This past Sunday, the kids were driving me insane and things were coming to a head because it had been so hot here and humid. Finally, on Sunday it wasn't as hot as it had been (at least in the morning), so I told Bill and the kids to get dressed including socks and tennis shoes, because we were going out. I decided to head out to Honey Run Waterfalls so we could do some hiking and just spend some time outside.
The falls were running good as we had had some rain/storms the night before. As we were looking at the falls, another family came through and warned us not to go in the pond area where the falls fell into as they had seen several snakes in the water earlier. They then pointed out at least one long snake that was swimming through the water. EEK!
After spending some time near the falls, we hiked several of the trails, including one out to the Kokosing River.
Then we hiked a path that was across the street, that was a good hike with inclines. We heard many, many cicadas as their drone was just constant. We didn't see any but we did hear them. We did see pretty wildflowers and tons of massive ant hills.
After we hiked, we headed back home to get some quick lunch and so I could shower.
After lunch, we headed over to my parents' house to celebrate my sister's 20th birthday. I traditionally make cakes for the family and she requested rainbows and Batman. I will have to say I think the cake fit her to a t!
We made it to my parents' house just before a heavy thunderstorm hit, but that didn't stop my mom from cooking out on the grill. LOL
We were able to eat outside and my sister was able to open her birthday presents. We got her a pair of Batman themed flip flops that she can wear to the beach this summer when she comes on vacation with us.
We did have to leave early as the kids spent most of their time bickering and picking on each other and tattling and whining, etc. It was tense ride home but what are you going to do? That is what makes memories, right? LOL
On Memorial Day, our tradition is to go watch our town's parade. The past few years Rebecca has walked in it (first with her softball team and last year with her American Heritage Girls troop). This year Rebecca was walking in it again with her softball team.
This was also the last year (probably) that my brother would be walking with his Boy Scout troop-- as he is on the verge of getting Eagle Scout. The weather was great and I did get a little sunburned.
After the parade, we headed out to my parents' house to have a cookout. I decided to take water blasters and water guns for the kids to do. It turned into an all out water war, with my brother Josh soaking me several times. I think I was wetter than the kids. Thankfully, Josh's friend helped get revenge!
Overall it was a nice day and a great kickoff to summer.
Every summer, we kick off Summer break by attending the Velvet Ice Cream company's ice cream festival in Utica, Ohio. This year we attended on Sunday. Once again, we arrived around 10 am (after picking up my sister to go with us) and there was no line to get in!
Due to construction at the Velvet plant, some of the activities were located in different areas. One of those were the pony rides. These were located just as you entered the grounds.
Rebecca loves to ride the ponies. For the first time ever, Jacob decided to ride one this year. Ben wanted to and then decided at the last minute that he did NOT want to!
After the pony rides, we walked around and looked at the vendors and the kids got to do a craft.
Then we went and got ice cream-- Benjamin got chocolate, Rebecca and Jacob both got cookie dough ice cream,my sister got mint chocolate chip, Bill got Buckeye classic and I tried one of their new flavors-- Banana cream pie! Oh it was SO GOOD!
While we were eating our ice cream, we sat and watched the Columbus Zoo show off some of their animals in their traveling exhibit.
We saw an owl, a fox, a penguin, a joey, a bearcat and a sloth. I thought the sloth was really cool, but apparently they really stink! The kids really enjoyed watching the animals.
After that was over, we walked over and looked at all the cars that were in the annual car show...well I should say Bill looked that cars, my sister and I discussed which car colors were the best and the kids looked at the ducks in the pond! Priorities, right?
After that, we decided to get some lunch for the kids and Bill. The kids had pizza and kool-aid boxes and Bill had a coney dog. I was waiting to get my "lunch" before we left. It was starting to get crowded and hot outside so we decided to leave around 1pm. As we were heading out, I got each of the kids a snow cone and I got myself my "lunch"-- a funnel cake! So yummy!
Overall, it was a lovely morning and early afternoon and was a great way to kick off Summer break!
As I mentioned in my last post, on the last day of school for Benjamin, his class went on an all day field trip to The Farm at Walnut Creek. The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working farm in Ohio's Amish Country that also houses thousands of exotic animals that you can feed. It was a really wonderful experience and Ben LOVED feeding all the animals.
Overall it was a wonderful experience and we are trying to find time this summer to go back as a family! If you are ever in Sugarcreek, Ohio I would highly recommend stopping by The Farm at Walnut Creek!
Life has been crazy the last few weeks! (I seem to always say that because in reality, life with 3 kids means craziness!)
In big news, SCHOOL IS OUT for the Summer! My kids are happy that they are on summer break, but they are also sad because they said they miss their teachers and friends!
Benjamin had a FABULOUS first year of Preschool!
His last day of school was May 20. I had the privilege of going on an all day field trip with him to The Farm at Walnut Creek (which I will post about later as it was awesome!). When we got back to the school, his teacher gave him his certificate of completion as we were not going to be able to make it to his end of the year picnic due to other obligations.
Jacob and Rebecca ended their first year at our local public school. They both had GREAT years.
Jacob graduated from Kindergarten on May 25, which also happened to be my hubby's birthday.
He was so excited for his graduation, but he cried and cried after because he missed his teacher and his friends. After graduation, we took him out for a doughnut and then later to lunch at our local Mexican place with his Grandma and Aunt Mary.
Rebecca's last day of 3rd grade was also May 25. She spent the day at school and got a perfect attendance award. When we got her report card she had gotten straight A's! She is one smart cookie!
They had a few days to decompress and then we started our summer schedule which is keeping everyone busy, busy, busy!
I am just so grateful that all the kids had great school years and that they are looking forward to going back to school in the fall.
