Birthday and Valentine's Day Happenings

Last week Uncle Chuck and Auntie Jo "swung by" for a few hours on their way driving from New York state to Wheaton - hopefully for them the detour was worth it, because we really enjoyed getting to see them and introduce Gemma to them! Gemma was particularly taken with the necklace that Auntie Jo was wearing, which happened to be Uncle Chuck's baby bracelet with some bells on it. She got so excited grabbing it and chewing it that she spit up on Auntie Jo's sweater sleeve.

And for those of you familiar with the J&J birthday tradition, last week was my surprise birthday dinner and dessert prepared by Jim. He made Cape chicken curry (as in Cape Malay, Western Cape, South Africa) with peach chutney, kale with peanut sauce and low-fat carrot cake!! It was a good way to turn 32 (yikes). He also bought me a really awesome, chunky silver bracelet and some ABC blocks. Okay so those are for Gemma but I have been wanting to get them! And with some birthday money I bought a yoga mat, now that Melanie Brasher has invited me to join her at a Wednesday night yoga class. I've been twice and was sore after both times. Good workout.

For Valentine's Day we ventured one county over to Brown County State Park to investigate the park and lodge as a potential Gieser family reunion location. The park is pretty huge - great vistas, too - and has lots of trails for walking, biking and horses, plus the lodge with swimming pool and restaurant. Even in winter it was beautiful and we could see why the autumn colors would draw so many people. (and it is only 30 minutes away for us) Our first night away as a family sleeping in the same room!

At the entrance to the Park is Indiana's oldest covered bridge (brought here from its original location).

The highlight of the lodge was the indoor waterpark!! We didn't go down the huge winding slide or down the lazy river (next time, when Gemma is older) but we did have fun watching Gemma splash around in the 'fountain'. She loved putting her hands and feet into the fountain and even got a face full of water a few times, but she was happy and content the whole time. And she continues to be very observant of people and noises, and spent time looking around and intently watching the other kids.