Ohio and Home

Off to Lake Erie for a mermaid pic and Marblehead Lighthouse with Grandpa and Oma.  Like Rob, Grandpa rarely smiles in photos...like father, like son. 

Up the swirly stairs.  Amelia didn't like these at all. 

Nor did she like the top of the lighthouse.    

But loved the rocks and water. 

Next day off to the Carousel with Grammy for our annual jaunt.

Wouldn't be a trip without stopping at Coney Island for a hot dog.

Did some shopping with Grammy too.

Our last few days in Ohio were spent in Grandpa's pool where even Grandpa joined in on the fun.

Griswald too. 

Back at Grammy's Amelia shucked some corn with 

Grandpa Art

 and tended the garden with Grammy.

 I took pictures.

Finally, got to see Aunt Nat too!

Five weeks later, the trip complete.  We headed for home.

No photo of daddy/daughter reuniting as he was away in Oklahoma City on work when we arrived.   We were all home together again in a few days to start packing up for the big move to the rental house while our earthquake damage repairs began.  Lots more on that.

Amelia fell sick the night we arrived and I succumbed the following day.  We finally felt a bit better to walk down to the farm where Amelia found a friend in a barn kitten.  

We had originally planned to go to the American Girl Store the day after we arrived and luckily we were feeling better in a couple days, so her anxiety at getting the doll of the year, Blaire, wasn't stretched on too long. 

Usually we are accompanied by Aunt Natalie, but with adulthood comes along things like work.   Never fear....Oma was there!

Yeah..that bag looks a little full.

With Blaire purchased, we headed to lunch at the American Girl Bistro.

Then off to get Blaire's ears pierced at the salon.

Another incredible visit to the AG store in the books.  

Off to another favorite store, where she made minifies of Grandpa and Dad. 

On the way home stopped by the greenhouse where Aunt Nat works, except she was working at a garden convention and wasn't there.  No matter.  

 Amelia has been inspired by her and asked to go to a greenhouse here in Alaska.  We picked up some herbs to take with us to the rental house and promised next Spring when we are back in our house we will plant the biggest best ever garden!  Stay tuned for that. 

On the way back we stopped at Amelia's new favorite restaurant. We ate there 3 times while in Ohio. 

Back at Grammys, the next day we had a quiet walk (in our new AG Blaire pjs') to visit the flock of barn cats.  Cats now are Amelia's favorite animal (she has yet to be scratched by one).

Next:  Marblehead, Carousel and back to school shopping. 

Our last week in NY.  

New Scruff a Luv's provided a day of fun. 

A traditional trip to the zoo with their new pets. 

Matt joined us for dinner one evening...

and didn't spit out this Bean Boozles, so he was declared winner. 

Had lunch with Liz at the old Bob Barkers...now called Just 1 Bite.  FYI we were the only customers at lunch time...not a good sign. 

On our leaving eve there had to be a water ballon fight.  Cole has the best arm. 

Quiet painting in the morning before we leave. 

Last wave goodbye to our favorite people. 

7 hours to Ohio.  

Next:2 very sick days in Ohio for both of us, American Girl, Mansfield Carousel and Marblehead..to name a few. 

The Sterling Renaissance Fair

It was a cool and beautiful Sunday which usually means epic crowds at the Renaissance Festival.

But not so.  Not sure why either, but certainly not complaining!  We had a blast.

 There was Jousting...

Archery...

Rides...

Mazes...

And a whopping good time at the Tomato Throw. 

There were Caricatures...

Hugging...

Bird Water Whistles. 

and Henna Tattoos.

They never wanted to leave.

Next up...last few days in NY.