The Worst Part of our US Trip 2014

Another delayed post from summer - maybe even the last.

While I loved our trip and our extended time in the US, there was definitely a Worst Part. Since we visited Detroit, the Cincinnati area, the Dayton area, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and the Cleveland area, and well as a few others locations....we spent a good chunk of time in the car.

As in: I started to calculate the time but even four months later I started to feel panicked about the numbers I was starting to reach...and had to stop. Yeah, that many hours.

Certain members of the family had strong feelings about those hours at some point:

PJ's face says quite a lot. 

I'd like to believe my finger does as well.

Anyone else not feel hours in the car? Anyone out there want to teach me (us?) how to love those hours instead?

XO

Granny's Birthday 2014

Another delayed posting from summer.

Late August is my mom's birthday. This year she got to celebrate it with her husband, two daughters, our (crazy enough to marry into our family) husbands, and both grandkids. Her son also gave her a birthday phone call. Guess which part she was most excited about.

Yup...these two:

While I did enjoy sharing my kiddos with my mom on her birthday, I must admit my sister's gift to her was MY favorite part of the day: 

I really wanted to take fourths (yes, I ate three servings) but Jelly Bean wouldn't give me hers. Sigh.

Afterwards we sat around and made fun of me. Or at least that's how I remember it.

xo

Germans in the Wild

While we were in the US we got the chance to visit a German festival. Lord help us if we go seven weeks without sausage and sauerkraut and 'real' beer.

And dancing. Of course, dancing. Because everyone knows the Germans are dancing Gods.

What we Americans THINK Germans dance like: 

and, of course, this:

But, really, this is how Germans REALLY dance:

Good thing my German loves me and has an awesome sense of humor.

I hope.


XO

Cincy Zoo Visit

Another way late post :)

While we were in the US, we got to go to the Zoo. It was super hot, super sticky, and loads of fun. This one if going to be light on commentary and heavy on pictures. Enjoy!

Adventures. Adventures.


XO

IRL: It Does Happen

When I was pregnant with PJ I got involved in an online group. Three years later, while visiting family in Ohio, three of us got together for a playdate. It was so wonderful to meet these women in person that I've shared some ups and downs with online.

And of course meet those adorable, adorable, adorable little ones!

The three mommies!

XO

First American Parade

While we were in the US visiting family and friends, PJ and Jelly Bean got to see their first American parade. It was everything one could hope for:

It started out with four gentlemen carrying the American flag with everyone standing to honor it as it passed.

Followed closely by a series of firetrucks and emergency vehicles.

So many firetrucks! So many family members!

A few more groups went past - mostly politicians - and then these fabulous motorcycles roared by.

Which was only topped by these vehicles goofying by.

And finally horses! Lots of horses!

With cowboys!

Cowboys that we know!

Even better: a cowgirl we know ON A HORSE!

All in all, it was a stupendous afternoon with lovely family members and yummy donuts.



XO

Boating Fun with Grannie and Grampie

Even before we flew off to Ohio, PJ told me that he was going to go "fishing with Grampie." He was pretty insistent about it. So weeks in advance I warned Grampie that he was going fishing. Of course, Grandpa was all about it.

Then just days before we flew, PJ threw another detail in: he was going fishing with Grampie on a boat. 

Yeah, my parents don't have a boat. So I called them again, giving them a heads-up. "I'll get it taken care of," was Grandpa's response.

And he totally did. Not only did he arrange a boat for us all but PJ also got to drive the boat. Seriously. Picture proof:

Not to be left out, Jelly Bean got into the fun. Though at this point, she was more interested in opening and closing the glove department.

Once the excitement of the boat started to settle, Grandpie pulled out another surprise: a Spider-Man fishing rod.




It was such a relaxed day. We even found time for a full family picture.

After the full of the boat slowed down, we walked over to a picnic table for a lunch. At that point, our little girl still needed help walking around. It was also the time of her picking up sticks to carry around with her.

Grandpie put together a lovely grill for hotdogs and we all dug in.

And somehow, I'm not sure how (cough: the Mr.), Jelly Bean got soaking, soaking, soaking wet. She was soooo happy.

It was a fabulous day! Thanks Grampie and Grannie!

XO

Firemen PJ and Jelly Bean

There are a number of benefits to visiting small town America. One of them has to be a spontaneous and extremely hands-on visit to the local fire department.

We just showed up and rang the bell. In response a fireman drove a fire truck out and proceeded to let my kids climb all over it. All of it. And push all the buttons they wanted to. All the buttons.

My little firefighters! 

XO

Jelly Bean: Eleven Months

My baby is 11 moths old today! Just about a week ago she finally decided that she could walk all by herself. Her first steps were at nine months and at 10 months she was walk-me-around-with-your-finger-demanding little monster. Thank goodness we have been in the US staying with my family and friends because the walking supports have been numerous and willing (especially grandpa).

She now has six teeth, has grown out of all the clothes we borrowed for her just six weeks ago, has mastered "bye bye!", and has already started conquering playgrounds. 

She walked this entire distance. No big deal. 

And- of course - she is healthy. So healthy. 

Happy 11 months little lady. 

XO

And with hugs for all those that this day is not a joyful day, missing someone they loved and dramatically lost in 2001. And with thoughts for the rest of us that lost a treasured illusion all those years ago.

And wishing for peace for this young generation in all parts of the world. 

The New Naked Cowboy

A lot of the best people come from, or are descentant of people from, Ohio. People like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Drew Carey, Halle Berry, Phil Donahue AND Jerry Springer, Clark Gable, Arsenio Hall, Woody Harrelson, Tracy Chapman, Dean Martin, Ulysses S. Grant, Neil Armstrong, Don King, William Procter, Ted Turner, Gloria Steinem, Charles Manson, all these amazing people, of course, me and PJ, and the Naked Cowboy.*

What? You don't know about the street performer in New York City called "The Naked Cowboy"? For shame!

He has a real name according to wikipedia, but really, who cares? The guy shows up on Times Square in his underware, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, guitar, and a-hella-lotta self confidence.

The Original Naked Cowboy

A few years ago my little brother - for the purposes of this blog "Uncle Frannie", and also, importantly, from Ohio and is know also for a-hella-lotta self confidence - took the challenge and dressed up as the Naked Cowboy for Halloween. Lets just say he totally rocked the outfit.

Yes, my brother works out.

And the challenge was set. In the tradition of awesome people being from Ohio; the Naked Cowboy connection; and the theme of hella-lotta self confidence, PJ undressed down to his diaper and into the cowboys Uncle Frannie and Kiwi gifted him...and became the best naked cowboy ever.

"Ooooo - this is an awesome idea!"

Really, have you ever seen a better one?

"Feel free to throw some change my way, already."

I didn't think so.

xo