why-oh why oh why-oh...

WHY did I EEEEEVVVVVVERRR leave OHIOOOOOO ... or Detroit, for that matter.
Chloe and I took an amazing two week driving adventure to D town & into Ohio. I'm still kicking myself for not taking more photos in Detroit.

We had a nice long visit with cousin Matthew in Wooster, OH. These two little ones are thick as thieves. They are getting pretty wild together which makes me only wonder what life will be like when they are teenagers. Chloe was seen riding Matthew down the slide. They were jumping off of tall play structures. Wrestling. Dare I go on?


The County Fair in Wooster, OH is always a hit, which is why we planned our entire trip around it!


There were some massive big kid moments on the rides. Kids only! There was also one of the saddest displays of desperation I have ever seen trying to get off the roller coaster. I can't even post the photos, they bring up too many sad memories for me. When asked what her favorite ride was, Chloe STILL begins by saying, "I didn't like that dragon roller coaster."




And onto apple picking. Fun times!




We visited some of our favs on a quick stop in Cleveland. They just HAPPEN to have the BEST pretend magical forest. Chloe loves it because she gets to watch all her first runs of Disney movies there. This visit she watched Snow White.

and Teta took her on a magic carpet ride.

Then back to Detroit for a day. Chloe's boyfriend tried to pick her up on his new motorcycle. He may be cute & from a good family, but I said, "not till you can reach the handle bars, buddy."


So ever since our visit, little Chlo has just INSISTED on moving back to our old house. Really sad. We love ya'll so much! Thanks for the fab visit!

Camping

We braved a long weekend camping in the Huron National Forest. It was super amazingly beautiful - HOWEVER, taking a two year old to an extremely secluded campsite with no grate over the cook fire was too adventurous. There was little to no sleep. But the overall sentiment was that is was a fabulous first family vacation. Our nearest neighbor was at least 1/2 mile away and our site was nestled at the top of a sand dune that was at least 200 ft. above a beautiful river. Not a modern convenience in sight!

Chloe caring for her 'babies' (Piglet & Froggy) in a sling.


Family bandanas!

Hot chocolate

We also visited a Woodsmen Memorial



We ended the trip with a trip with a great miniature train ride.

Here is a photo Britt snapped while in the pitch-black train tunnel. I love Chloe's expression!

the life

For living in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places EVER... I sure have been a lame photographer. I really need to get to all our hot spots and take photos. Hopefully within the next week I'll have something to share! We've been too busy having fun to ever remember to bring along my camera. But here are some photos I took this weekend in Empire. We spent a lovely Sunday checking out the surf shop, grabbing lunch and enjoying the sunshine!

catchin' some breeze on the drive to Empire





running in the waves

Chloe's new kite

she can fly it all by herself!



In other news, Britt is training his little b off for a half marathon up Old Mission Peninsula this fall. We are trying to plan a camping trip, surfing and paddle boarding. Chloe and I have been busy at the library, the beach and oh so many parks and festivals. But her all time favorite thing to do is "ride in the bike trailer and go downtown to look at the stores." She'll choose that over any other activity! We are even starting to meet people to hang out with! This place is such a blessing to us! I have to say our quality of life here rocks. We kind of hope we can stay here forever.... I might change my mind come winter....but I sort of doubt it - I'm ready to tackle cross country skiing and snowshoeing!

home

I haven't taken a single photo of our new house. We just haven't been spending time there. We sleep amongst boxes and play all day. There is TOO much to do in this amazing town! We feel so blessed to call this home - and we're pretty sure we will never want to leave! There is literally something new to do each and every day.
If ya'll don't visit ---- pie in your face! Come one, come all!

we are moving

IN 1 MONTH. Don't expect to hear from us for the rest of the summer --- we'll be at the beach.... less than 1 mi. from our new home.

Matthew's 2nd Birthday

Matthew's 2nd birthday party was a hit!
Unfortunately the birthday boy was sick the day of his party.

Christine and I made the cakes!

caleb

The most loved dog on Earth.