Destination: Chicago O’Hare -> Cleveland, OH (8 hours, 500 miles)
After a few fun filled days at Ron and Naomi’s it was time to get back on the road (and in the air) and ultimately home! We started the morning by checking out the South Haven farmers market. Brooke and I got some donuts and Ron and Naomi were nice enough to buy Brooke a unicorn necklace and some strawberry kettle corn. Jaclyn and I tried (and bought) some not dehydrated jerky which was interesting. Ron and I were interested in the lamb bratwurst but had literally just had brats the night before and had several in the fridge for us. Jaclyn and Brooke also got the first cherries of the season (they were pumped!).
After the farmers market we went to a rocky beach about 2 mins from their house. We spent some time skipping rocks, which is really hard with waves, and then we resorted to just throwing them in and having fun. We then took a short walk on a sandy trail and headed back to the house.
Unfortunately, after a quick lunch it was pack, pack, pack! Ron and Naomi were so nice to watch the kids while we packed. They also wore them out for us and made the car ride easier!
We said our final goodbyes to Ron and Naomi and hemmed and hawed about taking some big toy trucks with us that Beckett loved. Ultimately we decided not to. We got on the road around 2:45 and Beckett fell asleep instantly. Brooke (and Jaclyn) weren’t far behind. We hit a little traffic, and their flight got pushed back a bit but I dropped them off at O’Hare with everything they needed for the flight and home.
I then immediately turned around and headed for Cleveland. Jaclyn gave me updates of how well everything was going at the airport despite the fact that TSA made Beckett give up his cheerios cup so they could x-ray it and that they used the bathroom 3 times in 15 minutes. Their flight also got delayed a few more times, so total it was delayed like 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, I kept driving a very uneventful drive. I eventually made it to Cleveland around 11:15 and Jaclyn and the kids landed in Logan around 11:30.
Al was kind enough to get my car (cause we need the car seats) and pick them up at Logan. Unfortunately, as soon as Beckett saw my car but with Al driving he cried uncontrollably. I guess that’s what 20+ days of being together 24/7 will do! Jaclyn held his hand on the ride back but it was still a pretty noisy ride back for everyone. Brooke finally fell asleep in the car around midnight. Jaclyn transferred Brooke into the house and then did the same with Beckett. Unfortunately, he wasn’t having anything to do with his crib. He refused to sleep in it and Jaclyn actually ended up sleeping on his crib mattress on the floor with him (dedicated mama!). Meanwhile, I thought I had issues because I couldn’t fall asleep in Cleveland 😳
Even though Jaclyn and he kids had a long night they were at least back home and could wake up in their own home.
Oh, also, Al was nice enough to stock us up with some groceries so we didn’t have to go shopping first thing when we returned. Thanks again!
Al has totally made this trip possible with his help. He woke up at probably 3am to drop them off at the airport, took care of the flies in our basement, dealt with our trash cans, stopped by the house several times to make sure it was ok, picked them up in Boston at midnight and brought us some food! Thank youuuuu!!!!!!
-Jay