Trip to the Zoo

This is also terribly out of order - I just kept meaning to upload these photos and never did! In June, the kids and I met Erin (John's cousin) and her kids at the zoo. Beth (John's cousin) and her kids, John's brother Rob and his son, and my mother in law also came. It was the first REALLY hot day we had! And, although we all sweated about to death - it was a lot of fun. I really wish Erin lived closer so our kids could play more often! Here are a couple of pictures.. I will warn you the kids were much more interested in the playground at the zoo- rather than the animals! So if you are hoping for some good nature shots- sorry!

Vacation Bible School

A couple of weeks ago our church hosted Vacation Bible School -Crocodile Dock theme. It was sort of a bayou theme... Anyway, Ethan said this was his favorite part of the summer and the babes really enjoyed it too. I am so thankful for things like VBS that reiterate what we are trying to teach Ethan at home. A few days ago, Livy was scared by something and Ethan immediately jumped in with- " You don't have to be afraid Liv, God is always with us!". (This was one of the daily themes). There is nothing better than when you know your kids are "getting it". Anywho- hope you enjoy a couple of shots...

Ethan and his bestest bud, Kieran.

Some of the awesome bayou decorations. We are blessed to have some really talented people at church that decorate and lead all the sessions.

Morning songs and skits- the kids all love this time.

And, here is a random shot. While the kids are all singing and acting crazy - here is Ethan- SEATED! I kept asking him what was wrong, because at home he dances around like a wild man singing the songs as loud as possible (fyi - it's only cute the first time!). He said he loved the songs - but at church it was just too loud! He is also not used to being the youngest in a group - I think the older kids were a little intimidating.

Lilly Family Get Together

This is out of chronological order... but about a month ago we had a family get together with John's family. His cousin Erin was up from Texas so they wanted to get all the cousins and siblings together. We all had a great time - but especially the kids. We wish Erin and her girls lived closer! Adult cousins (at least a couple of them).

Rob, Erin, John, Beth, and Jason.


Kid cousins.
Isaac, Livy, and Robin.

Isaac and Livy picking blackberries. The kids all got a big kick out of picking them.

Livy and Lucy.

Robin and Isaac.

At John's grandparents house. Taking a hike in the woods.

The highlight of Ethan's day was getting to ride the jetski with John's cousin, Jason.

Gavin riding the jetski with Jason. He really took off from the dock ;)!

Lake Erie

One of our favorite parts of going to Ohio is getting to visit Lake Erie. Only a few minutes from my grandmother's house- the lake is gorgeous and nothing like any other lake I have ever seen. If you have never been to one of the Great Lakes- you should go visit. The sunsets are beautiful. Anyway - here are a few pics of the fam at the lake... in no particular order... hope you enjoy.

Rocky River

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

-George Bernard Shaw

After Ashland we headed to Rocky River for a few days. My maternal grandmother, Granny, lives in Rocky River. There are few things I enjoy as much as staying in my grandmother's house... since I was a little girl her house has always been a family hub of laughter, candy, family recipes, card games, and meatloaf (the best in the world I might add). We had a great time while there over the 4th. My Aunt and Uncle, two cousins, and my parents also came for the weekend. Enjoy the pictures...

Cousin Tina, Ethan, and Granny

Ethan shooting off a party popper with my cousin Katherine.

Katherine, Tina, Me, Granny

(yeah that's me in glasses (allergies) and a sweatshirt- it has been a really cool summer there- which was an awesome treat for the southerners).

Granny with the twins. Livy even let Great Granny hold her beloved baby.

Ashland

Every summer, I count the days until our family gets to head to the Midwest to see my grandparents. Our first stop this year was my birthplace and my father's "homestead". Here are a couple of fun things we encountered...

Ethan was a champ on the 9 (should be 7.5 - but ya know- we have three kids) hour drive. A new leapster game and a dvd player is all it took...

We headed over to Brookside Park -

a park I played on with my siblings when I was little... they all loved it.

Ethan on the merry - go round. Recently some of my local friends were talking about how we can not think of ONE of these in our area... they have all been removed for safety (aka lawsuit) reasons.

Original slide at the park- even Granny tried it out.

Okay - this is sort of a random picture. Last summer I did a whole post about it, but I could not let it go without mentioning it to you... this is a genuine Amish buggy in traffic in front of us. Seeing them is surreal and beautiful. If you have never been o Amish country - GO! Along with their great character- they also have great cheeses, meats, ice cream, and pies.

In Ashland, this perfect little quaint Midwestern city, the home prices have plummeted. Here is a historic house on the most prominent street in Ashland - and can you see what the for sale sign says... that's right 89,000 - for five bedrooms. If you are looking for a house- look no further.

John requested that we stop at one of my (and certainly my dad's) favorite spots in Ohio. The A&W Root beer Stand. Great coneys, chicken sandwiches and of course root beer floats- and look what else is now on the menu!

The original 1950's building.

Ethan (squinting in the sun) and my paternal grandparents.



Every summer, in Ashland, the weekend of the 4th, they have a hot air balloon festival. It is actually pretty cool - and the balloons look so beautiful in mass. Here are a couple of pics from my grandparents back yard.

The Lake