Nissy's Big Day

My dear friend Anissa invited us to share in her very special day. I wouldn't dare miss the opportunity to see one of my best friends get married!!! I headed to Columbus with the kids and was lucky enough to spend some quality time with my cousins Eric & Tanya too!! (Thanks for letting us crash at your house for the weekend!!!) The girls enjoyed every single second of the weekend...from tormenting Oatis, the Disney Store, playing at the Jack Hannah play area at Polaris and of course the wedding! Such a great weekend!!! Congratulations Anissa and Leonard!


Anxiously awaiting for the bride!!! (Thanks Amy D for keeping the girls entertained!)
Nissy and her boys walking down the aisle.
Saying their 'I DOs'
Mr. & Mrs. Marryott
Olivia and Russ having fun at the reception! The girls were such troopers and enjoyed the 'party'!

Children's Museum of PIttsburgh---here we come!

While we had planned on going to the club for a day at the pool and some fun in the sun...the rain and cooler temps quickly squashed that idea! We weighed our options and decided to head to the Children's Museum as a fun alternative (and prayed the sun would come out for an afternoon visit to the pool!) I invited my friend Amy and her adorable little ones to join us for some fun!

Ready to take flight!
Ford showing Olivia a thing our two about the smart car since his daddy used to drive one!
Jack doesn't know what to think about all the action!
Noah found the ship's wheel in Dora's Pirate adventure room!

Arrrrrrr, our littlest pirate was having a blast with her cousins and friends!

Molly and Ford duke it out...pirate style!
"X" marks the spot!
Lexie and Molly taking their turn on the "Jolly Roger"
Cute little treasure map
Olivia make a victorious exit out of the treasure box tunnel.
The kids really liked dressing up in the pirate gear and roaming around looking for treasure!

Really getting into her work
Two budding artists
Olivia getting some help from Courtney
Checking out their work
I think Ford ended up with more paint on himself and his momma than on his paper, but he had fun
Time to SCULPT

Perfect day for a Parade

Summer is slowly coming to an end which means it is that time of year again for the annual Clinton/Findlay Township Parade. We invited some friends over to partake in the fun. We met up with all of the neighbors and made our way to Rt 30 for the big show. The kids were excited to catch candy, hear the marching band and enjoy the summer sun. After the parade we grilled out and enjoyed the day! Made it that much more fun to celebrate the end of summer with friends and neighbors!


Making our way past the parade route with the Figley's to get a good seat
Olivia making sure we didn't leave anyone behind
Sadie riding in her wagon up to the parade


Eli looking for some love
Meggie's Mimi was quite popular with the kids as she was dishing out cookies
Enjoying a parade with friends...what more could you ask for
Here come the loud cars/trucks with sirens
Scrambling to get candy from the Chick fil-A cow

Terrific Twos...ehem, Here We Come!

It is so incredibly hard to believe we are already celebrating Olivia's second birthday!!! I say it every year...but where does the time go? The last two years have been filled with joy, love, laughs, a few tears, some trying moments, and tons of ENERGY---at least from the 4 and under crowd! While EXTREMELY different from your big sister, you have brought a level of love to this family we couldn't imagine living without! Happy Birthday "boo-boo", "Miss O", Olivia! Here's hoping that "two" is just as fun as one!


Mickey birthday banner for the birthday girl
Getting the party started...and trying to find some shade
A chocolate fountain with all kinds of goodies to dip
Goodie bags for the kids along with a few cookies on the ice cream bar
Special thanks to Eric and Tanya for the use of their tent and table...we certainly needed it on this sweltering hot day
Centerpieces
Some of the girls relaxing on the picnic table in the shade
The Tobin/Minich crew taking advantage of the tent to get some shade! Thanks for making the trip!!!

The birthday girl getting her fill of chocolate chip cookies...I think she had more on her face than in her belly! She sure did have a good time chowing down!!!!!

Olivia's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cake...it didn't turn out as well as I would have liked to thanks to the black fondant...will have to try different black gel next time!
Singing to our little birthday girl...she sang along! It was adorable!
Time for more ice cream!!! Thanks Daddy!!!
Grandpa brought home a pinata during his shopping adventures..."How does this thing work...let me give this a try!"
After a couple of tries, Olivia passed the bat to her big sister...two whacks from Lexie is all it took and the candy went flying! Such determination and sheer force!
After most of our guests left...and GG& Nini made it back from their cruise, we ventured back inside to open presents.

Olivia loved tearing though the paper...and Aunt Allie was more than willing to help her out!
Lexie can't wait to try out her new goggles!!! Thanks Aunt Allie!!!
After a long HOT day...she is still going strong!

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, generosity, and thoughtful birthday wishes! Olivia had a wonderful time celebrating thanks to your efforts!! Special thanks to Aunt Marsha, Granny and Mrs. Tobin for all of your clean up efforts!!!

Marathon Weekend

Pittsburgh played host to thousands of runners for the Marathon weekend---and we were lucky enough to have one of those runners stay with us! Our friends the Schnalls, packed up 2 of their 3 kids and headed west from Summit, NJ so Meg could give the Iron City a run for its money!
It was a great weekend (minus the weather at times) filled with laughs and good times! Meg and I enjoyed the runner's expo while the guys took the kids to the Children's Museum Saturday morning. We all met up at the club for lunch, then Meg and I headed back to the house with the kids for nap time...while the guys stayed behind to play a round of golf and check out all the new gear at demo day! It turned out to be a nice afternoon so after nap time, the kids played outside and wore one another out!
Sunday morning, we meet up with Tim and the boys to cheer Meg on as she took to the grueling hills of western PA! Rain...hills...blisters...NOTHING could stop her! Congratulations Megan Schnall on your STELLAR finish at the Pittsburgh Marathon---and to all of those that participated in the event!

A view of the runners just past the 26 mile mark for the marathoners and just before the 13 mile mark for the 1/2 marathoners!

It was an early morning for the Schnall boys---good thing Gavin was able to catch a quick nap before his mommy went blazing by!
Olivia getting some love from Ryan!

Ry sporting his festive shirt!

Lexie loved helping the boys cheer for their mommy!
Gavin wide awake and ready to cheer on his mom!

Go Meg Go! The finish line is in sight!

Shortly after she finished, we met up with Meg---smile and a wave?!? After 26.2...in the rain...with major elevation changes? Seriously?? Yep--she is AWESOME!Meg with Tim and the boys!
Thanks to the Schnalls for a fun weekend...and especially to Meg for picking the Pittsburgh Marathon! We had a great time hosting and look forward to another visit VERY soon!