Back to Campus - Miami Style

When the fall rolls around, there is something that makes you feel like going back to school, and there is something special about retracing your steps on campus at your alma mater. With picture perfect weather, Brecken walked us all down memory lane in the streets of Oxford, OH this weekend.

After 5+ hrs in the car on Friday afternoon, the kids were anything but ready for sleep that evening. Following sandwiches from an old favorite location, we took an evening stroll around campus. The kids were confused by the fact that "mommy's school" was not a single building with classrooms, but they loved the chance to run down sidewalks, climb steps, and stop for funny moments. Human statues?

On Saturday morning, we met up with friends and Dr. Nault for a tour of campus. For the three graduates in the group, touring campus is a much bigger production now than it was back in the day. There were strollers and wagons and kids and spouses along for the stroll.Brecken has been promoting the idea of a wagon, and I'm guessing that our kids approach to commandeering the wheels from the other children only solidified that argument.Owen and Paxton learned a few of the campus traditions while walking with Jack and Alannah. The kids were not necessarily big on the superstitions, as one by one they all walked across the Miami emblem in the middle of the path.Young Luke (projected class of '32) tried to sleep and eat his way across campus. He always had a lot of attention.

Overall, we had a great morning walking around, exploring, posing for pictures, and climbing trees around campus.

Before lunch, we ventured away from campus for a quick visit to a local market and pumpkin patch. The kids went in looking for the perfect pumpkin, and we loaded up on the gourds, including this little one that Paxton picked out.The farm offered hayrides that weren't supposed to start until later in the afternoon, but when our army of youngsters showed up, they started up the John Deere and gave us a fun little tour.The highlight of the tour was the stop along the fence to see and to feed the cows. With a couple bushel baskets of corn, the cows were eager to meet and greet our little animals.Paxton was popular with this eager crowd.Here is a quick video to bring it all to life for the little 2.5 yr old as she meets the cattle that quite likely could be of the same age.

After a collection of naps, Dr Nault was a gracious host for dinner at his house. The kids loved playing on the porch, behind the furniture, on the "adventure path" in the backyard, and in the woods down the street. What a great time for one and all, and what a special relationship and connection to still have back around campus in Oxford.

On Sunday morning, before heading home, we took one last chance to explore campus. Owen and Paxton were enamored with the leaves on the ground.

Altogether a great trip for Brecken and for the entire family. We really enjoyed the time on campus and the opportunity to catch-up. Owen said he would miss home if he had to stay there, but he still didn't want to leave. That's the true sign of a good time.