Lorain Fair

We made it back to Cleveland in the summer this year. Nate and I were discussing how long it had been since we had actually been back in the summer. We couldn't remember for sure, that should tell you something!
We spent the first weekend with Nate's family. They have a concession at the Lorain County fair. We were able to see Nate's brother Scott his wife Brooke and their two kids Kelley and Ryan. She really enjoyed spending time with Aunt Brooke at the fair...she wanted Aunt Brooke to carry her! We also got to spend time with Nate's sister Stephanie, her husband Chris and their two kids Ava and Samantha. Samantha is one month older than Ellie, so we had a little party for the two of them on Saturday night at the fair. And of course we spent some time with Nate's parents too!
I was excited to take Ellie to the fair to see the animals. I think she had a good time.

She saw turkeys and sheep.

And a pig getting a drink of water!

She and Aunt Brooke checked out the horses as well!

It was a nice to hang out with Nate's family and enjoy the fair. Next weekend is her birthday party here. So I have a bit of shopping and preparation to do!

Almost one party!!!

We had a party for Elyse here in St. Louis, the week before her actual b-day. The party was great, lots of good friends and crazy kids having a good time. Luckily the weather here has not been your typical St. Louis weather! The day was warm and not very humid, where it is usually hot and humid.
Planning the first year party was kind of difficult. For one Elyse is not really into any characters or TV shows and she cannot really run around and play. So, I did a jungle theme and Ellie crawled around. Unfortunately she is not walking yet so she was a bit dirty at the end of the day. She seemed to have a great time!

I made the cupcakes! I saw them online and got really excited. I think they actually turned out well! There were elephants, monkeys, giraffes, zebras and lions!

Ellie did well with her cupcake. She enjoyed us singing to her...


I am not sure she knew what to do.
First she poked at it...

Then I had her taste it...

Then she got it!!

The second cupcake made it into her hair...
... after encouragement from Dustin!

Tigers at the zoo

The tiger at our zoo has FIVE cubs. We were lucky enough to see them out playing it was great!

Crazy hair day...............

Fairy Princess

I had to get this tutu even though it was too big! She will grow into it!

Fun with Aunt Dawn, Cousin Grace and Cousin Austin

While My sister, Grace and Austin were here we visited still more of our St. Louis favorites, the zoo and Grant's Farm!
Feeding the goats at Grant's Farm is always a fun time! I did take Elyse in once but decided against it this time...I was wearing light pants!

The kids all enjoyed the animals but Ellie seemed unsure of the Llama, especially after it spit!

The girls really had a blast together and enjoyed Austin as well. As for me I had a great time with my sister...Aunt Dawn! I really missed them when they left.

Family visit...

I love it when we have visitors! We go out and about in St. Louis. We see the old favorite places and amazingly after three years still find new things to do. My nephew actually stayed for about 2 1/2 weeks, which I really enjoyed. My mom flew out with him and stayed for a week. Then at the end my sister flew out, with her youngest Grace, to spend a long weekend before flying back with Austin.

The NEW...
While my mom was here she, my nephew, Ellie and I checked out The City Museum. The place is amazing. I climbed around on things with Austin while Grandma spent time with Ellie. They have this amazing outdoor "MonstroCity'. The best way I can think to explain it is a 3-4 story junglejim. It was fun to crawl around but nauseating at times, especially since I am not fond of heights. Below are a few pictures of my nephew maneuvering, he is in Camouflage so you might not be able to see him.(haha!)

The OLD FAVES...
Nate and I have renewed our membership to the botanical gardens. They are so pretty, all times of the year, and just relaxing. And as I have found with my nephew...FUN! They currently have an artists work on display they you can touch and climb on. Austin and Ellie both enjoyed it.

There was also an indoor exhibit for kids about trees and forest animals. The gardens really surprised me at this visit. Who knew there would be so much for a 13yr old and an 11 month old to do...without entering the Children's garden.
Ellie and Austin nesting...
Ellie the owl. She wasn't too thrilled!

We had a great time with grandma and were sad to see her leave. We still have more time with Austin though!!!