Labor Day Weekend in Ohio.

     Labor day weekend in Ohio is fast approaching "annual tradition" status. I couldn't seem to stay away. Fall was just beginning and the allure of cooler temperatures up north simply couldn't keep me here. So Cesca and I loaded up the Pilot with stuffed luggage and baby boys and headed home ... again.

(Buying food to feed the goats is non-negotiable.)

     My family decided to go to Young's Jersey Dairy. We forgot to account for the holiday and so we were met with huge crowds and long lines. Thankfully it was still fun. Ty fed the goats, ate some ice cream, played in an area for kiddies and threw an awesome tantrum (insert sigh here). The Aunties and Uncle Dan enjoyed ice cream and the golf range and were grateful for the fact that they didn't yet have kids. If you hangout with me and my littles for any extended period of time that tends to happen. Just being honest.

 (Sometimes we scavenge for food when the money runs out.)

 (That second picture gets me, Ty must have done something gross!)

 (Auntie Cesca rockin' some shades.)

     I used my 50mm for these photos and really like how they turned out. I find it hard to get the perfect focus with that lens, but when you do, the pictures are amazing! I definitely got in some good practice. 

 (My little chunker was really starting to fill out, love those cheeks.)

 (We met the fattest little piggy! He was into the scratches.)

 (Playing the drums and riding the tractor.)

 (His great-grandpa would be proud!)

     One of the motivating factors enticing me into visiting that weekend was the chance to meet my niece! Uncle Nate and Aunt Celeste drove up to show Little Phoebe around and enjoy Cedarfest. Cedarville claims the man who established Labor Day so they celebrate in style, with festival rides and a pancake breakfast put on by the firehouse, they go all out. There is a Heartsong concert, fireworks and a parade too!

    Ty, Well's and I went to the Heartsong concert. Tobias was quite impressed. He even picked up some worship leader moves. He can now stomp his foot while he strums his guitar, hehe. We are learning all the tricks!

 (Nana and Poppa with their three grandkids!)

 (Throwing the ball with August kept them both entertained for at least a half hour! 

So sweet to watch.)

(Love all the sweetness in this picture.)

     I'm so glad going home doesn't seem as daunting anymore (partly due to having someone to ride with, thanks Cesca). Sure, the eight hour car ride can get pretty draining - especially when you sit in an hours worth of traffic delays - but the time with family is priceless and so important to me! All that to say, I'll be staying in South Carolina for the forseeable future, the cooler temperatures are making their way to us and I'm ready to burrow in for the winter!

Enjoying the little things...

like warm and sunny summer evenings spent in the driveway, drawing with chalk and lounging with family.

      We were home in Ohio the second week in July. My childhood home was abuzz with giddy anticipation and wedding prep was in full force. The third in line, Victoria, was getting married at the end of the week to sweet Dan.

     Dan is a Maryland native who courted my family so successfully my mother almost forgot he was whisking yet another daughter away from her. In the moments she did remember, tears were usually involved and it would make me think of the Kiera Knightly "Pride and Prejudice" quote when Mrs. Bennet says, "I often think, that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's children. One seems so forlorn without them." I can only imagine how difficult this phase must be for my mom, I hope I have as much grace as she does when I am going through it.

(It seems Vic was skeptical of whatever Ty was drawing.)

      In the best way we were all soaking up a little bit of extra family time. For most of the week is was the original six, laughing, talking, loving and annoying each other while doing the familiar-eating healthy, then baking dad's brownies and watching movies together all snuggled on the couch.

(T-O-B-I-A-S, I can hear them chanting it in my head.)

      We spent some time working in the yard (because that is where Vic was hoping the big shebang would take place), and lots of time discussing wedding details and arguing over the best way of doing things.

     We were constantly checking the weather and trying our darndest (yes I know that's not a word) to wish away the 100% chance of rain that was forecasted for the day of the wedding. We were unsuccessful, but the church turned out to be a beautiful backup plan. 

(My momma and two weeks old Baby Well's.)

     It was a week that despite having two littles was so full of ease, sweetness and good memories it made me wish for just a second that we all lived together, near each other in real life. But alas, we do not, so I will just have to fill up on family when I can and try and make it till I see them again.

(Always playing games and being silly with Auntie Cescee.)

     So there we were, my little pod of people, lounging in the driveway, savoring each others company and enjoying the little things.

(Spinning until you're dizzy...)

(and then falling down.)

Splash pad living.

     This kid had soooo much fun and I took way too many pictures. It was seriously too hard to pare it down and pick the best ones. Ty's expression or stance in each one just made me giggle remembering the pure joy he had while walking in and around the fountains of water.
     It was over Labor Day weekend when we traveled to Ohio that we decided to walk around The Greene (a shopping mall near my parents house). We hadn't thought about the Splash Pad, but couldn't resist once we saw all the little kids prancing around in their suits screaming and squealing with delight. What is it about splashing water that is so exciting? I have no clue, but prepared or not, we just had to join in. So off came the pants and out came the camera and the introduction was made. Ty, splash pad. Splash pad, Ty ...

     There were several times when my mom and I had to rescue him from big kids and fountains that caught him by surprise, but no deterrent was too big! Once consoled, he was twisting in our arms trying to get back out there. So many laughs, such a good memory. 

-And Gray caught some of the excitement of video, for those who are interested!