Springfield, Missouri!

After a beautiful drive through Kentucky, we slowed our pace and enjoyed relaxing in Springfield, Missouri. We stayed with Aaron’s cousins, Erica and Brian, and their tiny two-month-old baby, Elizabeth Jane (a.k.a. “Chicken Nugget”).

Elizabeth Jane Praschan

When we arrived, we were enthusiastically greeted by their Italian Greyhound named Lilly. Initially, we were too shallow to recognize Lilly’s inner beauty. Note: Italian Greyhounds are not furry and pudgy. However, Lilly quickly endeared herself to us and before long she was cuddling in our laps. We joined Erica, Brian and Elizabeth on their nightly walk, getting the low-down on strollers and watching Lilly race a dachshund (we highly recommend this form of entertainment). We also enjoyed getting the tour of an interior designer’s house (that’s Erica) and witnessing Elizabeth’s first swim in the pool. We also take took part in the classic Southern art of porch sitting.

Coincidentally, Jillian’s great-grandmother’s brother, Uncle Jim, and his wife, Donna, also live in Springfield, and they were kind enough to take us all to a delicious sushi lunch. They even share mutual friends with Brian and Erica!

Spending Time with Loved Ones

In short, our Missouri stop consisted of catching up with and getting to know each other’s families. We really enjoyed spending time with Erica and Brian and meeting Elizabeth for the first time! Aaron and Erica even got to relive some of their ADME club memories when Erica brought out their “Dumb Guy” portfolio, a collection of their childhood plans, drawings and paper dolls. After our visit, we left the next morning and drove fourteen hours through the beautiful plains to Colorado!

"Dumb Guy" Paper Dolls

-A & J