Rita at the birthday party with Lilly and Lucas. Cake time!

After much waiting and indecision, Rita and I hopped on a plane and went to Indianapolis for Lilly's birthday party. I haven't been able to take vacation from work because we have been working on an acquisition at work but was given the "all clear" at the end of October to take one day and make the trek home. This was the first time my family got to meet Rita. It was neat to finally share with them our little girl.

We arrived late Friday night. Rita did great on the plane going out - especially since I had the help of Kristin who came out to join the party. On Saturday, we prepared for the party while Rita played with the bazillion toys of Lucas and Lilly. She was in heaven! The party was a hit ... good food and the zoo-themed birthday cakes.

On Sunday, we went out for a big breakfast and then spent a couple hours at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. It was really a cool place. I signed up for information on a family archaeological dig in South Dakota this summer. That sounds like so much fun to me. After the museum, we said our goodbyes to Aunt Tam and Cousins Eric, Ben and Amanda (Ben's wife). We hug out the rest of the afternoon at Tim and Melinda's ... and ended our trip with a stop at Culver's ... my all-time favorite place for turtle sundaes.

Then we headed home on a night flight. Not-so fun people on the flight to Minneapolis who didn't appreciate having to travel in the vicinity a 7-year old. Then a fun flight to San Diego ... we sat by a band just coming off a 10 city tour. They shared their french fries and allowed Rita to stretch out a little bit and sleep.

I think we were in Indy for only 44 hours but it was so worth it!

More pictures of the party can be seen on Melinda's blog.