the garber gang

the garber gang

Monday, December 28, 2009

Our Family Vacation


Ma and Pa took us on a family vacation. It took place in Indianapolis which was only about a two hour drive from Wilmington. We rode in a 15 passenger van, so we could have the full effect of a family vacation. The cousins (Logan, Carson, Maddie, and Ty) were perfect the entire trip. They traveled well, played nicely at the hotel, enjoyed swimming, loved the excursions, and had good behavior at all the restaurants. Personally, it was a vacation for me. Ty and Maddie were outnumber by adults for the trip. I had no house work or laundry to do. When we left the suite in the morning dirt, we returned to a clean suite. I got to go shopping with my mom and sister during nap time. I went to bed each night by 10 p.m. because I didn't have to pick up and I hardly worked on my masters assignments! View all the posts from the trip. You might even have to go to older posts to see everything. If you are looking for a city to go to, I highly suggest Indy. The only things we didn't get to do were go to the zoo (too cold) or tour either stadium. Thanks ma and pa for the trip!!!!

Children's Museum

The Children's Museum in Indy was phenomenal! It entertained Ty and Maddie (21 months), Carson (4), and Logan (7).
The twins touching a real dinosaur bone.
Molds of dino teeth
Can you picture Ty with a dino tooth?
Ty dressed as a dino to play.
The dino area was a huge hit. We had to talk the kids into moving on. It was the first place we went to and we spent a lot of time there!
A tunnel to play in.
Ty and R2D2
How many Tys are there?
Maddie creating an outfit for a barbie. She liked the Barbie area, but the boys were not too interested.
A padded play zone...perfect!
Maddie driving the loader tractor.
The water table
Maddie, the turtle
It was a long day. We got to the museum at 10:30 and left around 3 p.m. Maddie and Ty did not get a nap. They were troopers until the very end!
They both fell asleep in the planetarium during the Sesame Street show.

Swimming

Our hotel had an indoor pool. I think Carson, Logan, Maddie, and Ty would have been quite happy to spend their entire vacation in it!
It was fun to see Maddie and Ty in the water. They were doing so many new things since the summer.
Maddie wanted to "swim" around the entire pool.
Ty was floating with Uncle Jason. It was so relaxing he almost fell asleep!
Ma helped Maddie dry off. She was not pleased to have to leave. She is still asking to go swimming. I don't think she likes my answer, "we will go swimming when it gets warm."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Sunday morning after brunch at the Brickyard Crossing, we went to the Speedway to tour the track and museum.
A bus took us on a ride around the track.
This is the start and finish line.

Ready for the bus tour to begin.
Inside the museum
There was one car for children to climb on and sit in. Thank goodness!!
Will Maddie be the next Danica Patrick?

Carriage Ride

Sunday night we took a carriage ride with Dakota leading us.
We packed into the carriage.
It was very cozy inside which kept us all warm.
Dakota posed for a picture with us after the ride. He even let us pet him.

Trains



Our final stop in Indy, was to the Crowne Plaza at Union Station to see the train located inside the hotel. There are even hotel rooms inside the train!

Christmas Afternoon

Maddie is worn out on Christmas afternoon. On Christmas Day we traveled to Wilmington to visit Ma and Pa. We were there by noon. After opening presents with Ma and Pa, the Meyers Family, and Uncle Doug, the aunts came over. They spoiled Maddie and Ty as usual!
Maddie playing peek-a-boo with me and Ty signing "eat" while opening presents.
Maddie showing off her present from Uncle Doug.
Ty with his present from Uncle Doug. Thanks Uncle Doug!!!
Maddie modeling her new raincoat from Ma and Pa.

Christmas Morning

Ty helping Daddy put together his new tool bench.
Ty giving the baby a drink while in the swing.
Maddie pushing the baby in her new stroller.
Ty and Maddie with their new stuffed animals that Mimi got in NY City.
Ty opening presents while Maddie tends to her baby. Eventually, she gave her baby to Papa to watch while she opened presents.
Ty was eager to open presents on Christmas morning. Opening presents was a slow process. Once a gift was finally opened, then Ty and Maddie had to play with it. Repeat this process over and over!! Mimi and Papa came over to help open presents.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at Mimi and Papa's.
After opening presents and dinner, Maddie got naked!
Ty and Daddy in their Santa hats.
Maddie with "grapes" (a.k.a. olives) on her fingers.