It's a Jurassic World. We just live in it.

On the life spectrum of dentist visit to new Vince Vaughn movie, there is always one thing I can do with my weekend that sends me into somehow-better-than-Vaughn absolute bliss: spend quality time with my mom. I'm not quite sure how she does it, but she makes everywhere feel like home. She listens, laughs, tidies up, feeds, and generally brightens everyone's day she encounters. Just ask the cook she tipped $10 on Sunday for the "best French Dip sandwich" she'd ever had.

Fortunately for me, she decided to spread her cheer by visiting us in Indianapolis and keeping me company while Wheat worked two Fever games this weekend. Friday, we booked it straight to Chipotle once she arrived because I was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Are there support groups for this? After dinner, she and I headed to Victory Field to watch the Indians take on the Gwinnett Braves. The tickets were free, the view was great, the ice cream was delicious, and the post-game fireworks were awesome. The Indians lost, 8-7, but the impressive rally and girl talk more than made up for that.

Despite the oppressive heat and humidity on Saturday, the three of us decided to brave the crowds at the Talbot Street Art Fair. I'd never been before and I was very impressed with the incredible lineup of artists and their wares. We even ran into one of my friend's parents, who are potters that traveled from our little Ohio hometown, at their booth. Had the day been 20º cooler, we probably would have stayed for a few hours, but the heat was something even a Lemon Chill couldn't fix. So, we cruised our way through the fair (and the nearby Independent Music + Art Festival and INDIEana Handicraft Exchange) before decompressing on the couch at our apartment.

Once our body temperatures finally normalized, we had a quick dinner at Fresco before going to the local movie theater to see Jurassic World. At this point, I should probably share that the real reason for my mom's visit to Indy was to see this movie with me...because we're obsessed with all things Jurassic Park. Needless to say, we had high expectations and the latest installment in the series did not disappoint. The movie was chock-full of action, new dinosaurs, and some seriously impressive special effects. Chris Pratt was absolutely wonderful as the franchise's new leading man and there were some awesome, subtle references to the original film. If you liked Jurassic Park, I highly recommend checking it out. Right now. I honestly might see it again in theaters, due in part to the reclining chairs at our local spot.

The rest of the weekend was filled to the brim with sleeping in late, fruit salad, wedding discussion, dipping our feet (or in my mom's case, her whole clothed body) in the pool, the Game of Thrones season finale (ugh - anyone else?), dinner at Bourbon Street, and lots of hugs. She always knows how to soothe my homesick feeling. Now if only they sold Mommles patches to ease the pain of her leaving...