The Rest of Our Ohio Trip

I'm finally getting around to putting up the rest of the pictures from our Ohio trip since we didn't bring a computer to Las Vegas over the long weekend. The rest of our visit was actually calm and not too jam-packed, definitely a welcome change from the crazy week that preceded it. We visited the pier on Lake Erie, took some pictures out at Schoepfle Garden and spent more time outside. Thanks to my parents, I was able to get out a few times with some of my girlfriends, one of whom I hadn't seen in ten years!

Ellie did a lot of swinging on our old swing set.

She also learned how to climb up and go down my old slide all by herself!

She loved running around in the backyard.

We also brought up the rocking horse from the basement that my great uncle made for us grandnieces that has lasted through to the great-grandnieces and nephews. Look at all that crazy hair!

The night before we left, I caught my dad getting in some snuggles and a book with this little girl.

Smiles and giggles followed soon after.

Our flight out of Ohio didn't take off until mid-afternoon, so we were able to take our time that morning. During our visit, Ellie took special interest in a book at my parents' house all about firefighters, their trucks and equipment. So when I saw a fire truck pull in front of the house to flush the fire hydrants, I asked my mom to take Ellie out to watch the action while I did some last minute packing.

The firemen put the truck lights on just for Ellie and then gave her a junior firefighter "badge" (sticker). As they were finishing up, an emergency call came in so Ellie got to see them suit up and hear the sirens as they sped off. It was the perfect end note for our visit. My parents are coming down to Tucson for a wedding and some extra visiting at the end of October, and we're counting the days until we see them again!

Disco Fever!

The Shark Reef Aquarium

Took this on Friday at the Mandalay Bay Aquarium-- we've been spending the long weekend in Las Vegas with the Hefrons!

Schoepfle Garden: A Year Later

During our trip to Ohio last summer, I took Ellie out to Schoepfle Gardens for her eight-month pictures. It's such a serene, beautiful place that I always like to try and make it out there whenever I'm visiting back home. On our way out we stopped at Quarry Hill Orchards, the place to get peaches this time of year.

Quarry Hill's farm stand was just as I remembered it from my childhood: simple displays with the friendly owners handing you slices of their delicious peaches, watermelon and cantaloupe. Ellie ate two slices of watermelon while we were picking out our fruits and veggies.

After a quick but tasty stop at Quarry Hill, we drove the rest of the way to Schoepfle. The weather was gorgeous and the late afternoon light made for some great pictures, although as you'll see, many of those are of the back of Ellie since she's so quick these days -- we spent the majority of the time following/running after her. :)

Last year...

 

... and this year.

What a difference a year makes!

"The Godfather"

I meant to include this picture with my post recapping our first week in Ohio. Nonetheless, here's Ellie with my brother Bryan, who also happens to be Ellie's godfather. He is so good with her and although these two may not see each other all that often, Ellie sure has a soft spot for her uncle.

Backing Up

She always finds a new way to make me smile.

A Morning Walk on the Pier