Ohio State v. Illinois.  ||  October 15

An annual tradition…in its 2nd year.

Our 2010 visit had us Hauers sharing our news with Kim and Brandon — they were the first to find out that “nutter butter” was arriving.  There were no secrets to be had since our agenda for that weekend was to relive college and watch football — both of which involved me having a drink. And, well, I’m not a good liar.

Round 2 we returned to the scene of the first reveal — Motel 6, Urbana, Illinois. Without Kim and Brandon it didn’t seem nearly as classy but it served its purpose. And other than our heavy-footed friends in the room above us, it was perfectly acceptable.

We got there on Friday night and spent some family time around downtown Champaign. There were rave reviews for The Blind Pig but upon walking past I deemed it a non-stroller friendly establishment — you know, littered with bar stools and only one window and 5 lights in the whole place. I’m sure that the reviews were warranted when they said they had a great beer selection 🙂 We then debated if we looked like college kids that just happened to have a baby, or 30 year olds with a baby walking around campus. Is one better than the other? In the end we found a more suitable establishment; however, we were sat by the front entrance as the stroller could go no further. Ha!

Anyhow, back to the main event. The Lennox family were kind enough to, not only offer us free tickets to the game — sure they were in the Illinois season ticket section — but to offer free babysitting while Bill and I attended said game (with John and Kelsey). Jack spent the afternoon being doted on by Maria and Kyle. When the report was “he is the cutest baby ever” – I knew he had been on his best behavior.  While we were out they sneakily replaced his Ohio State bib with an Illinois sweatshirt. As if.

kelsey & jack

It was surreal to have someone I babysat, babysitting my child. And I know it was wild for Maria to be watching over Jack when she knew me as a 12 year old who watched her kids! Lovely to spend time with all of the Lennox family — including the dogs (thankful to know Molly isn’t the only high-maintenance dog around town). So proud of Kyle who is in law school at Illinois, and so amazed at the lovely lady Kelsey has become. So grown up 🙂

It’s painful — I didn’t get any more pictures of them with him! #fail

Jack was a great traveler. And seemed to enjoy his routine a la Motel 6.

He indulged our little – ahem 2 hour – trip to the outlet mall. And almost made it all the way home without screaming despite our detour through Madison, Indiana instead of sitting in I-65 bridge traffic.

Oh, and the Buckeyes won. 17-7. According to Kelsey the game itself was boring.

Til next year.