Friday, July 8, 2011

Happy Fourth from Ohio!

So, we flew up to Ohio with PapaNui (Sheesa was already there). We got to hang out with all the different cousins and even went up to Cleveland to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and catch an Indians game (unfortunately, the Yankees stomped 'em). We had a really great time and we've got the pictures to prove it!!!

Mira loved riding on the plane - on our way home, she told us her favorite part of the trip was taking off and landing in the plane.

Flying at altitude gets boring though...thank goodness for princesses!

It was nice having PapaNui right across from us!

When all else fails, it's Diego to the rescue!

Once we arrived in Ohio and made our way down to Bolivar. We went to a cemetery and spread part of Grandpa's ashes per his request amongst some of his loved ones, including his late wife, Elsie.

After that, we all went to Zoar and enjoyed some flame grilled burgers, sweet corn on the cob, and tons of other delicious food! Uncle Mike cooked, so it was fantastic, as usual!

We got to meet Matthew and Selva's little boy, Curtis for the first time, and he and Mira enjoyed riding the wagon together. They also hunted fireflies since there were thousands of them out in the field. Curtis thought it was great to hold them in his hand, but when one landed on Mira's finger (on its own volition), she screamed bloody murder!

We ended the evening with a short fireworks display. This left two toddlers and two dogs very unsettled!

Here we go!

Curtis doesn't seem too sure about this.

Two cuties in a wagon.

Later, they declared their independence and moved the wagon around without the interference of adults. Mira steered, and Curtis pushed - great teamwork!


The next day, the Mase group came over to Bolivar for a late breakfast-for-lunch, and Curtis and Mira played in the kiddie pool together for a long time while the rest of us hung out in the shade chit chatting.

Splish Splash!

Aunt Marguerite and Aunt Connie laughing it up about something.

Aunt Marguerite and Uncle Mike

What a wonderful, relaxing day!

That afternoon, we headed straight to Dover to meet up with all the Wolfe's. We had another cook-out at Aunt Paula's house and got to play with even more cousins!!

They played on the slip-n-slide, played chase and kick-ball, and just had a great time! I loved watching all the kids playing and having so much fun together!!

Sarah is due NOW! We were really hoping she would have the baby while we were there! The day after we left (July 7th), Jamey Charles Wolfe was born!

Grace is the oldest of the group, and she was so sweet with Mira. I knew Mira would like playing with her a lot.

Jack - such a funny guy! I love that red hair, and he is so animated when he gets on a roll talking about his favorite show!

Brian setting up the slip-n-slide - the kids can hardly stand the anticipation!

Gavin going for a spin - well, Flinstone's-style - his legs aren't quite long enough to reach the pedals, yet!

Evan is just asking for it!!

Megan isn't waiting for a bathing suit, she wants in the pool NOW!

And the slip-n-slide is even better!! Check out the huge smile on her face - pure joy!

Grace in action!

Megan LOVES the water!

Nathan and Jack checking it out.

Megan and Mira stop for a little drink.

Gavin cuddles up with Paula for a drink, too.

Oh, Jack - you are too cute!

Mira and Nui are running a race; Nathan's considering joining the fun.

His outfit says "I'm cute" - I have to agree!!

Kenny playing tag with the pack of Wolfe pups.

Stroller brigade. Mira and Megan decided they wanted to push strollers up and down the sidewalk, and Gavin decided he wanted to ride! They went back and forth for the longest time!

The next day, we took it pretty easy in the morning. Then after Mira's nap, we went to Tuscora Park and had a lot of fun there. It's a small amusement park, and they were having some extra festivities due to the holiday.

Mira helped Sheesa water the lillies, but they didn't open up while we were there, as she had hoped.


We took a leisurely stroll down along the tow path. This used to be a path where horses would pull boats along in the adjacent canal.

Getting a lift from Nui.

Horsey ride on Sheesa's knee (notice she's "holding the reigns").

Kenny at Lock 7 of the Ohio and Erie Canal

We went to Sheila's old elementary school and played on the playground for a bit. Mira's getting good at swinging all by herself.

Jim and Sheila look like a couple of kids hanging out on the jungle gym.

Mira and Daddy swinging together.

About to go on the carousel - Kenny is psyching himself up...

Putting on a smile for the camera....

Tell us how you really feel!

Then she rode the ponies - our pony was named Rusty.

Around and around we went - she was very serious the whole time, but she loved it.

Riding the train with Nui - looking a little sleepy.

We found a little flag. She now points out every American flag that she sees.

Stopped for a little snack - Mira had a cherry slushee.

Sheila, Kenny, and I shared some deep-fried Oreos!

Waiting for it to cool...

Jim had a deep-fried Twinkie.

He said it was pretty tasty!

We didn't expect the Oreos to be that good, but they were delicious!! The Oreo gets all soft and the cream filling is all melty - SO good! I really thought it was going to be sort of gross!

I thought this playground was so cute!

Sheesa and Mira took another turn on the train.

Wheeeee!!

Daddy got to ride, too.

A live band was playing, so we danced to some golden oldies on the way out - "Splish, Splash, I was takin' a bath!!!"

On Tuesday, we started off with a couple of Letterbox searches in Dover at the Warther Museum and the cemetery across the road. This was Jim and Sheila's first LB experience, so I'm glad they were quick and easy finds!

Following the clues...

Sometimes you have to get off the beaten path...

Sheila and Mira wait on the edge of the woods.

Stamping in - we were lucky enough to pick up a hitchhiker in our first box of the day! We moved it to the next box we found at the cemetery.

Exploring the grounds around Warther Museum.

Ringing the bell.

Tuesday afternoon, Jim, Kenny, and I headed north to Cleveland. Mira and Sheesa hung out together back in Bolivar. We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then on to an Indians game. It was a lot of fun!!




No pictures allowed in the actual museum - sorry!


I ate this WHOLE thing (minus the cherries)!!! I made myself so miserable, but it was SO delicious!!!

Go Indians!! We were surrounded by Yankees!! Made for an entertaining night...

Kenny coming back from the concession stand.

He had to get a hotdog - can you believe they have vegan hotdogs at this stadium! We were stoked!!! But, we didn't see them until we had already bought a huge bag of fries and funnel cake each, so I was too stuffed to even think about eating a hotdog - vegan or otherwise! Next time...

Slider came to see us!

Toward the end of the game (it wasn't looking too good for the Indians), a bunch of fans tried to call the "Angels in the Outfield" - but, to no avail....they got it handed to 'em!


The next morning, it was time to get back on the plane and head home. Mira loves looking out the window for the planes and watching them take off!


We had such a great time! It was so much fun getting to see everyone and hang out with all the cousins! Too bad we don't all get together more often!

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