Daddy's Happy Place

It's been two years since our last trek up to State College for Blue White Weekend.

We started the weekend off similar to our last trip - a walk through campus, past Old Main (Ryan now knows that is where Daddy asked Mommy if she would love him forever - and she said she would), pit stop at the Lion and finishing it with some Creamery ice cream. We had to enjoy the sunshine while we could. Because even though they call it Happy Valley, the weather is often gloomy.

This was Lindsey's first time in State College, but she wasted no time fitting right in.

And though we walked down the same pathways and roads, and visited the same landmarks and statues, it is clear a lot has changed. For instance, Lindsey - not Ryan - took a break in the daffodils.

And our family has changed, both in numbers and size!  Check out the before and after of Nate - courtesy of P90X and eating healthy (I'm still a work in progress).

The weather changed too. Last time, our parents commented on how nice the weather was in State College. It was blazing hot that weekend. This year? Though the sun was out on Friday and Sunday, it was much cooler. And of course on Saturday, the day of the game, it rained all. day. long.

Not to let a few (million) raindrops slow them down, Daddy and Ryan dressed as water-proof as possible and trekked down to the stadium. Lindsey and Mommy were much less adventurous. We hung out in the car and watched other silly people huddle under umbrellas, run into campers or simply embrace the rain and jump in puddles. It only took about 15 minutes (enough time to book it into the stadium, look around and realize they were the only two silly boys there) before Ryan and Daddy came back and admitted defeat. Luckily, there's always next year. 

So more changes - we bowled in State College for the first time ever. Ryan and Lindsey had a blast. We went to the carnival for the first time too. Though it was windy and chilly, we managed to think warm, happy thoughts. Lindsey got to go on a few rides - first in the hands of her Nana and Grandma and then an honest-to-goodness carousel ride with Daddy! She loved it. Our girl loves adventure and the wind blowing in her hair. Even though I'm sure she was freezing on that ride, she had a smile the whole time.

Ryan went with the more low key option and played some carnival games - first he tried to win a goldfish in a ball tossing game, but lost. Then tried to win a ball in a fishing game, and won (go figure!).

Though much has changed with our visits to State College, there is one thing that will always remain the same: This is daddy's happy place. And the fact that he gets to share it with Ryan and Lindsey and experience new adventures with them after all these years...well...that makes it mommy's happy place too.