Columbus

As always, our week in Columbus was busy but filled with wonderful memories. The kids are now old enough that we are able to do a lot more while we are up there which is fun for everyone (but more tiring too!).

 

One of the kid's highlights is always playing the piano with John. They try to play along with him but I fear they got my musical talent and not their dad's.



 

On our first full day in Columbus, James and Madeleine had a fun filled day at Easton with Papa.



 

William tried to teach Madeleine some easier piano keys :)



 

Our dogs love to go to Ohio too, they never are allowed on our furniture so this is a real treat!



 

We were able to hit some of our favorite restaurants like Melt, Thurman's and the B Spot.



 

And of course Jeni's ice cream!



 

It rained one night, but that gave the kids a chance to enjoy one of their favorite activities - jumping in puddles!



 

For Madeleine's birthday present, Nana took her to The American Girl store and let her pick out two outfits for her doll. If it was up the Madeleine, she would have walked out with the whole store!



 

Then we had lunch and shopped some more - it was a fun girl's day :)



 

The next day we went to the Columbus Zoo with my dad. I don't think we were able to see even half of the exhibits, there was just so much to see! The kids loved it all.



 

But James' favorite exhibit by far was Dinosaur Island!



 

We knew it was time to call it a day when James wanted to lay down in the wagon...



 

And Madeleine wanted to as well.



 

Then we headed down to Lebanon to see one of my best friends, Leanna, and her kids. As always, James and Max had a blast together. They stayed up till 11 playing in Max's room before they finally crashed!



 

Lastly we stayed with my other best friend, Amanda and her son in Upper Arlington. She had a cookout and we all ate outside picnic style so the kids could run and play. It was awesome.



 

Then on our last night in Columbus, we headed out to Amanda's dads house - which is on a farm way out in Marion. It was a joint birthday party for Amanda and her dad... and it was a blast. Perfect way to end our trip :)


Thanks to everyone for letting us stay with them and making it such a wonderful trip.

4th of July Weekend

We have always loved this holiday. There really isn't much not to like about it - always sunny weather, cooking out, hanging with friends and of course fireworks! We headed over to our neighbor's house to cookout and let the kids run around before our other neighbors put on an awesome firework show.



 

Yep - this was the best family picture we could get... Don't the kids look thrilled? They did not want to stop playing!











 

Yesterday, we went to the park and ran some errands. We ended up going to one of out favorite local places for lunch and the firemen had stopped to have their lunch there as well. We took James over to check out the fire truck in the parking lot and one of the fireman came over and let James sit in the truck and even turn on the lights! He was so nice and answered all of James' questions. It was really special.



 

And then today - we went to the zoo! It was perfect weather and hardly anyone there.



 

It was a crazy fun filled 4 days between Madeline's birthday and today, I think its going to take me all week to recover... just in time for us to travel to Ohio!