When in Indy...

Things I've been thankful for this week:

1) a better than expected photo shoot--given the circumstances of sickness and being 2 (we had an outdoor photo shoot with Holly Heath around Grabill. This is the same lady who took our pictures when Nora was 5 months. I think the photos turned out great--the focus was Penny but we all got in some of them too. Nora and Mommy had been sick for a day or two but then Friday morning, P.J. woke up sick too--sneezing, running nose, and watery eyes :/ She did so great and even smiled a little. Plus, she really impressed us with her sitting up skills! We get to see the proof soon and will pass them on so you guys can see and order some photos if you want)

2) generous in-laws (we had a great trip to Indy this weekend with Josh's parents. The reason for the trip was for Josh and I to *finally* be able to go on our dinner theater date from Jerry and Kathy for my birthday last year. They came along to babysit and enjoy the fun! We left Saturday morning and headed to a big, beautiful park in Indy to play and have lunch--it was so hot it was a difficult to play for long! Then we headed to our hotel for naps and relaxation before getting dressed up for our show--Church Basement Ladies 2! We sat with a nice couple our age, enjoyed the dinner and laughed (and maybe cried) at the musical. It was a great date :)

3) an excited and active Nora (on Sunday we went to the Indianapolis Childrens Museum and Nora had a ball! She (and we) had so much fun with the different exhibits, rode a carosel, visited Dora, and saw the musical Snoopy. Penny even got to play at the baby area. We could've spent the whole day there but naps needed to be had (!!) and we had to drive home.)

4) new successes on an old potty (so Nora's potty training had been pretty disappointing lately so I was ready for new ideas. Enter other potty that I had had at our house...this potty sits on the floor so Nora can easily access it. All Mommy has to do is casually (!) mention said potty and often Nora will take the hint and go to the potty. She had to have a dress on with no underware but she did great and had no accidents on Tuesday! This has been encouraging for all of us :)

5) a family Kobota ride (Josh mows at Deer Path--his grandparents property and cabin--every other week and Wednesday we all went out for a picnic there. After lunch, our little family got to ride the Great-Grandpa's Kubota around the paths--trying to avoid all the low branches. Afterwards, Nora wanted to sit on the big mower that Josh drives! It's always a relaxing and enjoyable time out on the 100+ acres in the country)