Road Warrior Momma

Day 25 – June 22, 2012

Columbus, OH – Indianapolis, IN

190 miles/3 hours

We spent our morning on a mini-Columbus tour. As expectedJ I dragged them to the Ohio State Capitol, which by the way, is in need of a face lift. I don’t know if they were trying to send a message, about being the back bone of America, or car/ tire makers, but it was an industrial looking building. Very little pomp and circumstance - and very much in need of a pressure wash! It was the only blight we saw on another wise, nice downtown.

Next we ended up in the Ohio State University area. Mainly, we were in search of a bookstore for Aud, Cam & I...we all needed something new to read (don’t ask about the twins….haven’t cracked a book!). It’s a beautiful campus and there were very nice people in the bookstore. Then we did a supply run at Target, before heading west to Indiana.

Easy drive. We ate left over pizza from the night before, in the car for lunch. Cammy opted for a yogurt he’d swiped at the buffet that morning. I didn’t have a spoon, so kept trying to hold him off till we made a pit-stop…but he kept persisting. “Mommy….did you find a spoon?” Those of you familiar with his voice can imagine…it got whinier as the time ticked onJ. I explained I couldn’t look while I was driving…”have some pizza”. A few minutes went by, “Mommy, what about the white spoons, forks, and knives you bought, that you use in the hotel?” Busted. I literally pulled over to the side of the road….well on the grass…and got the kid his damn spoon! “Thanks M-o-m-m-y.” Then the milk smile!

Once we hit Indianapolis, we visited the capitol…not to beat a dead horse….and then the Indiana Museum of Art, which was awesome. I couldn’t believe how nice it was (and free!) The kids were actually good, but only Audrey truly enjoyed it. We saw paintings by Renoir, Monet, Da Vinci & Georgia O’Keeffe. They had an impressive collection. One exhibit was textiles, which highlighted the dresses of Halston & Bill Blass. Very Cool. Finally….the Contemporary Art section had all the kids rolling. Some very strange stuff.

Back at the hotel (pretty nice, but off the beaten path) the kids swam in the hotel pool. I have a new definition of Hell: My four kids, competing with three other kids, at an indoor pool, to be the loudest. Put. A. Bullet. In. My. Brain. Headache in 5 minutes.

After swimming, back in the room, the kids were changing back into their clothes. I came out of the bathroom & there’s Camden, butt naked, bent over, mooning the parking lot below (we’re on the second floor). What the…?

“Camden what are you doing?”

“Hunter told me to do it!”

Don’t know where Hunger came up with that, nor do I want to! Audrey starts laughing and tells me (as she looks out the window) that “they’re” waving at her….oh dear Lord.

As I’d mentioned…off the beaten path, very few choices for dinner. After ten minutes of cruising the area….McDonalds. So, I am feasting on a side salad and handfuls of Goldfish crackers. Chicago…here we come.

The night in the hotel room is proving to be long…and not because of Bear, this time. Hunter cannot contain his excitement about our Indy 500 tour tomorrow. I hope it lives up to his expectations. Not much on TV….except Presidential Campaign Commercials….poor Ohio…I swear they are on constantly!!!!!!!!!!!!