Kiva Blocks

Owen got these blocks for Christmas 2 years ago and has used them almost non-stop building castles,  dragon lairs, cities, mines, marble runs, towers, pyramids and his latest... a bi-plane.  He wanted to share the pictures especially with his grandfathers, so here are some that he took himself:

Oglebay

Our family enjoyed a super getaway to a surprisingly nearby, beautiful and relaxing place last weekend with some extended family.  We all stayed together in one big cabin and enjoyed all kinds of outdoor and indoor time together.  Owen liked it so much that he said on the way home, "I think I like Oglebay even better than our trip to Disney because it was more in nature and much less crowded."  I have to agree- it was so nice to all be together and it was really fun too!

This is one of my favorite things to do with Owen in the summer.

They have a great nature center there with programs and activities for all ages.  This snake program was a highlight for sure!

Cousins!!!

The zoo is small, but very unique and interactive.  The girls loved playing vet!!

It was no surprise that Audrey chose the cheetah for a check-up!

Here is our bird boy... he loved getting up close to this red-tailed hawk.

Dinosaurs have invaded- Audrey kept asking, "they're not real, right?"  

Our little paleontologists...

Feeding the lorikeets

This one didn't move or make noise, so she wasn't as shy to go right up to it!

Up close with the spectacled bear.

The paddle boats in the "lake" were a favorite too!

Sparklers and s'mores on our last night

Hiking buddies!

Still loves elephants!!!

Getaway

Erik and I enjoyed a get away last weekend for a friend's wedding.  It was so nice to have some time together and to reconnect with some friends we hadn't seen for a long time.  Thanks, Grammy and Grandpa, for taking care of the kids for us!!

We took 2 scenic hikes by Lake George.

It was a beautiful morning for a leisurely walk to get breakfast!

We toured Ft. Ticonderoga on Friday afternoon.

Beautiful setting for the ceremony and reception!

On stage!

We had some big moments with Elaina in the last week!

Elaina did a super job at her dance recital on Sunday.  She had ballet, tap and jazz performances.

Lots of people came to watch and to give her flowers after the show!

Audrey was so proud of her big sister.

There's a smile- saving them all up for after the show!  

She must be mine- given the choice of celebrating with dinner or ice cream afterwards, she chose ice cream- chocolate, of course!!

So many cousins, but none that really match up in age with her, so she has taken on the role of babysitter.

I went to her Author's Beach Bash at school where she and her classmates shared books they had written and published.

Love this girl!!!

They had a 1st grade "Under the Sea" play a couple of weeks ago.  Her class was dressed as whales and sang and danced to "Baby Beluga."

Fun with cousins!

The Carlin cousins came to stay with us for Memorial Day weekend this year.  It was a beautiful weekend and we had lots of fun!!

The biker gang at our neighborhood playground.

The "train" going down the slide- somehow this still happens every time they visit!

Bike ride and picnic at Moraine State Park

This was Audrey's 1st time biking on a "real" trail as she called it.   It was slow going at times, but she had a smile on her face for all 5 miles she rode herself without being in the carrier!

Love these pictures from behind!

Pirates vs. Nationals at PNC park

Thankfully we had seats in the shade!