Happy Fourth of July!

Enjoy your family picnics and fireworks! We'll be offline awhile but check back mid-July for some exciting updates and photos!

Zoorific Day

To celebrate Grandma Sue's birthday and Isabella's successful potty training (finally!), we headed to the Cleveland Zoo. What a day! We petted sharks and sting rays! We petted elephant tails. We saw giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, monkeys and Isabella's favorite - the lemur. All VERY cool!

Scared of the Geese

We celebrated cousin Brittany's graduation last weekend at a nice cook-out, even though it poured. The party was in a pole-barn so we all had plenty of seats to stay out the of rain. While eating, Isabella noticed geese sitting above us in the rafters. She was very curious about the geese and asked repeatedly why they were up there. Daddy explained that the geese were not real, that Uncle Ted used them for hunting. She still wasn't sure about them and wouldn't walk near or under the geese. Finally, someone got one down so she could see that they were fake.

Agency Reunion Picnic

Each summer our adoption agency hosts a family picnic so families can visit and see how much our kiddos have grown. Bella had a great time jumping around and eating her picnic lunch.

Farm Fun

A few weeks ago, Isabella, Grandma Mary and I drove to Nova, Ohio, to visit with Aunt Pam at the farm. Isabella loves animals and since farms have animals, she loves farms. When we drive by a large home with a large yard or a park or a barn, she yells "Farm" and points out the window.

During our visit, we petted cows and the pony, Annie. We saw cats - a lot of cats! We saw a newborn calf. We watched for turtles in the pond.

On the ride home, we stopped at a little country store for candy. Isabella was a sugary mess by the time we got home! It was a great day!

Columbus

A few weekends ago, Isabella and Mom & Dad headed to Columbus for a family weekend. We hit the Zoo and COSI and a river festival. We visited three malls and played with friends Laura, Josh, Isaac and Ally. Isabella loved staying in a hotel and absolutely LOVED the Zoo. She rode on a boat and a train, pet a snake and saw HUGE vampire bats. She fed birds cups of nectar and rode on a real-live horse (by herself). At COSI, we rode in a spaceship and in an underwater submarine. We dueled King Triton and pet a lizard. Watch our video for a documentary of the long weekend.


Family Trip to Columbus 2008

Crazy Weekend

Do you ever have those weekends when you have to be somewhere every second? We had one of those! And, boy, did we have fun!

Friday we watch cousin Kelsey in her first dance recital. She's three and as cute as can be in her Hawaiian grass skirt. She did well, watching the teacher and her classmates for dance cues. We headed to dinner with Grandma Sue, Papa Al, Uncle Keith, Aunt TT and cousins Kelsey and Kylie after the big show.

Saturday was one of those errand days since it rained until mid-afternoon. Then we went to the Irish Fest in Cuyahoga Falls to watch cousin Mike's band, Fergie and the Bog Dogs. Visit Aunt Julie's blog for photos.

Sunday was Father's Day so we had a nice lunch with Papa Al and the whole Kramer gang. Then we headed to Papa Steve's for playtime and pizza!

Whew! What a great weekend!

Great Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to everyone!

We had a busy day with lots of pics so I'm posting a few. Visit later this week for details and pics from a VERY busy weekend!

Isabella giving Daddy a Father's Day hug

Isabella sitting with Papa Al at Bennigan's

Isabella helping Papa Steve open his Father's Day card and present (a Grandpa t-shirt)

Zoorific Party

We celebrated Isabella all day starting with the traditional Bob Evan's breakfast. This started with Isabella's first birthday when Grandma Mary and I took Isabella to Bob Evan's the morning of her birthday (we were staying with Grandma Mary and Papa Steve at the time because I was recovering from surgery.)

We had a great birthday party at the Akron Zoo with 35 of Isabella's closest friends and family. We got a tour of the coolest animal exhibits and got a private "petting" of a ferret and a chinchilla. The kids got to feed goats and sheep, and we all enjoyed pizza and cake.

Isabella got to open her gifts at the party. Some highlights: the Dora bike she's been asking about for months; two pools; clothes; books; games. She's set for fun summer activities! Thanks to all our friends and family for your generousity!

Isabella's 3rd Birthday

Bella is 3!

Happy Birthday, baby girl! I can't believe you are three years old already! She will have a great day with a party at the Zoo with her friends and family!

Daddy's Birthday Round 2

On Kevin's actual birthday, Grandma Mary, Papa Steve, Aunt Julie and we gathered at Texas Roadhouse for dinner and presents. Kevin got his much wanted mp3 player and some great summer shorts and tees. Money for shoes is always on the birthday wish list and he wasn't disappointed. After dinner, Aunt Julie joined us and neighbors Todd, Candice and baby Jordan for cake. Yum! Hope you had a great birthday weekend!




Here's a big birthday kiss for you!

Memorial Day Picnic

Grandma Sue and Papa Al hosted a beautiful Memorial Day picnic, and the whole gang was there including cousin Sarah from Las Vegas. It was great playing with cousins Noah and Samantha from the Dayton area. Seeing all the aunts and uncles was fun, too! And the food was wonderful!