Big Man on Campus

After Russ' fantasy football weekend, we met up with his mom and grandmother for a quick lunch visit. Because I (and the girls) have never been to Russ' collegiate stompin' grounds,we stopped at Muhlenberg on our way home. It was a beautiful campus and the weather was perfect for 'move in day'...I think Russ was a bit jealous of the incoming freshman!


A picture perfect day for a tour of the campus

Not quite like it used to be for Russ...showing the ladies around campus, but the girls and I had a blast!
The Mules stadium. Such a great little campus!

Fantasy filled weekend

After loading two SUV's full of kids, and retrofitting the Suburban into a 'medical transport', we hit the turnpike to take Becky, Molly, and Ford back toward the other side of the state. This was Russ' fantasy football draft 'weekend' in NYC and the girls and I were invited to hang out with the Schnall boys so we couldn't pass on the opportunity! We had a great time--and even got to see the Berks and the Lobels! Lexie was in HEAVEN--and why shouldn't she getting to hang with all the boys!!!

The Schnalls new home was a perfect playground for all the kids! They have a big play park, every toy imaginable and Lexie's new favorite...the zip line!


All of the kids were getting into the zip line!!!
After both the Berk boys, and 2/3 of the Schnall boys took turns, Lexie decided she would give it a whirl...she can definitely 'hang' with the boys!!
Lexie and Gavin...future prom dates???
Justin was having a good time watching all of the big kids play...Olivia did her best to keep him entertained!
Lexie couldn't get enough of the zip line...that is allll she talked about for a week after our trip!
Olivia was having a blast playing with the boys too!!!
Jake and Dory stopped by for brunch.
Olivia found a new friend with Megan and Justin. She sat and played and sang and LAUGHED!
Batter up! Such a cutie!
A rare moment captured--ALL of the Schnall guys sitting still on the couch!
Thanks again for such a great weekend! We had a blast!

One Heck of a Visit from the Houchins

We were so excited when Becky, Molly and Ford came out for a visit! We had talks about going to a few different water parks, possibly the zoo...but, Becky thought the hospital would be WAAAAAY more fun! After throwing her back out, she spent 2.5 days in the hospital while I got to spend 2.5 days with the kiddos! I definitely got the better end of the deal! :)


These two little ones are clean and cute!
After just waking up, Molly and Lexie are ready to tackle the day...or maybe breakfast????
Ford was wanting in on the action too!!!
Sorry there aren't more pictures...I 'kinda' had my hands full!!!! :)

Parade

There is something really special about living in a small town! Our little 'municipality' puts on a parade and 'heritage celebration' every year. They block off the busiest road in the community, invite local businesses, sporting teams, and residents to participate in the festivities by showcasing floats, talents, or toys! We decided to get in on the fun!!! I invited most of our neighbors over for breakfast so we could all show our support and caravan to the parade together. It wasn't too far of a journey--as they were lining up the parade participants on the street adjacent to our neighborhood! We had a great time, good food, perfect weather, and the kids had a blast!

Lexie got a lift from her good friend Mr. Rege...she just loved this float with all of the animals on it!
Some of our neighbors stop to pose next to the 'farm float'
Sadie, Cole and Lexie wait with anticipation for the parade to begin!
Olivia found a manhole cover to 'dance' on as the West A marching band passed by
A shot of the neighbors camped out watching the parade
Santa's sleigh came a bit early to Clinton along with MOP members (Mothers Of Preschoolers) Lexie was so excited to see some of her friends on the sleigh!

Kirsten's Bridal "Bath"

Hard to believe my baby cousin is getting married!!! GG and Aunt Marsha hosted a beautiful wedding shower...or bath, as Lexie liked to put it! The girls and I were soooooo excited and couldn't wait to help celebrate! Lexie was a bit confused and really wanted to sing Happy Birthday, but had fun none the less! We all did!


Aunt "Marta" and "Precious"
The table
The guests getting ready to order lunch! Great food!!!
The blushing bride to be
One thing at a time Kirsten!
Stopping to smell the flowers
Olivia was having fun chomping on her hand and hanging out with Aunt Marsha
Showcasing her new goods
All smiles while opening her gifts
Olivia was getting soooo tired...she could barely keep her eyes open.
But Aunt Allie was on the look out and kept her entertained while I played photographer
Lexie looking on while Kirsten opened her gifts
She was having a blast!
We made a quick escape while they were bringing deserts out...
...I got the kids in the car just in the nick of time...I think they were both asleep before we pulled out of the parking spot! Thanks again for a great time---we sure did have fun and are looking forward to the BIG EVENT!!!

HOF Game

Special thanks to my mom for watching the girls and lining up some tickets for us so we could go to the game! It was a bit of a drive (to Canton and back in one afternoon/evening) but well worth it! We had a great time! Thanks again mom!

Here are a few pictures from the game!

300th Post---HOF Fun

It has been a while...okay...a loooooong time since I have updated the blog! My apologies! To say that we have kept busy this summer would be an understatement!!!
While doing my best to get caught up (and stay that way) I realized that this post will be the 300th on the blog---and a very exciting one at that!!!! So without further ado....


Living in the greater Canton, Ohio area for most of my life, and being a football fan...you would think I would have made a visit or two to the Football Hall of Fame. Unfortunately I have yet to make it to the trip to the Hall itself, however, I rarely miss the opportunity to participate in celebrating the week long Hall of Fame festivities. I have incredibly fond memories of going to the HOF parade, Food fest, Balloon lift off etc...so I jumped at the chance to take the girls this year!

While we didn't make it to the parade, the food fest/balloon lift off was a hit! GG, Gpa, Aunt Allie, Uncle Marcus, and Nini joined the girls and I for their inaugural visit.

Lexie had fun running through the blowup toys...
...although, by the look on Lexie's face, this TITANIC ship looks to be a bit much--she still went sliding down and back around for more!

After running around in the play area, we headed back to our meeting spot to eat some food and get ready for the balloons!
It was amazing to see just how many different balloons there were this year...and the sheer volume of them as well!
Everyone was relaxing and having a good time!

Another 'fun' balloon


Lexie loooooved looking at all of the balloons!
Olivia seemed to be enjoying herself too!
We even managed to stay for part of the "glow"!!!
Don't let these faces fool you...they were enjoying the light up!

I can only imagine what Olivia was thinking "Daddy...you won't believe all of these balloons...wish you were here to see them all!"


After we headed back to Nini's, we were greeted by a balloon that was trying to find a place to land! Lexie was convinced they were coming to see her! This balloon was literally at the end of my mom's driveway--maybe 100ft in the air!





Needless to say, it was a fun filled weekend!!!