Elston Reunion!

Every year, I look forward to the day when I can see all my relatives (on G.G. Eileen's side) all at once. Rosalie and Roger make that happen by inviting us all to their house for a huge Elston family reunion. It is a perfect setting. They have a pond for swimming, a huge yard for playing corn-hole and volleyball, and a big bard to run to if it starts to rain. The reunion this year was extra special because uncle Gary and aunt Cathy made the trip from Texas to join in the festivities. It was great to see everyone - especially since I hadn't been to the last few reunions. Lexi had a great time and everyone got to meet Jill. It was a little windy, but that didn't stop us from having a great time and catching up with family that we only see once every 3-4 years. I sincerely want to thank Roger and Rosalie for opening up their barn and home for everyone. I know it takes a lot of work, but we definitely appreciate everything you do to make it happen. I have posted a few of my favorite pictures from Sunday, but have them all posted on my facebook page and also on the Kodak site. I tried to get at least one picture of everyone, but I know I did miss a few people. Sorry... maybe next year!

BBQ's and Big Changes!

Over this past weekend, we had friends over both Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Matt's best buddy Marc Earl and his wife Jennifer came over Saturday. Dinner was fabulous and we had a great visit. Lexi even wanted Jennifer to give her a bath! Jen, you must have done something right to earn the honor of bath-giving. The evening ended with the 2 guys playing MarioKart on the Wii until after midnight! Maybe we should get together more often??

Then, on Sunday - Father's Day - we had my friends Shelby and Jeff Poploski and their daughter Ava over for dinner. It was a blast. The girls got in the kiddie pool on our back patio and then played in the basement for quite a long time. They are just about the same age, so that works out great. I was actually too busy running around after 2 2-year olds and calming a fussy baby, so sorry no pictures of this evening:-( but we still had a great time.

Now, for the changes:
I wanted to include a picture of our newest animal additions: a nest of bird eggs has changed into a nest of baby birds! The momma decided that our newspaper holder out below the mailbox would be the ideal place for her nest. I guess it was a better decision than our duck (who lost all her eggs before they hatched). I believe there are about 5 or 6 new baby birds in the nest. Also, as you can see they are not the cutest things in the world!
And finally, I got brave enough to do something I never thought I would do... I cut my hair, SHORT! I don't think it has been this short since Jr. High (it is probably only about an inch long in the back). I just decided I didn't want to fuss with it this summer - especially when I go swimming with Lexi. Here is a quick couple pictures of my 'new do'.

Poop Face!

I just know my youngest daughter will kill me one day for posting this, but I couldn't resist! While Matt and Lexi were visiting the "Beach House" (Chris and Chuck's condo in Port Clinton), Jill and I were left chillin' at home. We met Maely and Ruby - and Shelly, a bridesmaid - in Strongsville at Catan's Bridal Shop to try on bridesmaid dresses. Jill was a trooper and even allowed us to eat at TGI Friday's for a late lunch. However, when we got home she had a huge present for me. I just had to photo the "Poop Face" and send it to Matt in Port Clinton on my cell phone. I really don't think I need to explain any further!

And More Pictures!

Here are the pictures from Sunday, Monday (when Kim, Rylee, & Graiden were here), & Tuesday (Lexi's mini-pool). Enjoy!

Pictures!

Here are the pictures from Saturday (when Brittany, Kaitlyn, and Amie were here). To see more, visit the Kodak Gallery . Enjoy!

Pool Time!

My favorite part of summer may just be visiting the pool. As a kid, I used to LOVE the pool and even the pond (if no pool was available). In my old age, the pond is far less appealing, but the pool still ranks pretty high on my list. On Saturday, Lexi visited the Wedgewood HOA Pool for the first time this year. She - like her mother - loves the water. Brittany and Kaitlyn came to visit for the day (with Brittany's friend Amie). After visiting the Akron Zoo in the morning and taking naps, we took the older girls to the pool. Mommy couldn't swim this time because someone had to watch baby Jill in the stroller. Brittany and Amie took Lexi and Kaity in the water and they both had a blast! The air temperature was a little cooler than desired, but the heated pool was just right. We had a great day with Brittany, Amie and Kaity.
Then, my friend from High School - Kim (Mabis) Troth - came out on Sunday with her 2 kids Rylee and Graiden for an overnight visit. We once again had to visit the pool! This time mommy got to get wet because daddy stayed home with Jill. Kim and her kids stayed until Monday and then had to head back home. We really enjoyed our visit and hopefully there will be more visits in the future (maybe when Adam can join her??).
To round out our early week, I filled Lexi's mini-pool with water and she took a dip on Tuesday while daddy was at work. She spent nearly an hour playing with her Mickey Mouse toys while Jill and I sat on the patio and soaked up the sun (well, it was overcast but still warm). I think it was a great start to the pool season and hopefully there will be many more trips to the pool this year. Can't wait until next year when BOTH girls can get in the water and enjoy it! Check back later today for the pictures.

Farewell (for now)

Our first course at The Little Gym has now come to an end. It is hard to believe it lasted 20 whole weeks! To think, when Lexi and I first started going back on January 28th I was 6 months pregnant... and Lexi was an only child. With this in mind, Lexi wouldn't have mommy missing class, so mommy only missed one class (the day after Jill was born and grandma Chris filled in) and was right back the next week! Lexi has loved going to Little Gym and has learned a lot of gymnastics along with a few words in sign language - and also made a few little friends in the process. Miss Gretchen is a great teacher and we hope to have her again in the Fall when we return. Lexi won't soon forget her time spent every Wednesday morning (especially the bells, bubbles, and balls) and she will cherish the medal she received at the last class for a long, long time. And so we say, "Farewell Little Gym until the fall."

Fun Day at Papa's

As some of you know, once a month on a Tuesday we pack up and head to Chris and Chuck's for the day so our cleaning ladies can clean our house without us under foot (and Banky, too). This means a fun play day with Papa for Lexi and a free delicious meal for all of us courtesy of grandma Chris! Well, this Tuesday was an extra bonus, because uncle Andrew was also there! Lexi fed the ducks at the Barn, went to the toy store (where she got toy maracas), visited the Smithville park TWICE, and played with her bath toys in Grandma's kitchen sink. Jill took a little nap on the couch (on her belly - the way she prefers) and the rest of us enjoyed the company. Lexi even got a bath from Grandma and wore uncle Andrew's old Tony-the-Tiger T-shirt home - we didn't take an extra set of clothes and the ones she wore all day were quite dirty from the park. I am sure Papa slept very well last night (Lexi wears him out). I hope Grandma and Papa know how much Lexi loves coming to their house and how much we appreciate them giving us a place to go for the day.