A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

We had such a fun and memorable Memorial Day weekend this year. With a baby on the way, I really want to 'live it up' with my little gal this summer and embrace every opportunity! We'll all be exhausted by the time it's over. :) So, in addition to picking strawberries on Friday (see previous post!).....

On Saturday, we headed downtown for the 500 Festival Parade. It was the first year that Andra's been, and she loved every minute of it! I was SO glad we went...and even MORE glad that I had scored some media passes to get us in free (and possible maneuver ourselves into some nice seats)! We arrived early, found a great spot in the shade (shade, glorious shade!) right by the parade start line (thank you, media passes), acted like we belonged there...and had a great view for the show.

I had no idea what to expect--it's been almost 10 years since I've been to the parade!--but Andra was tickled pink when her favorite Sesame Street characters showed up larger-than-life ...Elmo, Bert and Ernie! What a treat!

You can see she was pretty excited to see Elmo especially! Seeing the joy on her face makes all the sweat and effort of getting there totally worth it!

I took this one just for you, Dad and Uncle J!

And this one for no other reason than to brag about my precious little girl. Those sweet baby blues and beautiful face melt my heart every single day. ...*sigh*... could someone please freeze time? No more growing.

On Saturday, we woke up early with big plans...our annual Monon biking trip. We start in Broadripple, bike to Carmel...have lunch on the trail...then bike back to Broadripple; about 15 miles round trip. And this year, we had a new guest join us...my dad! Andra was giddy to have "Pa" along for the ride! He'd never been along the Monon before, and he was fresh off Mini training, so I knew he'd be up for the challenge (and he always told us he wanted to experience the Monon...so "experience" we did!)

Andra joined us for the ride in her trailer, and we all pedaled the distance and had a lot of fun. Dad even had his first-ever elk burger when we dined at Bub's (elk is much leaner and healthier than beef, but you can't even tell the difference!...why don't they sell this stuff at the grocery??). The morning was beautiful, but it got a little hot just as we were finishing. My pregnant bod held up really well (because Dave pulled Andra!)...but my rump's a little sore from the saddle! It's my goal to add a family member to our trip each year (that means you're next, Mom!) oh wait, we'll have a baby next year too! yikes!

Andra and Pa taking a load off before lunch!

Hot, sweaty, and totally preggers...attractive, eh? :)

On tap for the final day of our long weekend...absolutely nothing!