Off to Ohio

Part of Andy's internship was to spend two weeks at a project site right outside of Las Vegas.  I wasn't excited to have him gone, but this isn't our first rodeo, so I knew we could keep busy while he was away.  The first week of his absence the kids and I tried to keep busy by going to the park, eating at Potbelly's (sandwich shop), hitting up the splash pad and playing in our house (because it was hot and humid)!  For the second week I decided it would be fun to make the drive to Ohio to visit Andy's brother Greg and his wife Allice (also my BFF from before we were married) and their three boys!  I was a little nervous about the drive, but I honestly don't think it could have gone better.  Both kids did great and there was minimal whining!


We started the trip off right with a little breakfast from McDonald's.  I have many fond memories of getting breakfast right before heading out on a family road trip.  I remember being so excited!  I love reliving some of my most favorite and simplest memories through my kids.

Drive went smoothly but it did take us a while (stops, construction, traffic etc.)  We made it though and the kids were so excited to be there!  We piled the boys in the back and headed for ice cream for family night. 

Noah giving a little peace sign and showing his ice cream cone.  

Anything with sprinkles will make him happy. 

Same with Clare, obviously. 

Went back to the house and got right down to business playing with all the toys.  Anytime we go somewhere where there are toys my kids get overly excited.  This is a result of bringing VERY few toys with us to Virginia for the summer.  It will work in my favor though.  When we get back to Boston it will be as if they have all new toys!  Genius, right? 

Games on the iPad always bring people together...right? 

We also went to visit Greg at work during our trip.  I was amazed at the property of this company.  Incredible!  It looked like it should be someones mansion, and not an office building. 

We played really hard, and Clare rarely got more than a 20 minute nap.  This made bedtime a piece especially wonderful.  She fell asleep like this at least two of the four nights we were there. 

Can't forget the summer time staple, a trip to the Zoo!  I was really happy with the Toledo zoo.  We were able to see a lot of animals and the weather was perfect, which meant that there were a lot of animals out.  I feel like usually when I go to the zoo all the animals are sleeping in their cave.  It was great to get my money's worth! 

This was Clare's reaction to the Polar Bears.  She either puts her hands over her mouth and begins to shake or she will say, "Ew, yucky!"

The most exciting part for Noah was the bug exhibit.  Noah has really been interested in bugs as of late and he was so excited.  Thankfully Greg, Allice and the boys were patient with us while we looked and discussed every disgusting bug on display.  I still have nightmares.  (Really bad picture below, but I had to include it)

A trip to Chick-fil-A and Greg giving their Oreo shake a thumbs up.  So if you like Oreo and milkshakes, this is for you!  

After letting the kids get out lots of energy in the play place at Chick-Fil-A we topped it off with a trip to the park.  We wanted them good and tired! 

The merry go round was a new experience for Noah and Clare.  Noah kept asking me to go "slow fast" whatever that means.  I don't like merry go rounds, but I do have memories of them on the playground in elementary school!  I don't think I've seen one since then. 

This is a random one.  But in true boy fashion the boys would take off their shoes and say, "Smell my feet!"  If I am honest, they all smelled pretty awful. 

There were moments at the house where Clare would wonder off.  At first I wasn't sure where to find her, but then I realized that she went to the same place every time, upstairs on Greg and Allice's bed.  I guess she just needed a little alone time while all the boys wrestled! 

Our last day we spent at this great park not far from the house.  The kids loved the sand box and played to their heart's content.  Harvey and I hung out a little too.  That smile is just too much! 

To top the day off we hit up the awesome local pool.  The shallow end is HUGE and perfect for people with little kids.  I loved it and wish it was by our house!  The boys got some $1.50 goggles from the store and they were like three peas in a pod.  Handsome too.  I love summer. 

We had so much fun and were so sad to leave.  I was the perfect way to spend our week!