Our first day in Indiana was a good one (as I already wrote). We met up with our friends, we ate lunch, we went swimming, we played, we went to dinner.

At dinner, all three of the kids proved once again that the Leapster was a worthwhile investment. Before dinner they took turns playing on it. After dinner, when Annalie fell asleep in Gramaw’s lap, Gabby and Annie kept themselves occupied with the Leapster for nearly an hour while the grown-ups chatted.

The day after that, Annalie had a fever and we stayed in the hotel all day.

But the next day, Annalie’s fever was gone and she was feeling chipper and raring to go. We arranged to meet Angela and Gabby & Annie at their favorite Italian restaurant.

We killed time while we waited by taking a few photos. Once everyone was there, we sat down, ordered food, and ate. That was when Angela’s favorite Italian restaurant became my favorite Italian restaurant because WOW was that food delicious.

I love these shots. Gabby and Annalie are all, “Whatever, take my picture if you gotta, I guess.” Meanwhile Annie’s a bundle of beaming, hugging joy. Those jaded 5-year-olds, they’re so bershon.

On the way home from the restaurant, we took a strange route for some reason—I don’t remember why—and we went under this musical bridge. Of course I pulled over and parked so we could take photos. Because in our family, that’s what we do.