Independence Day 2010

Independence Day, 2010--Indian Lake, Ohio. After the parade festivities Saturday, Grammy asked Noah if he'd like to spend the night at the campground with them. It was so last minute, that Noah literally had the clothes on his back--nothing else. He eagerly agreed and had an amazing time, alone, with his Papa and Grammy. When it was time for the fireworks, they travelled a short distance and all 3 concur it was the best fireworks display they've ever experienced! Dee and Larry thanks again for spending quality time with Noah--I know it was a special time for him!

Yesterday, Trey, Alexander, Sophie and I travelled to Indian Lake to spend July 4th with Trey's parents. We visited the state campground and enjoyed a healthy, heaping scoop of YUMMY ice cream in the 90+ degree heat. Then, we took a walk to the "beach". We thought Sophie might swim, but she refused to even get her feet wet--hmmmm...our little "princess".

After visiting the state campground, we returned with two VERY overheated dogs (I'm sorry little Sheha!) and played a rousing game of Dutch Blitz--Larry even joined in on the fun! Noah was off playing with friends, but the 5 of us enjoyed our game although Alexander WON BIG! Larry cooked steakburgers on the grill and our July4th picnic was delicious--thanks Larry & Dee! We rested a bit following our big meal, took a short walk and then watched Noah and his new friends fishing--unfortunately, no catches. When the sun set, we decided it was time for s'mores. The boys have a habit of burning their marshmallows to a crisp--of course, that's my favorite kind--burnt! YUM!

We had a wonderful time in Indian Lake and hope that all of you enjoyed a safe and happy July 4th!

Floating Along

Westerville's annual July 4th parade entertained many earlier this afternoon. Alexander had the honor of riding in the first car of the parade behind the emergency vehicles and veterans. Earlier in the school year, Alexander was awarded 1st place, out of all 3 middle schools, for his essay in the Patriot Pen competition. As a result, he was invited to ride in the July 4th parade. In addition, he was encouraged to invite a veteran to join him--he chose his Papa Larry to be his guest.

The car announced Alex as one of the VFW winners.

Dee, Noah and I dropped off Larry, Trey and Alexander prior to the start of the parade. The blue car pictured below was Alexander's transportation through the parade.

Getting ready for the parade to begin; Alexander is seated in the car and Papa is in the white flag shirt close behind the car.

Trey walked along side the parade route capturing the two pictures above at the very beginning of the parade. Below, Grammy and Noah wait patiently for Papa and Alexander to arrive. (Noah borrowed Mom's sunglasses since it's a bright, sunshine filled day)

The start of the parade, complete with Color Guard and Westerville Police and Fire personel.

The veterans paused in front of the VFW post to salute the flag. As they completed their salute, a plane did a "fly by"--awesome!

Papa Larry walking in the parade! We're very proud of Papa Larry and all the men and women who have sacrificed their time and lives to serve our wonderful nation! God Bless America!

Alexander, waving and thoroughly enjoying the honor of riding in the parade! He mentioned afterward that several teachers and friends gave "shout outs" to him along the parade route! SO COOL!

Alexander, have we mentioned how PROUD we are of you! Congratulations, once again, on your amazing honor!

More parade participants...

Noah was not thrilled with the banner hanging from the bus--only 53 more days of summer vacation?!

We seem to be out of town regularly on July 4th, so we're so happy that we're able to enjoy the July 4th activities this year!

The parade watchers :)! Happy 4th of July everyone!

Haiden's Visit to the Pool

Haiden spent the day with us today. Earlier this morning, he anxiously awaited Noah's return from swim practice. He adores Noah! Once Noah returned, we headed to the "new park" around the corner from our home. Of course, I forgot my camera, but I have to say--the park is amazing. I wish my boys would have had a similar park to enjoy when they were younger--WOW! After lunch, it was time for the much anticipated trip to the pool. I'm not sure that Haiden's been to the pool yet this summer--he couldn't get there fast enough. Haiden followed Noah into the 3ft pool and enjoyed Noah giving him private swim lessons. It was cute to watch although Haiden quickly lost interest. He discovered that it really isn't that bad to put your face in the water and decided that jumping into the pool would be lots of fun! (above picture)

Noah stayed with Haiden for a while and then ventured off to the bigger pools for a while. Haiden was content in the 3ft pool. After break, my friend and her kids spent the next pool hour at the kiddie pool. Haiden agreed to play there and I think he had a lot of fun playing with all of the water toys as well as the kids.

He played catch...

He played with the water toy and balanced rings on his head...

And, when it was time for "rest time" and drying off to go home. He was content to nibble on goldfish crackers and relax in the sun for a while. We're happy he had so much fun at the pool today!

Zoo'pendous Time

Trey's parents were in town taking Trey's aunt to the airport and decided to spend the afternoon in Columbus. Haiden, Noah's friend, the boys and myself along with Trey's parents enjoyed a spring-like afternoon at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

Haiden "resting" on the warthog. Below, two bald eagles resting in their HUGE nest.

The ducks below just happened past as the boys were relaxing in the shade enjoying their Icees. My close up picture didn't turn out well and this one is "whited out", but it was cute none the less.

The Polar Bear Exhibit is the newest addition to the zoo and something we knew we wanted to view. I love the picture of Haiden below.

Several manatees, sea turtles, rays and various fish reside in a huge tank at the Aquarium.

My least favorite area of the zoo, by far, is the reptile house. But, the boys, all 4, insisted on visiting the reptiles. The title as we entered the 'house'--"snake, rattle and roll".

Haiden was first in line to "pet" the corn snake, followed by Grammy and then Noah. It was all I could do to take pictures, so there was no way I was going to touch the snake too!

After surviving the countless glass snake enclosures, the boys decided it was time to visit the gorillas. An added bonus, the leopards were back in this area as well.

This gorilla, was right up against the cage. It was challenging to get a picture considering there were plants and all in the way, but it turned out fairly well.

Our "wildlife experts" had fun in the zoo!