Notre Dame IN>Toldeo, OH

Easy three hour drive to Notre Dame.  Campus was beautiful as we drove on, then we got the rv second class traveler treatment,  They do not let RV’s in any of the parking lots and we had to go  to a different lot and get a shuttle.  Luckily we got to see Touch Down Jesus on our way by. It is a giant mural like picture of Jesus with his arms up praying but looks like a ref proclaiming a touch down.  We hopped on a shuttle and made our way to the Basilica.  It is overwhelming with the stained glass windows depicting saints, beautiful art work on the ceilings, relics from Saints, giant organ pipes, hand carved wooden benches.  Our tour guide was super excited to tell us everything she knew about this church.  Lots of connections to Lourdes.  Apparently the first priest in the 1800’s went to Lourdes to solicit funds and when the people of Lourdes were very generous he promised to make a grotto to Lourdes and kept his promise, stained glass windows depict the miracle at Lourdes and the grotto outside has statues and signs recognizing Lourdes, Sam lit a candle for his Dad and his Mom’s friends from Lourdes the Morans, and Brian lit one for Mike’s Mom.  We also went up and saw the golden dome.  Not allowed to park at the bookstore, so we slowed down to a crawl and had the kids flee the rv as we rolled by and then did the same for the pickup.

Then headed to Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park.  Drove through the roughest part of Toledo and the ugliest section of lake Erie filled with factories, nuclear plants, and very run down abandoned buildings, but eventually the scenery changes to beautiful homes and we arrived at our most spacious and natural campground yet.  Mike stressed a little at the gate was a sign saying no alcohol allowed and I came out from check in and told him they search the rv. Prank!! Pulled into our site, beautiful very private sites, with yards and fields behind each one, no running water or sewer, but we have water saved in tanks and grateful for electricity.  So excited to have Mike’s Mom’s Brother Jimmy and his family (wife Linda, son Chris and his wife Tabi and their two kids, and daughter Leslie, husband Kevin and their four boys,  arrive for a visit.  We are all friends on facebook and get to see each other in person every 3-5 years at family reunions.  The little boy cousins were so excited to go fishing with our boys, and Aislyn was immediately attached to Kerrin.  We walked down and checked out Lake Erie.  Swapped stories about raising boys with Leslie and let her know they still burp and pass gas at our kids age.  Worked on convincing Chris and Leslie to bring their families to Marshfield.  Mike had fun reminiscing with his Uncle and Aunt, telling stories about childhood and his Mom.  Kids had gourmet dinner of fish sticks ( had to cook half in microwave since cookie sheet would not fit in the oven.) and cookies the cousins brought.  Said our goodbyes to the Ohio cousins and sat feeling very grateful for relatives that make such an effort to keep in touch.  They all drove 45 minutes to visit after long busy days.  I am sure Mike’s Mom was smiling down from heaven seeing her brother, son, nieces, nephews and grandkids all strolling through the park together.  Miss you Linda, but felt you with us tonight.