Ohio Summer, Day 9

Nick

Jack is tuckered out!

Can you say exhausted?! What a long, but fun, trip! Most of the cousins spent the night at Nana's after the fair. They had a ball, but definitely not much sleep. And that goes for me too! Lauren started out in bed with me and couldn't stop talking. It was fun catching up, but I just couldn't hang. Over a week of being away from home and countless miles of driving had finally caught up with me.

We spent the last day packing up, picking up goodies from Paul's Market and swimming in Uncle Brian and Aunt Mary's pool.

It was a fun week in Ohio. It was what summer should be. Family, friends and fun. Until next year.......

Ohio Summer, Day 8

Brad with his pigs

Alec with his chicken

Awesome pizza!

Alec, Will and Emma try out some new shades

Up and at 'em early, we headed to the Seneca County Fair. Talk about a blast from the past! We checked out the milkshake stand where I used to make and sell milkshakes, the NR Nimble Thimble's booth, Brad's pigs, John and Alec's chickens, some rides, and of course, the food.

Luckily, we were there on a day when Brad showed his pigs. It was fun and interesting to see him move those pigs around the pen with a stick. While the kids enjoyed seeing Brad, I don't think they were impressed or moved enough to want a pig of their own to take to the fair - Thank God!

After having enough of the fair (I'm speaking for myself), I was ready to have some pizza from Napoli's. It was just as good as I remembered. And the guys still toss the crust in the air. Does it get any better?!

Ohio Summer, Day 7

After spending the night with the Tyrrells, we headed out to a water park that was close to their home. There was a maze, splash pad, spider web to climb, playground equipment and an eco exhibit. The kids had a ball! On our way to the underwater viewing area of the pond, the bottom dropped out and the rain came down. It was crazy! But also very cool to see the rain coming down from an underwater view. Now we know how the fish feel in a rain storm!

We spent more time playing and then headed back to New Riegel. On our way, we just couldn't resist stopping at Mr. Freeze in Perrysburg. Their turtle sundaes are to die for! Emma thought it was cool to be in the town where she was born.

Ohio Summer Day 6

On day six of our Ohio tour, we continued our stay with Aunt Debbie and took a spin around the neighborhood on a friend's golf cart. More time at the beach and more treasures found to take home.

In the afternoon, we headed north to Highland, Michigan. It really disturbed Will to know that we were willingly entering Michigan, but seeing our friends, the Tyrrells, made it worth it! Not being a fan of Michigan myself, I found that I dislike it even more after sharing the roads with their terrible drivers and traffic jams.

The drive was worth it though because waiting for us were the Tyrrells! Jen and I sat outside and enjoyed a great bottle of wine while the kids disappeared and played together. Believe it or not, we didn't even notice that we were in the company of six kids! They had an awesome time together and Jen and I had a great time catching up.

The fearless boys

The sweet girls

The whole crew took a ride in the back of Scott's truck. My city kids loved it!

Will and Debbie walking the beach

Out for a spin in the golfcart

Eating breakfast in the living room!!! Can you believe it?!

Ohio Summer, Day 5

On day five of our Ohio adventure, we picked up Grandma and headed up to Lake Erie to visit with Aunt Debbie. There's always a good time to be had with Aunt Debbie, but especially in the summer!

Since Aunt Debbie lives just steps away from Lake Erie, the kids were able to swim in the lovely algae-filled water. Luckily, Matt was available and nice enough to get in the water with them. For some odd reason, I prefer that the water I swim in be free of green floaties. :) They had fun and didn't even care if the water was green. As always, they found lots of "treasures" at the beach to take home.

We were lucky enough to have both Matt and Brad spend some time with us. I think all three kids would have taken them home with us, but unfortunately, they have work and school to keep them in Ohio. We're still holding out hope that Brad will stay with us after he graduates so he can look for a job in NC.

Deb made her famous margaritas and we stayed up late watching "Avatar". I have been adamantly opposed to watching this movie and told Allan that he would have to watch it alone on a night when I was out with the girls. I am big enough to admit that I watched it upon Deb's recommendation and LOVED it. The kids did too, although that was no big shocker.

The WEJ with their cool cousins, Matt and Brad

Deb shows off her margarita ingredients

The kids have fun with Grandma at the beach

Ohio Summer, Day 4

After returning to New Riegel, I got the call that Will was back from the man trip and ready to come to Nana's. I drove to Uncle Jeff's to pick him up and found three guys vegging on couches in a dark living room, watching a movie. Evidently, the heat had taken a toll on our guys and they were running on E. Not only that, but it looked as though Will hadn't showered or brushed his teeth in a week (I am sure this wasn't too far from the truth)!

We went straight to Nana's and got him all cleaned up, only to get smelly again by building a fire. Poor Will wanted nothing more than to build a bonfire and roast marshmallows. Unfortunately, Nana's wood was a bit wet and all he made was a lot of smoke. I did let them enjoy some of the giant marshmallows I found while grocery shopping. Any guesses on who could fit the whole giant marshmallow in their mouth at once?!

We had a great night with Uncle Steve and Aunt Sharon and almost all of their kids. It was fun seeing everyone together. And I even dined on New Riegel's famous BBQ chicken (sauce on my fries, too). If you're thinking I was eating my way around Ohio, you're about right! Thank goodness I still had my braces on or I would have weighed an extra 10 pounds by the time I headed back to NC!

Big marshmallow, little mouth

Makin' smoke!

Ohio Summer, Day 3

On day three of our Northern adventure, I planned to meet up with two of my best high school buddies - Rhonda and Amy. They both live in the Columbus area, so I decided to head down their way for a girls' night out, no kids allowed. Before leaving, Nana had to get an acupuncture treatment from cousin, Lisa. Lisa happened to be at the annual Schalk camp out. Nana was going to go and get her treatment, then come back to her house to watch Emma and Jack so I could go to Delaware to meet Rhonda. When Aunt Pat heard that they were in town and with Nana for the day, she insisted that they come and join the Schalk family party. I hated to impose on them, but I'm so glad I did! Those kids had a ball at Fred and Mary's backyard resort. They played in the pond and on a giant slip n' slide until well after dinner. I would even go so far as to say that they were SPOILED! From what I understand, Emma introduced Sarah to George Washington hair and it was quite a hit. :) For pictures of the kids at the camp out, you'll have to go to one of the Schalk's Facebook pages.

After dropping them off, I took off for Rhonda's house where I was greeted with a yummy sangria. Well, there were actually a couple of them! After slurping those down, we took off to pick up Amy and go to a local bar/restaurant. One of Amy's neighbors was in a band, playing there. They were great. The food was great and the company was the BEST! I had so much fun catching up with those girls! I spent the night at Rhonda's and was treated to yummy bacon and pancakes in the morning. I was feeling a spoiled myself!

Rhonda, Amy and I

Jack with his BIG birthday present

A racetrack!

Jack and Uncle Steve