Toledo and Twins Convention

Kalahari was a pit stop on our way to Toledo where I attended a Mothers of Twins Club Convention.  I had heard mixed reviews about this event, but decided, as the president of my local chapter, it was important to check it out for myself.  Plus, we're always up for a visit to the place we called home for seven years.  The planner in me had quite the itinerary for our weekend.  Apparently, our three little ladies had their own set of plans that trumped most of mine.

My plan to visit with some of my favorite people from my old job: not a chance.  My excitement to do a little shopping at my favorite stores: forget about it.  Our list of favorite restaurants to dine at: maybe next time.  Our walk around campus complete with a picture of the three girls in front of University Hall (wearing Toledo gear, of course): not even close.  The nerve of those three, right?

To be fair, they did allow us to drive into Michigan to have dinner with Mate's closest friend from pharmacy school and his wife.  We also used this opportunity to pick up a new stroller for Eliana that I found on craigslist.  If you've been following our journey for a while, you know we've spent a small fortune on strollers.  Now that we have a singleton, it was time for yet another investment.  I really wanted to buy another Baby Jogger City Mini, but preferred not to spend hundreds of dollars doing so.  Luckily, a like-new one was being sold between Toledo and where we were meeting for dinner.  Oh, how I LOVE a bargain!

Comfy in her new ride

The only other plan we had that actually happened was taking the girls to the zoo.  If you ever get a chance, the Toledo Zoo is definitely worth checking out.  Mate spent time volunteering there during college and it was an annual field trip spot for my students so we were excited to share this place with our girls.  I think they enjoyed the experience.

Looking at the animals

One out of two cooperating . . . story of our life

I spent the last days of our trip at the convention.  Overall, it was a great experience.  I enjoyed socializing with the members of my local club who also attended and meeting moms of twins from all over the state.  I was warned that the general meetings were a little boring and some of the traditions were outdated.  What I discovered is that the meeting may not have been exciting, but there was something really inspirational about a group of women coming together to support each other and help the greater community.  Plus, all the tradition shouldn't really come as a surprise.  This is a group run by mothers.  Don't most mothers love traditions?  I know I do.  So, maybe it's not the most modern of clubs, but I left the convention feeling excited to lead my group (and get my little family home and back to our routine).

On our way home with three exhausted ladies

Wearing their souvenirs from the convention: 2's Company shirts