Friday, August 24, 2012

Family Reunion

We have had so much fun with family all summer and it continued into August when my parents, and all of my siblings, their husbands and kids came to Pittsburgh and stayed with us.  We had 17 people staying here, 9 of which were kids ages 1-7.  We met up with some other extended family from Ohio for a Hubbard family reunion and I was able to see some cousins I hadn't seen in over 10 years.
Off to the blueberry patch!

VBS cousins and buddies!

Hubbard cousins


The whole gang

The Colorado cousins were especially excited about going for a walk in the rain- I forgot that I didn't even own an umbrella after living there for 7 years!

Just Dance!


Magic Carpet Ride in Storybook Forest at Idlewild

The Mother Hubbards





Hittin' the bike trail


Zoo

The one thing we did not do last summer that I regretted was that we didn't make it to the zoo, so I made sure we got there this year.  We had a great day and even bought a membership, so hopefully we will get there a bunch more times before next summer!

The penguins always put on a good show for us!



I think the pictures express what a fun day we had!


Monday, July 16, 2012

Blizzard of the Month

A few years ago my sister-in-law, Megan, introduced me to "The Blizzard of the Month" at Dairy Queen.  I didn't make it a priority back then, but thought that I would start a new tradition this summer with the kids.  We had our first trip today for the July Blizzard of the Month, Chocolate Candy Shoppe.  Here are the reviews:
"The Blizzard of the Month was great except for one chocolate chunk.  I liked the caramel and fudge but not the hazelnut.  I recommend that you should try it."

"It was weally yummy.  I can't wait until you try it for the first time.  It was especially good when I had the double candy mixed with it."

"I liked the ice cream, especially I didn't like the chocolate vanilla because those crunchy things melt and I didn't much like them and I always ate the whole thing."










So 2/3 didn't care for the chocolate chunks but otherwise thought it was great.  Owen was the only one who didn't finish it off, so it couldn't have been too bad.  I was asked after I posted this the first time what I thought of it- for me, if it's ice cream it's fantastic.  Plus my review wouldn't be nearly as cute as quoting a 3, 5 and 7 year old.  I finished Owen's for him so that probably says enough about how I felt about Chocolate Candy Shoppe Blizzards.  Can't wait to see what the month of August brings!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Battle

Owen got the idea to have a battle using his army men and some small fireworks and smoke bombs... it was pretty entertaining!
Before...

During...

After.  Thankfully, America won!

Idlewild

Thanks for a fun day, Grammy and Grampa!

Audrey loved all of the rides in Raccoon Lagoon

Owen spent almost 4 hours in the Soak Zone!


Fun with cousin Norah in the ball pit!

This slide is a favorite every year.

Audrey was fascinated with the bouncing balls at Jumpin' Jungle- she giggled for at least 20 minutes straight playing in there!  


Saturday, July 7, 2012

Ohiopyle

This is our second annual trip to Ohiopyle... we love the water...

and the camping...

And the family fun...

and the s'mores....

Cucumber Falls...

the wonders of nature (like Elaina under the rainbow)

Audrey's favorite hiking buddy for the day when Papa joined us...

the golden rocks....

And the Rails to Trails bike rides- almost 8 miles this year!! 

Camp With Me

Erik, Owen, Elaina and I had a fantastic time at Camp With Me at Seneca Hills this year!

Fun at the craft barn

Our crayfish catcher....

So glad we could experience this together this year!!