Road Trip to Ohio!

Eric and I have been off work since last Thurs to head to Akron, OH. He's usually off on Thurs & Fri, and doesn't go back to work until next Sunday! Anywho, we took off Thursday morning on the road to Akron, OH to spend the weekend with my friend Julie. Her son, Jacob, graduated from high school and this weekend was the graduation party. Our friend Michele also came down from Canada too! I've know Michele and Julie since 1999, and Julie and I have met up almost every yeaer since 2001, but I'd never met Michele n person, and I was really looking forward to this trip!

We got on the road at 9 on Thursday after loading up the car with all the necessities - including a ton of dog stuff (toys, crate, bed, food, water, and more toys!). It took longer than expected to get out of NC, but other than that the drive was pretty uneventful. Aggie took about an hour to settle down and sleep, and after each stop (3 total) it took her less time to get settled in again. Happy to report that she travels well and there were no accidents in the car!

We got to Julie's house around 6:15 pm (and picked up the package that was sent there for me; long story, but thanks to Julie for letting me redirect it there!!!) and visited with Julie and her family for a little while. Then we headed to our hotel. We had to stay at a hotel about 20 minutes away because it was the closest pet-friendly hotel. It was a Sheraton Suites and not at all what I pictured....It looked like a normal hotel, and I guess I'd expected doors that open outside (motel style). It worked out GREAT though, having a suite meant that Aggie could be set up in the living room and not get used to sleeping in our room again. It was kind of a long walk to get outside for potty breaks for her, but it worked out just fine. And the hotel had wi-fi, a mini-fridge, 2 TVs, etc.

Friday morning we had room service for breakfast, then headed over to Julie's to go pick Michele up at the airport. Eric & Aggie hung out at Julie's house (with her hubby and 2 sons; they all got along well!) while Julie and I headed to pick up Michele. Once she arrived, we headed back to Julie's and hung out/got caught up. Fun fun! Julie's family came over that evening, and we had some beverages on the patio. The tent went up for the festivities on Saturday and a few other prep items got checked off the to-do list. It was also great to see Julie's family - her mom, sister and family, and her brother and his wife (with a baby on the way).

Saturday Michele, Eric and I met for breakfast then headed to Julie's around 1pm. We helped with party-prep and then it was time for the fun to begin! It was great to meet the other members of Julie's family - her hubby's sisters/brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an old coworker of Brian's (who's son happens to work with a friend of mine from high school -small world!!).

And then it was time to head back to NC. We hit the road by 8 am on Sunday and Aggie slept the entire way home. She was tired after all of the attention all weekend long. Everyone thought she was the cutest thing - and gave her lots of love and attention. We found a shortcut in NC that got us home about an hour earlier than expected so we were home by a little after 4pm on Sunday.

All in all, a fabulous trip! Next time, we'll fly, though!