Columbus, OH

We did it.

We survived a four hour car ride (twice!) with the girls.

And it was great.

We loaded up the car Thursday morning and much to our surprise and delight, we left on time! After a fairly uneventful drive, complete with picnic lunch, we arrived in Columbus earlier than we thought we'd get there. We killed time at a nice mall and then met up with our friends at their home. We all relaxed and enjoyed catching up while the girls explored their new territory. Dinner was had and the next task was daunting - getting the girls to sleep. In an unfamiliar room. In a bed. Together.

After what seemed like forever, they were sleeping like logs.

Friday morning, we rose to take on the challenge of the Columbus Zoo.



The zoo is ginormous. Thankfully, our friend Bill came with us to help navigate and entertain the kids.

We saw the new baby elephant. We loved the aquarium and much time was spent in there, just sitting and watching all of the beautiful fish.

We saw monkeys. Bears. Pumas. A Moose. Penguins. A Lion. A boat ride was had. And of course, the carousel was enjoyed.

The day quite frankly, rocked. The girls, and us adults were pretty well exhausted by the end of the day.

Saturday brought a whole new adventure. Our friends slept in and we slipped out for some breakfast before heading out to the North Market. Simply put, an absolutely amazing place. I could only dream of having something like it close by. The abundance of food and culture that await you there is astounding. With so much to take in, we circled the market a few times before settling on some delectable treats to take home with us. Jeni's Ice Cream was definitely a highlight. Three containers of heaven followed us home. Exquisite fresh ravioli awaits us for tomorrow night's dinner. And, if that wasn't enough, we discovered some tasty confections that will fill our tummies after the girls retire this evening.

I don't know how we made it out of there without consuming or purchasing everything in sight. It was such an amazing experience. One that I am so glad we took the girls to partake in.

After we were full of scents, tastes and dreams of yummy, we dropped our goodies off and scooped up our friends for a shopping trip in Easton. After exhausting ourselves taking in all that was to be offered we returned once again to enjoy dinner and company.

This morning, we rose to make some muffins and pack ourselves up. After unleashing the girls one more time on our friends, we said our goodbyes and headed north. Now that we are home and settled back in, it feels good to be here. For the few days we were gone, it was bliss. Not having to be here, in the 'norm' of things was heavenly. It was so nice to leave everything behind. It made me yearn for some change and a new direction. I can't quite say what that will entail, but it kind of woke me up a little bit.

The girls had an amazing time. And, despite Emma's attempts to secure a new family for herself, we all enjoyed our family time together.

Much thanks and love to our friends, Bill & Melissa. We sincerely appreciate you taking our brood into your home and taking such good care of us. We loved our time with you and can't wait to do it again soon - if you'll have us.

Father's Day Re-cap

It's been a little crazy, a little busy and A LOT HOT here the past few days. I have been completely uninspired to do anything. So, here I sit, three days after Father's Day giving the rundown of the days events.

Better late then never.We didn't do a whole lot on Sunday. The usual grocery shopping with a trip to Sam's tossed in for extra fun started the day off. It was going to be rather roasty so we decided to stay home in fear of melting the children at the zoo or park. To make it more fun, Jason decided that he needed to be able to go after the girls with a water gun. After politely denying the first request for a $40 gun, we settled on a sale item - my favorite.

Little ones were purchased to make it more fair for the girls, but I think dad had an advantage - coordination & determination.



The girls had other fun to focus on. With warm weather comes the pool (not yet assembled), a sprinkler and the slip-n-slide - a huge hit last year. Upon setting it this year, however, Olivia balked at every attempt to get her to enjoy it. She finally relented a little bit and played the way she had decided was acceptable.

Emma, on the other hand, had no problem.




Capped off the day with take-out from Lonestar - thank you to GD for providing the yummies!!

Jason had a good day.

Now, we are preparing for our trip to Columbus tomorrow to visit friends. The girls are really looking forward to it. Emma has been counting down the days. She is so ready to go to the Columbus Zoo - I pulled up their website and showed her the map and list of animals.

Looking forward to a few days away. Will certainly have stories upon our return on Sunday.

Who wouldn't - four hours in the car with the girls can only lead to great memories

Newest (and last) Addition

Some people might think we're crazy. But to them I say, you haven't met my MIL.

Here's the last furry addition to our home for a long time. That is, unless Emma's hamster meets his untimely demise and we think we need to try and replace him before she notices. Kind of worked the last time. Although, can you really replace Hammy? He has survived the longest, and outlived his nemesis, H2. He peacefully exists in his ten gallon tank, alone, with no one chasing him or forcing him to pouch the entire contents of the food dish in his mouth to ensure he eats for the week.

Oakley is a purebred beagle. Go figure that we now have two purebred animals - neither of which we obtained from a breeder. Oakley came from the shelter and is a ripe age, of 3 months, or so. The girls love him to pieces. And considering the backlash of returning Simba last weekend, I am happy to report that Emma is 'healing' just fine.

Our hearts and home are full. Oakley is the perfect small addition - he'll be a wonderful size once full grown. Nothing like the 80 lbs. of fluff and fat that blobs on the floor in the shape of Tilly. (Note the picture shows her smallest feature)Crazy. Yes, we probably are. But at least we'll sleep better knowing that we saved this little guy and he will grow up in a safe and loving home. Surrounded by plenty of other pets, kids and crazy people.

Home for the Wayward

Look what found us this weekend.

On Friday, this little guy came around here and decided to call this his home for a little while. He wandered up to the deck and begged to come in the fenced area. I figured I would just to keep him from getting run over. Big mistake. Once he was inside the fence, he didn't want to go anywhere else.

It was too late to call the Humane Society and Olivia was asleep so I couldn't get him to our vet to scan him for a chip. Didn't seem to bother him at all. He just made himself at home. He didn't bother the cats. He sniffed the dogs with minor interest. He followed myself and the girls around constantly.

After checking with a few neighbors, I tried the MIL since she knows more people around here. She suggested her vet since they are open later. Jason was on his way home so I waited for him. We all piled into the car with mystery dog to head off to the vet in hopes of finding his owner.

No such luck. No chip found. Emma was thrilled - she wanted to keep him. I tried my best to explain why that wouldn't be nice of us to do but for a five-year old, it all fell on deaf ears.

Home he came, to spend the night. We figured we'd try the Humane Society in the morning and a couple of the local vets and pound to see if anyone had reported him missing.

Since we had some time Saturday morning, we were going to run a few errands and then come home to make our calls. As we rounded the corner, we saw a flyer tacked to the telephone pole with his little mug on it. Jason pulled over, retrieved the flyer and we had confirmation - he had a home.

Simba was his name and he lived down a ways on the MIL's street. I called the number and let the woman know who answered that we had found her little run away and told her we'd bring him right over.

After chatting for a little while, we left Simba behind at his rightful home.

Emma was not happy.

She was crying. She couldn't understand why we couldn't keep him. Trying our best, and failing miserably, we told her why he wasn't ours. Tough lesson for a little person to grasp, but it is what it is.

We had fun with Simba while he was here. He was very sweet. Very much like our little man, Rufus. He wanted to be close. He was a follower, a shadow almost. I wish Em hadn't gotten so attached so quickly, but that happens with more than just pets these days. I think it must be part of the five-year old makeup. Everything is her favorite or her 'I really want this'. I can't believe she keeps trying, seeing as if her tactics never actually produce results, other than her getting in trouble. I guess she's just hoping for a lapse in judgement on my part. Long wait for that.

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As a side note, my Red Wings dropped the ball big time and handed Stanley over to the freakin' Penguins. It sucked. That series could have and should have gone our way. With a combination of horrendous (read blind) refs, our poor play at times and the Pens grit, we were overtaken. I wish there was some clear answer to why we lost, but I can't say. We were outplayed at times. The NBC announcers, by the way, can suck it too.

I sure loved listening to them slather on the love for the Pens and then hear them talk about how old and slow the Wings were. Pens this. Pens that. Why not just take them to a motel already! It was annoying and equally insulting to listen to them babble on with a clear favorite in mind. So much for being an imparital jury. It's not like when I watch FSD - I expect Ken & Mickey to be slightly favoring the Wings - they do, after all, announce their games.

I suppose at least I have next season to look forward to. October can't come soon enough.

A Week of Endings

This past week was the end of all of our 'planned' activities. Last day of school - already mentioned and chronicled.

Next came the last day of gymnastics. It was a shortened class - much to my surprise. I wasn't aware of the class being basically cut in half. I have to wonder why. Didn't I pay for a full session? Perhaps the extra money went to the super cool medals the girls picked up.
Naturally, you can't see the actual medal because once again, Jason was manning the camera.

So, Saturday brought us the end of soccer. It was questionable to start because it was sprinkling and looking like the skies were going to open up and dump torrential rain on the kids, but it managed to hold off and in true MI style, it cleared up and became a beautiful day around 3 pm.Another medal, another picture by Jason.

Next week is the official start of freedom. No schedules. No plans. No 'have to be there's'.

I love it. Kind of kicked off today. I took the girls to Potter Park Zoo. We had a great time. Olivia wore most of her ice cream, but who cares. It all washes. It was fun - that's all that matters.

Not sure what the week ahead will bring us. I have some ideas of where to go, but nothing is set in stone.

I love it.

The Simple Things

Today was Emma's first official 'school free day'. What a pleasure it was to not have to be all 'get dressed or you'll be late!!' or 'are you STILL on the potty?'. It was nice to just get up, get ready, eat some breakfast and not rush.

Grandpa was coming today. Em was over the moon. We went to get some munchies and supplies for dinner and she asked if I had my phone with me. I said, of course I did, why?. 'What if Grandpa calls?'.

Is Grandpa coming?

When is Grandpa going to be here?

Did he call yet?

Why isn't he here yet?

After several hours of that, I handed the phone to her and told her to call him and check his status. Much to her delight, and my sanity, he said he would be here shortly. Finally, with a slim grasp of what shortly meant, she was quiet.

He came. They played. We ate. They played Wii - a very enriching experience from the spectator position. We got late night Starbucks...yum....

Panera & Starbucks for breakfast this morning - could it get any better than that?

The girls love when Grandpa comes for a visit. I love that we live close enough for him to do that. I also love that we have a home that is welcoming enough for family now. It was so nice to be sitting outside last night, chowing on our scrumptious dinner, and just enjoying each other's company.

Bliss

Class of 2021

Kindergarten Graduation.

Who knew it would be so cool?

Songs were sung.

'Graduation Certificates' were handed out.
(And yes, it does look like Em is pulling at her butt. Only my child. And only when her father is taking pictures. Awesome shot - that'll be a Christmas card when she's sixteen.)
Cake and punch were served.


All and all, a really great little ceremony. It was so cute to see all the kids dressed up and trying to sit still, knowing that a big graduation cake and ice cream was just across the gym, staring at them. Taunting them.

Animal Shelter

If I could, I would take home every animal (even the shady lookin' ones) from the pro-kill shelters and give them a home. I sometimes cruise the shelter websites to see what poor little creatures are residing there, most of them on borrowed time. It saddens me that there are so many good quality pets out there who get put down simply because the shelter doesn't have the time or resources to take care of them - and because someone never came in and fell in love with them.

It makes me delirious with anger when I read postings on CraigsList for pets. No more time. Allergies (one of my faves - don't you think you should have figured that out first!). New baby coming and won't have time - what, you think that with a baby you can't possibly multi-task. Looks at me funny. Doesn't seem to like me. Most of the reasons seem pretty piss poor to me. It's all about irresponsible pet owners who are to freakin' lazy or stupid, or maybe both. Granted, there are plenty of people out there who are sincerely doing what is best for the animal, but the majority of people just seem to be devoid of common sense.

I'm not sure what has ramped up my animal issues today. I suppose it may be because I would love to rescue a beautiful retriever mix from the shelter and am having a hard time deciding if it would be the right thing to do. Do we really need another pet - no, not really. But then I think about her withering away in the cage at the shelter. Scared. Alone. Sad. And then I think of her being led into some doggie death chamber and it makes me ill.

Our sweet little Maggie cat would have met with the same fate had we not brought her home. And everyone agrees that she is a wonderful kitty and it would have been a crime to see her put down.
I mean come on, who could have possible put this kitty into perma-sleep?

I know that shelters do their best with what they are given and I feel that they get the shaft a lot. If people were responsible pet owners, we may not need shelters but it's a fact of life and they aren't going away any time soon.

I pray that people will adopt from shelters. NO MORE PET STORE ANIMALS!!!!!!!!! My very first dog was from a pet store - I was young and just plum stupid - I knew nothing of shelters and hadn't developed my fierce love of furry friends just yet. I have learned my lesson. I hope others learn too.

No Introduction is Necessary...

Time Out

Relaxing was the name of the game this weekend.

And it was so.

Emma had a soccer game Saturday morning. We went. We watched. We enjoyed.

The Stanley Cup Finals began and consumed both evenings. It was splendid. Wings are up two with the series returning to Pittsburgh tomorrow night. No worries.

Sometimes it's really nice to have nothing planned to do. Just go with the flow. Depending on everyone's mood and motivation, we guide our way through the hours, doing nothing or doing something.

I love that summer is creeping up...more relaxing days ahead.