A Baby in Salem: Time in Indiana and Chicago

We have finally returned home after being gone for a month. We did a tour of all of our Midwest family members and enjoyed showing off Avonlea Jane to family members and friends who had yet to meet her. We had such a wonderful time, but we are glad to be home...and glad to return to our pussy cats.

Avonlea Jane and I started our trip with two weeks in Indiana, spending a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa C, Uncle Dillon, and her great-grandparents.

Avonlea Jane playing with blocks by Great-Grandpa's feet in Indianapolis

Sitting like a lady, on our way to Cincinnati

During our trip, Avonlea Jane's Great-great-grandmother, Memaw, fell ill and was in the hospital. We were fortunate enough to get to go visit with her in Cincinnati. She was in good spirits and was so impressed with what a quiet and well-behaved baby we had. Unfortunately, Memaw passed away the week after we left Indiana. In her last week she was surrounded by friends and family, and we are so glad that we got a chance to spend time with her during our stay. She will certainly be missed; not many people have the blessing of a great-grandmother, let alone a great-great-grandmother.

Visiting with Memaw, who was very happy but cold

While we were in Indiana we also got to spend some time with the V. Family, whose youngest son Felix is only days older than Avonlea Jane.

Felix, the cool dude (sporting a teething necklace just like Avonlea Jane)

Avonlea Jane with the eldest brother Dominic and his grandma

All the kids together (not an easy feat): Dominic, Felix, Avonlea Jane, and our godson Xander

After spending two weeks in the Midwest, David flew in to join us. During his time in Indiana he was a groomsmen in the wedding of our high school friend Josh Pencek. We had a wonderful time at the wedding, and everyone loved seeing Avonlea Jane all dressed up. At the reception, we were the first ones to hit the dance floor, and Avi loved it. Here she is dancing with Daddy.

After the wedding we headed up to Chicago to spend time with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Hubbell who hadn't seen Avonlea Jane since she was five weeks old. She loved spending time with her godparents and meeting their pussy cat who looks a lot like Maxwell. Unfortunately, we don't have any photos of them with Avonlea Jane (or with some of her grandparents) from this visit, because our camera has decided to stop working indoors. We were able to get some pictures with our dear friend Sarah who was able to spend time with us when Jeff and Hubbell were working.