week.

Last weekend was our epic trek to Ohio. My baby sister, Kati, was graduating from Kenyon College (near Columbus, OH), and Pete had a wedding and his half-Ironman (near Cincinnati, OH). So we loaded up Thursday night for the trip down to NJ, got in around midnight, and then I got up with my sisters around 6am to start the drive out to Kenyon. We rented a mini-van, and piled in.

Smiles at the beginning of the trip.

We filled that van to the brim. Including the middle aisle. Ah, isn't traveling with children fun?

Thanks to Kip's speed-of-light driving, we made it to our rental house in just over 7 hours, stretched, and went up to Kenyon to have dinner at Kati's.

 Stretching those legs after a long drive.

 The graduate.

My Mom took this picture. In case you are wondering, that's (left to right) me- 2nd oldest, Julie -oldest and due in September, Kati- youngest, Jess-3rd oldest, and of course Addy and Chloe. Nope, none of us are twins, and yep, we look like sisters.

 Kati (Meirs) on the record board.

Kenyon has a big old train on campus. I missed the whole story about it, because I was running on empty at that point, but we had a good time exploring.

A nest of birds hiding under the train. The babies have almost outgrown the nest, ready to fly off on their own. And on graduation weekend, it proves that Mother Nature loves a good cliché.

And then it was time for the main event. A 3 hour main event, and I'd like to brag that Addy held it together for the whole thing. And promptly passed out as soon as she was strapped in and the stroller started to roll.

Proud parents.

We helped Kati and Andrew finish their packing, went out to dinner, and crashed into bed. When we loaded up into the car the next morning, it was a slightly different mood than the ride out...

We made it to NJ, and waited for Pete to arrive home from his triathlon to make the 6 hour drive back home. He completed the full half-Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) in just a few seconds over 8 hours. And has the medal to prove it.

I'll make up for my lack of blogging last week - I have a big photo shoot tomorrow!