Our Vacation: Day 1

In the beginning of August we took an amazing trip to Florida.  During July we took several road trips:  Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus.  Previously Owen had been a great traveler, but he did really bad during these trips.  So after talking to Meme, we decided to leave Owen at home.  I'm so sorry buddy, but it was the best for everyone.  You were able to nap and play as needed.  At legoland you would have been trapped in a stroller and naps would have been a struggle.  I missed you so much!  You had a great time with Meme!

A big highlight for the big kids was riding on an airplane for the first time.  They were so excited!

Ava and Carter both said their most favorite part of vacation was the plane ride!

Once we arrived in Orlando, we went to a pizza buffet for lunch.  Dawson made this delicious brownie and cinnamon bun sandwich.  Hey, it's vacation!

All of the kids, but Dawson in particular, have been interested in the Titanic.  We were looking for things to do in Orlando because our flight landed at 10:30 and we couldn't check into Legoland until 4.  We saw the Titanic Museum and we knew that we had to take the kids to it.  They really did enjoy it, everyone got a boarding pass with the name and information of a passenger on the Titanic.  There were rooms set up to look just like the Titanic, even a replica of the grand staircase.  We weren't allowed to take pictures inside but they were pretty interesting.

They kids were able to touch a real iceberg and a piece of the actual Titanic.

First Day of School

Monday was the first day of school for the older three kiddos.  Mike and I were surprised by the lack of anxiety this year.  In the past we have had to calm nerves especially before bedtime, but this year it was not a problem! 

Ava adores her new teacher.  She came home and said that third grade was "awesome!"

Carter is also very optimistic this year.  He told me "Miss Nicholas gets me."  I tried to figure out why, but he couldn't give me a reason. 

Dawson told me his day was "good" which is high praise.  He liked playing basketball with his new friend.

Here's to a great year:  Carter in 4th, Ava in 3rd, Dawson in 1st

On the first day of school little O was soo unhappy.  He was fed, clean diaper, and I had toys out and his blanket teddy.  But he just sat in my lap and cried.  His friends and entertainment were gone!  I'm so sorry buddy!

Summer Camping and Fishing Fun

This summer we had a lot of fun outdoor time!  We got to go camping with Grandma and Bo.  Although baby Owen refused to nap in the camper so I took him back to Uncle Jason and Aunt Tiffany's house for the night.  The big kids stuck out a storm in the camper (I'm so proud of them, because they hate thunderstorms.)

Carter and Daddy went to Weeblo Resident Camp.

There was archery......

and Bebe guns......

and a fishing derby, which Carter boy WON!!

Our pack also had a fishing derby,

which both Carter and Doc attended.  No winning fish this time, but they did have a great time.

Summer Farm Fun

In July we had a lot of fun on the farm!  First Ava visited Nickajack Farm to do Horse Fun Camp.  She had a blast!

She rode Mr. B and learned the different commands to ride a horse.  She had a huge smile on her face the entire time!

We also visited Lake Farm Park with our cousins.  There was so much cool stuff to do!

Checking out the tractors

Milking a cow

There was even a little tractor for Ow-ee to ride!

Avery and the Avery tresher

Later I took the kids back to Nickajack for the summer Farm Fun.  Everyone had a blast including Carter.  The non-allergic kids loved holding these barn kittens.

And here is a little video of our fun:

More July Pictures

Summer is flying by as usual.  We have been busy traveling, swimming, playing, for me working.

We took the kids back to the North Canton skate center.  I just love this picture of Owen's little face.

I had a blast roller skating with these three!  They are improving so much every single time that we go.  Dawson still sticks close to the wall, but not for much longer.

Funny picture - Mike calls it our band cover.  He instructed all the kids to look off into the distance seriously.

One weekend in July we drove down to Cincinnati to spend time with our friends there.  Owen was so excited to play with another baby.  

I just realized that I have been friends with these ladies for over fifteen years!  Here are our kids together:  Stella 10, Carter 9, Ava 8, William 8, Dawson 6, Piper 3, Josie 1, Owen 11 months

Dawson told me "Mom take a picture of the naked brothers."  They love taking baths with the littlest one.

Oh, the twins.  They raided Owen's closet and found these costumes.  Ava is wearing a size 12 month chicken costume and Dawson is wearing a 2T monkey costume.

This was a hand me down swim suit from their cousin Andrew.  Dawson and Carter were so jealous, and both asked me to get them a dive suit as well.  I think they have been watching too much shark week.

Ava LOVES this umbrella stroller.  She has been taking him everywhere in it.

One of the main reasons I have ZERO time to blog:  I started teaching again.  It is a lot of fun and I can do it on my time in the basement.  I don't think I could ask for a better situation!  So pardon my absence if things are a little quiet around here.  I love writing about the my babies childhood, but unfortunately it's having to take a backseat now.

Jackson Touch a Truck

Even as they are getting older, the touch a truck events are still a family favorite.

Owen was trying to hug the giant Goodyear Tire.  Daddy approved.

Ava was checking out the trucks as well.

There was also a helicopter from the MAPS Air Museum.

Big Smiles for Big Fun!

A visit with Montana Cousins

In the beginning of July our Montana cousins visited Jefferson.  Kristin in Mike's cousin, and she has three boys: Riley, Elliot and William.  The kids had a ball hanging out!

Running and Chasing

Taking a dip in the hot tub

Owen did a great job napping, only if I would hold him!

Silly Pic

Dawson in his usual position at Daddy's side

Little O getting a drink

Bebe gun shooting

Lots of swinging

Campfire and S'mores

It was a wonderful weekend.  A quintessential summer day!

The Fourth of July

I wanted to have a fun outing for the fourth of July, so we packed up the van and headed to our favorite local spot, the beach at Portage Lakes.

My kids love spending time in the water and on the beach.  They were sad when we had to leave!

Over to the side there is a small dock so we brought the kayak.  They had a great time paddling around.  Mike found out that the 125 pound weight limit is not just a recommendation! 

Little Fishie Dawson

Although Owen looks a little apprehensive in this picture, he loves spending time in the water too.  It is so tough to take him to the beach or pool because he spends the whole time struggling to get out of our arms.  Sorry big guy, you can't swim yet! 

We had a great time at the beach!