Outstanding Ohio

Our week in Ohio was filled ... and I mean "Filled" with family time.  Early on in the week, we headed to Springfield to visit Chaz and Sharon as well as Kris' cousins, Andy and Kelsey.  We had a fabulous day of weather and spent most of our day outside.  The kids found their own version of a playground (with adult approval... although I am still unsure of who the car belonged to). 

Uncle Chaz, George, Kris and Cousin Andy



The kids enjoying the "playground"

After working up a sweat on their jungle gym, the kids found some water guns to help cool everyone off.  George held his own, but in the end got schooled by Kelsey.  Kris on the other hand... well... as you can see below... he relied on his team mates for support and protection.

Karsten soakin Grandpa

Kasey and Grandpa getting Kelsey

Kelsey winning

"Get 'em Karsten"

It had been raining a lot in Ohio recently. As a result, we had some puddles on the property.  I am not talking about a puddle you can either splash in or jump over... I'm talking 'small lakes'.  The kids had a ball in the water.  There is seriously nothing better than watching pure joy from the kiddos as they splash around and enjoy what God has provided.

We also had a few nights of just family relaxation before the big reunion later in the week.  We were so blessed that our family all took the time to come hang out with us on several occasions.  Ok, I might be biased towards little kiddos, but the little man below (Shawn) stole my heart during our visit.  Shawn is Kris' cousin Todd's pride and joy.  He was so sweet and we are happy to see is already being raised a Buckeye fan!

The Big Day:  Saturday was the family reunion that we have all been waiting for.  Uncle Bob and Aunt Patsy offered up their place and Patsy whipped up quite the feast!  That along with what others brought meant way too much food, but it was all sure delicious!  The day was filled with catching up with relatives that we haven't seen in years.  I don't think I am exaggerating when I say there were over 60 in attendance throughout the day!

Paige, Samantha and Dayna



Pam, Gpa, Cousin George & Karsten cuddling with Grandma



Aunt Karen, Aunt Connie, Aunt Paula and Cousin Kim

Uncle Chuck, Uncle Dick, Aunt Patsy and Kris

Willow, Kris and Noah

Aunt Karen, Uncle Dick, Uncle Bob and Kim

And as we continue to see a pattern... Water guns are a Big Hit this summer with the boys.  They can't seem to get enough of them.  George also seems to continue to get schooled at 'water gun fights' no matter who he plays with.  Good thing he runs fast and even better that he has such a big smile on his face!  ... just guessing here, but maybe he is letting the boys win this battle ;-)

Karsten also enjoyed playing corn hole with his mommy during the day.  After he tuckered out, Kris and Amy challenged one of Kris' cousins to a duel... and got schooled!  I thought we were pretty good, but evidently, there is a much higher caliber of playing in Ohio.

Our last day in town, we were blessed with Kris' cousin Tracy and her family join us.  You will notice there are a lot of pics from this one fun day.  I have figured out a lot of activity occurs when most the participants are under the age of 30.  Those of us over 30... were watching in disbelief at how many activities they blew through so quickly.  I am talking softball, soccer, obstacle race course, water fights and good ol' fashioned fort making (although I believe Bryan did most the making).  Fun fact of the day.. take a look at that tall boy in the pics below.  That is the same "little dude" that was the ring bearer in our wedding!  Crazy!!

Kris finding out he is too old to play soccer

Bryan teaching Kasey the ropes

Todd and McKenzie ready for the race

A clear winner... although there has been a claim of cheating



The best way to end such an eventful day?  Playing "Thirteen", which is a new card game we learned this week.  We played it a lot and Amy even took some score sheets home so she can play with friends!

Well, that just about sums up our crazy vacation to Ohio.  Thank you to Dick and Karen for hosting us, for the many wonderful meals and for teaching Amy a new and addictive card game!

Outdoors in Ohio

After a whirl wind weekend in Franklin, TN... it was time to jump in the motor home and head north.  Upon arriving in Kenton, OH, we were welcomed with open arms by Kris' Uncle Dick and Aunt Karen.  Our kiddos and us slept in the house, allowing Gma and Gpa some kid free time (remember, they had the kids for 16 straight days & nights... we think they needed a good night of uninterrupted sleep!)

The boys enjoyed a lot of outside activities due to the wonderful weather.  They even got coached by their Uncle Dick when it came to football (Uncle Dick was a high school football coach; an Amazing one from what I hear!)

We even got the tractor out for a quick ride for the boys.  Gotta love country toys!

One afternoon, our little family took a car ride to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio.  The boys Loved all the big planes and had fun steering the aircraft simulators.

Before the boys left, they were busy telling their teachers they were going to a farm.   Um... ok... we better find ourselves a farm!  Good thing Gma and Gpa Cannode know people!  A good friend of theirs, Millie and Steve, own hundreds of lambs.  They even had three new little babies!  The boys got to see the whole operation from feeding, to grazing as well as the end result of the sheering process.

The pic above is the 3 new babies.  They were to be separated from their mommy for the first time that night.  The boys even got to pet one of them!

After the fun was over... it was time for chores.  First, we had to check out the haymow above the sheep.  Then, a quick ride of the property to ensure no stray lambs were running about.  Finally, the kids had to pick up the slack and give food and water to the lambs.

Whew, what an exhausting day!  Are we done with all this manual labor yet?  Not by a long shot!  Next, we had to help Uncle Dick plant two trees (which he named Kasey and Karsten).  Since the boys got naming rights; they had to help him dig the holes, plant the trees and give them water.  It was quite the process and I think both boys really enjoyed it.  They of course had to take a break to save a few earthworms that were found during the process.

All right, I realize this trip seems like it was a lot of work, but actually... we were here to visit family too!  We just hope we earned our keep enough to get invited back!  Stay tuned for Ohio Part Deux!