Ohio - Part 1

I can't believe it is the end of July already. The Summer is flying by. We spent three weeks in Ohio visiting with family and friends. I downloaded about 300 pictures that I took while in Ohio. I won't bore you with all 300 pictures but I will post some of my favorites in a series of posts.

We left here July 1st. We had an extra child with us on the ride there and back. Rhianna is a friend of Callie's that she met playing soccer. She has an aunt and uncle that lives in the Cleveland area so we took her with us and dropped her off with her family there. It was nice to have her with us and Callie said, "Rhianna, you make everyone a little happier."

We also had Flat Stanley with us. Some of you may know who Flat Stanley is. He is a character in a book that a lot of teachers will use in their classrooms to teach geography. We took Flat Stanley on our adventures so you may see him in some of the pictures I post.

Our first big get together was in South Russell at Mama Ann's and Papa Bob's house. It was a 4Th of July party on the 3rd!! Ann and Bob always throw a great party with delicious food, fun games for the kids and adults, great atmosphere and great company!! They have a beautiful home that they make look so festive for the holiday! Here are some photos to highlight the event!


Here is Caroline hanging out with Mama Ann. Caroline is our niece. Jason and Colleen's youngest. She was a trooper the whole day. She smiled a lot and let so many people hold her during the day.

Here is Allison, Todd's little sister, with her best friend, Lindsey.

Here is my brother, Matthew, with his girlfriend, Krissi, along with my mom and dad. I had fun playing corn hole for the first time with Matthew, Dad and Krissi. Corn hole hasn't made it to New England yet, I don't think.

The kids seemed to have a great time! Here is Eleanor, Jason and Colleen's oldest, with Mia, my niece-Matthew's daughter.


Mama Ann got a big blow up ball that the kids were able to climb inside and roll around the yard. They really enjoyed it. Here is Mia inside the ball.

Here is Julia taking a turn inside the ball. Julia is Jason and Colleen's middle daughter. Honestly, she was having a good time. I clicked the picture too late to capture her smile.

Here is Eleanor taking her turn inside the ball. What a great smile!


Patriotic girls: Julia, Eleanor, Mia, Emily and Callie!

Here is Emily trying to be diplomatic with the turn taking inside the ball. I watched them for a long time. She had their attention and they seemed to enjoy Emily's animation.

Sweet Caroline!!


Jason and Caroline

Callie and Auntie Allison


Then there was some water play. They all got wet in the end but had a great time!

Lindsey's little brother was the only boy playing with all these girls. I think they really ganged up on him. Poor guy!



Here is Mia taking on the "enemy" all alone. I think all the girls had a chance at him. Again...Poor guy!!


At the end of the night, Christopher and "the boys" always put on a fabulous fireworks show. Here is Todd and Christopher looking over all the stuff they are about to blow up!

We all drive or walk down the street and go behind the houses into a field to watch the fireworks.
Here is Mia, Callie and the infamous Flat Stanley sitting on the gator waiting for the fireworks show.

Here are most of the kids watching the show. The cutest thing I heard was when Julia started to cry and her big sister, Eleanor, put her arm back onto Julia and said, "I am right here, Julia, I am right here!"

Some of the adults enjoying the show. I have a video of the grand finale that I will try and post as well. It was incredible!!!

It was a great party!! Thank you Ann and Bob for a great time!! Here is Mama Ann and the girls the next day as we were heading out to another party.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our Ohio trip!