Hi guys!
I spent last weekend in Dayton, Ohio visiting my Grandparents. It was so nice to see them and some of my aunts and uncles who also live in the area. My Dad met me up there, so it was also great to see him as well. The Hubs stayed behind because he is busy working on ALL THE TAXES (He's a CPA.)
The fun started Friday night when my Dad picked me up from the airport. We met my Aunt Patty and Uncle Bob and had dinner at Outback. It was pretty dark in the restaurant, so the picture turned out wonky... but you get the idea. It was lovely to have a family meal!
I got the Crab Stuffed Tilapia! Yummy.
Saturday my Dad and I went out to get brunch. We ate at First Watch, which is actually one of my favorite chains from Florida. This superfood salad and roasted vegetable sandwich tasted dreamy.
It was strange eating what I identify at Florida food in Dayton... but I went with it. I'm totally craving this again so I'm going to have to recreate it.
After brunch we picked up my Grandparents at their new home in the retirement village and got in the car to go see my Aunt Rachael who lives in Columbus. She was dog sitting and couldn't leave her house, so we went to her!
This might be my Grandmother's first selfie... I'm not sure :-).
My aunt cooked us a delicious meal including her famous ribs (salmon for me!) with vegetables and fruit! It was so nice to see her and her beautiful home. She made me want to come home and re-decorate because her house was so cute.
Isn't her dog Stoli adorable too?
Sunday morning started off with a nice long run along the river that runs by the University of Dayton campus. I didn't track how many miles, but I ran for about 45 minutes... which felt amazing.
I even ran through a park with some Wright Brothers ties. Next time I go back, I'm totally taking the Hubs here.
Sunday we went back over to my Grandparents retirement village to hang out with them for the afternoon. We caught up and watched some tv.
We also made sure my Dad got in some of his steps for the day! He tries to track over 10,500 each day on his fitbit. Luckily the weather was perfect for a walk.
For dinner Sunday the family got together at Marion's pizza, which is a long standing Sunday night Wunder family tradition. My Aunt Patty and Aunt Beth were also there.
The pizza was crispy and comes in bite sized pieces. They all got the super meaty combo, but I ordered half with veggies. It's pretty tasty and one of those things that is comforting because it never changes. I've been eating this every time I visited Dayton for as along as I can remember.
Monday my Dad and I both had some trouble getting home with severe storms in Atlanta, but we both finally got back. You should have seen the Atlanta airport though... it was crazy.
This trip was a little hard because my Grandparents closed on selling their house the day before we arrived. It was the first time either of us had visited without having the family home as a base (we stayed in a hotel.) Regardless, it was so wUnderful to see my Grandparents settled into their new condo in the retirement village and making the most of it. They are both such positive and inspiring people, who never seem to complain no matter what challenges are thrown their way. I could sure learn a lesson or two from them!
Regardless, we had a lovely trip. I am so blessed to have so much family and loves and cares for me.
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I’m sharing my Easter Popcorn!
I’m linking up with Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Your turn!
What did you do this weekend?
Where is your family?
Alison says
Hi Julie is this your grandpa who just recently passed away/ If it is so sorry he just looks so adorable.
kimmythevegan says
I love this post Julie! I like seeing your family pictures and seeing what you did while you visited them. It looks like you had a great time catching up and seeing everyone. And the weather didn't seem too cold, which is nice. That selfie picture with your grandma is adorable! And you know I'm a sucker for dog pictures 😉
"They are both such positive and inspiring people, who never seem to complain no matter what challenges are thrown their way. I could sure learn a lesson or two from them!"
Couldn't we all learn a lesson from that!
My family is in Canada. I miss them terribly, but am hoping to see them this summer.
JulieWunder says
Yes! My Grandpa always used to say every morning "Today is another day in which to excel!"
Jill K. says
Dayton has been my home all my life. There is more to do here than people realize. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
JulieWunder says
It's a nice place! Thanks Jill!
JulieWunder says
It's a nice place! Thanks Jill!
Andrea on Vacation says
I agree with the comfort in your hometown pizza- I recognize that my must-eat pizzas when I go home are not the best but they make me so happy anyway!
JulieWunder says
So true! It's comforting!
Emily says
Your grandparents are so sweet looking, and I love how you invested in spending yummy meals, just being with them, loving on them, making sure that they are comfortable, and having precious moments together. that lovely run you went on looks just perfect; isn't running so perfect for exploring a new place?
JulieWunder says
It is! I always like to go on a run wherever I am.
Mary Beth Jackson says
Looks like a great family weekend! I am just a little north of Atlanta now- holy rain storms!
JulieWunder says
They were awful!!
Farrah says
I've never been to Dayton! I'm glad that you got to spend some time with your family! :] My family's off across the country in California, but I'm reallyyy looking forward to finally seeing them again this weekend!!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Your grandparents are so cute! Love your Aunt's dogs. So adorable! I bet the weekend went way too fast. It always does when you visit family.
JulieWunder says
She has the sweetest dog-- you'd love her.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
yay for family time! Our family is all over, and unfortunately, none of our grandparents are living. But when they were, my dad's family was in/around Rochester NY
JulieWunder says
It's so hard when they are all spread out!
Rachael Wunder Evans says
It was so awesome having some more Wunder's in Ohio with the rest of the crazy clan! Thank you for making Stoli famous! She loves the attention! Fabulous seeing you!!!!!
JulieWunder says
So nice to see you too! Stoli is such a star!!!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Looks like some great family time! My family lives all in the same area as I do (both good and bad LOL)
JulieWunder says
So lucky! Mine is so spread out.
Dan Steadman says
sounds like a great way to spend a weekend...enjoy the fool out of grandparents while you still have them....this past weekend was 13 miles as I prepare for Mountains to Main....do some things around the house and took the little two to the STEAM Festival by Imagine Upstate Saturday afternoon (which my J-Bird got himself on a podcast), after church Sunday took Jonathan out for the afternoon with bowling (2 games and shoes for $4.80), Brusters and then he wanted to buy some books and Hot Wheels....great times....I was exhausted Monday
JulieWunder says
That does sound exhausting!! Hope the run went well.
heather @Lunging Through Life says
What a fun trip. I'm so glad you got away to see them! They have been oopening First Watches around here but I haven't been there yet. That had to be hard to not go to their house but I'm glad they settled in to their new place!
JulieWunder says
It's SOOOOO good!!!
Julie says
It was nice to see you and your family having so much fun. Families are important, stay close. Thank you for sharing this time.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Julie! Blessed to still have them.
Mary Jean Henson says
Thanks for sharing! Family time is the best. Glad you got to be with your grandparents!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Family time is the best.
Beth Ann Chiles says
What a great weekend. Anytime with family is good time, right? I am headed to Ohio on Saturday ---family time for me as well with both the hub's family and most of my family still being in Ohio. We will be all over the place but it will be so good to be there. Your grandparents look great. My week next week might include helping my mom settle into her new independent living apt if she finally gets sprung from rehab from her hip replacement. There is a lot going on! Thanks for sharing some of your weekend!
JulieWunder says
I hope she gets out! My grandparents moved into one and it's pretty nice!
Blane Sherer says
Glad all worked out so well for you with your family
over the weekend .I really liked the family restaurant shots.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!