All Kinds of Companions

Whew- It's already been a fun family "weekend" with lots of relatives and great things to do. Can it get any better? Of course! Our families are always up for more fun.

Thad and Paula invited us to Cincinnati in the evening to watch the recording of Prairie Home Companion at the Music Hall. Mamak and Pa were gracious enough to watch the kiddos so Judson and I could take our maiden voyage to IKEA as well that day. Oh, my! We had a great time at IKEA. So many wonderful things... for us and the kids! (and very affordable!)

We then finally saw Thad and Paula's "new" place. Lots of character (the apartment and the company!) Thad and Paula took us to a local pizzeria and we had a delicious dinner. Then off to the beautiful, historic (like most of Cinci) Music Hall. I couldn't quit smiling through the whole show...

Garrison Keillor (right) in the Cincinnati taping of

A Prairie Home Companion. Musical guests were Andra

Suchy, Jake Speed and the Freddies, and The Boys of the Lough.

Then MORE fun, off to a neighborhood pub to have more quality time with the Cinci Strucks. After a cozy evening on what I like to call "the sleep number bed of air mattresses," we had a great breakfast and got to try Goetta at Echos. Paula was then off to work while Thad, Judson and I toured a local children's bookstore and toy store. Don't worry - we were able to practice restraint... we actually came out of ONE of the stores empty-handed.

Upon returning to the NV Struck abode, we found there had been a lot of fun made there, too! They went to church where Thomas was certain to point out he "want other church." (He misses Fr. Bob!) But, the service was redeemed when Thomas heard I Have Loved You. He did not hold back on the applause and commentary from the front row... "I like that song." Apparently some around him agreed.

Pa did not hesitate to teach them about football [fopo] while we were out. Thomas caught on to the tackling quickly. He would run through the house and through himself on the ground, "TICKLE!" With the opportunity to watch more of the glorious sporting event, Veronica learned that she needed to be on top of Thomas when he did this.

The ride home was a little hairy as neither found a nap important that day. However, with a promise to visit "Elmo's House" [Mike's Car Wash], some patience was found.