Well, lately, with all work and no play.. Kate was becoming pretty pissed off. So I decided it was time for Caleb and I to set off on a trip out-of-state. I have a sister to the South and a cousin, who is basically like a sister, to the North, so I had to choose. Ilene, the cousin, won the toss-up because A. she is closer and B. she has two ADORABLE daughters who I am determined to win over and claim the title of “Favorite Aunt.” So I packed up my Ipod, stay-over bag, and my travel-size entertainment/boyfriend, then we hit the road.
All was going quite well until we hit the border between my beloved Buckeye State and the ‘state to the north.’ Side Note: I would like to point out that I don’t care about football one bit. So why I dislike Michigan is not because of some stupid rivalry. Why you ask then? Read on. Now if you have ever been to visit the lovely state of Michigan I hope your GPS or Map steered you in a direction that was correct and straight forward. Unfortunately, I was unprepared for something called the “Michigan U-Turn.” Side Note: Since making my complaints public I have been informed it is also called : “Michigan Lefts,” “Trooper Turnabouts,” “Barney ol field,” & “Just plain stupid and not practical.”Anyways, I was directed right into the path of this menace to the Out-of-State tourist. After much confusion, screaming, tears, and deep breathing I was able to get through this obstacle and on to our fabulous destination of Canton, Michigan.
Side Note: Now Ilene has a perfect, little, story book family with two beautiful children and a wonderful husband named Kevin. Kevin is so wonderful because he lives in a household with three opinionated woman and he manages to have no grey hair and still has a sense of humor. So upon arrival our perfect, little, story book hosts whisked us away to a Cider Mill called Apple Charlies. This was located “down river” as I was informed. Although I couldn’t tell you the geographic location of “down river.” I’m assuming it was somewhere near Canton, but south. Apple Charlies was a very interesting place with children’s fair rides, pony rides, hay wagon rides, apple cider (YUM), barn animals, acres of apple trees for picking, and apple cinnamon donuts (double YUM). I had never been to a Cider Mill before, but for my first time I thought it was great! And FREE!! (My empty pockets and cheap boyfriend beamed with joy)
After the Cider Mill we headed off to dinner at the Rusty Bucket. I am told we have these in Ohio, but I have never heard of it before. I would highly recommend their food. Then came Cold Stone where Mary Grace (19 months old) discovered it was much more practical to fill her spoon with ice cream, turn it upside, then stick whatever hadn’t fallen onto her shirt into her mouth. Much to Caleb and I’s delight she managed to do this several times before her parents finally took the ice cream away.
After a pretty packed afternoon we all changed into comfy pj’s and decided to play a wholesome game of “Battle of the Sexes” and then “Clue.” Ilene and I, of course, won the “battle,” but we decided after one round the cards were too cliché. Now “Clue,” well that was an educational experience in its self. I have played this game many times, but never surrounded by 3 VERY shisty people. If the goal of the game was to confuse Kate and Caleb.. it worked. I’m not going to go more in detail because I learned a few tricks to win every time and I don’t want people to know them. 
The last eventful thing to happen was we changed our first stinky, baby diaper. And this isn’t your normal, tear it off, wrap it up, and throw away ordeal. This is a clothe diaper on a baby that is lactose intolerant. Kevin was at work and Ilene left us with the kids while she went to church and then my worst fear happened. Mary Grace started to smell, I made eye contact with Caleb and said “are you ready for this?” To which he replied with deadly calm, “let’s do this.” lol. So now that we had each other’s backs, we got down to business and set up an assembly line. First, mat on floor. Second, wipes and lotion station. Third, clean diaper/ happy baby station. Caleb, the best boyfriend in the world, stood at the bathroom door waiting for me to slide the diaper to the door to rinse and repeat. I understand how its good for the baby and the environment, but holy cheese and crackers that’s quite a chore. Overall we made a good team and it wasn’t as bad as I had always imagined.
After dancing around the living room with Caleb and the girls for an hour, we were both beat and ready to go back to our childless lives in Ohio. It was a wonderful trip and a great adventure!
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