Parents Weekend at IU

So glad we were able to spend Parents Weekend at IU Bloomington this past weekend.  We made plans a few months back with my brother and his family to take Friday off and spend a long weekend there at Jellystone in Bloomington...just about 10 miles from campus.  Other than it being a little chilly, we had a great weekend.  We were able to get just about everything in that we wanted to do, but as always, could have used a couple more days :)
Unfortunately it took us about 5 1/2 hours to get there on Thursday evening.  It put us in about 10:30 pm so we basically parked and went to bed.  Day 1 was busy.  Ben and Tyler made plans to golf (half price) at IU golf course at 11 am so we all drove in to see him and Abby.  Abby took off to class, Ben and Tyler went to the golf course, while Chad, Amber, me and all the kiddos went shopping on Kirkwood and to TIS Bookstore (my fave, along with Tracks).  Even got to meet up with cousin, Ryan on our walk back to the car.  The girls wondered why a boy lived in a pink house :)

Headed back to the campground about 2 to eat a light lunch and let the kids play on the bouncy pillow and swim at the indoor pool.  Also were able to feed a few horses across the rode (Addy loved this).  We got ready for dinner...tried a new recipe (courtesy of pinterest) that I thought Tyler would love (Buffalo Chicken, Italian pasta, baked beans, chips and peanut butter covered oreos).  Tyler and Ben showed up right around this time, along with Abby.  We decided to check out the hiking trail to the waterfall but it ended up being dried up.  It was still a fun walk and we even found a box turtle and learned about some huge mushrooms.  Came back to the camper, ate dinner and sat around the fire until my parents, Ben's dad and Trenton all showed up about 9:45 pm. to eat some s'mores and join in the laughter.  It was good to have everyone together at that moment. 

We decided on heading to campus about 9:30 am to do a little shopping so everyone was geared up in IU wear for the big football game (IU vs. Penn State) at noon.  We stopped at the Sample Gates also for some photos.  Grabbed some lunch at Chipotle and caught the bus to the stadium.  Not too bad of seats, not too cold, just sorry IU didn't win.  10-16 was the final but we later found out that IU didn't have four of their starters in.  Makes you wonder what could have happened if they did!  We were actually expecting Penn State to beat IU by much more.  After catching the bus back to Kirkwood to get our vehicles we made a quick run back to the campground to let our doggies out and headed back so we could meet up with Trenton (stayed with Tyler most the weekend), Ryan and Abby for some dinner.  Gerry (Abby's dad) and his gf met up with us also to eat at Yogi's. 

Since we were unable to really walk through campus on Saturday because of the game, etc. we decided a quick walk through was necessary on Sunday morning.  We met up with Trenton, Tyler and Abby for this reason.  I love the Rose Well House so I wanted to take everyone there for photos.  Even got one of Tyler giving Abby a kiss considering the legend there.  Also checked out the Union, the beautiful paths through campus, Herman B. Wells, the Showalter Fountain and the School of Education (Chad's old stomping grounds).

A great trip for us...so glad our family was able to go.  I know Tyler had a wonderful time and was so glad to see us all.