2016 Summer Ohlympics

10 Points to the person who can find what's wrong with my super fancy Ohlympics sign. 

You guys. Summer. 

It's the middle of August and it's been HOT around here. We've been playing outside, going to parks, staying inside in the air conditioning (SO thankful for that!), and spending some time with family. We recently made a trip to Pennsylvania for our annual summer visit and took part in our own little OHLYMPICS - see what I did there? 

Poppi set up his world-famous slip and slide in the front yard and the fun began!

Complete with a cushy spectator area, 4-wheel rides and a kiddie pool. 

It was nice just hanging out and visiting with each other. I cannot get over how grown up our nieces are. Slow down, time! 

Marshall enjoyed playing outside, investigating the garage (of course) and riding the big wheels. He's one cool guy!

I wish I took a few more group shots, but sometimes it's better to enjoy the moment and not be snapping photos left and right. Thank you, Laura for this awesome pic of Marshall with his sunglasses!

We got to see the newlyweds, David and Elsa, too!

This photo of the three cutest little cousins, is my favorite. I wanted to recreate the picture we took last summer when Marshall was just 6 months old.

I can not get over the difference ONE YEAR has made and how much they've all grown! Eeeek! This whole time passing thing is surreal. 

I hope you're all enjoying these days of summer. Savor every last bit. I cringe when I see back to school ads appear in July (or earlier) and see hints of fall approaching. Even though it's been ridiculously hot for us lately, I'll still take this over snow in  heartbeat! Get out there and enjoy some sun!  

Thanksgiving 2013

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Andrew and I piled our bags into the car and headed to Pennsylvania for a nice long weekend, filled with family, good food, relaxing, time in Philadelphia, a night on the town and even a little shopping. My heart is thankful for each person, home, place and blessing I experienced. God is so good. 

Here's a brief recap of the fun we had. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving at cousin Karen's house with extended family that I had never met until now. Such a warm, welcoming and fun group. What a blessing to be surrounded by even more family. The food was amazing. Both dinner and second dinner, after going for a brisk evening walk. There was even a craft for the kids - and kids at heart. We won't talk about a certain misfit turkey that looked different from the rest...or the fact that someone used all the feathers...

Can I just point out how handsome my husband, Andrew, and his brother, David, are? I love when they get to see each other. 

David took us to see the studio where he works in Philadelphia. What a beautiful view of the city! Not only is my bro-in-law good looking, he's a talented photographer too. 

He even got these two to smile for the camera. My in-laws really are the sweetest people you'll ever meet. 

I got to see the newest Wegmans, in Montgomery, PA. Such a big beautiful brand spanking new store. Wow. It's exciting to see Wegmans brand packages that I designed on display, in other states, for new customers to take home and enjoy. 

We got to visit the one and only, Nanna, and share a pizza, by her request. She was in good spirits and had many stories to tell - many of which were quite ridiculous funny, to say the least. I usually have to turn up my LOUD VOICE so she can hear me. She always laughs that signature laugh of hers. I'm glad we go to see her. 

Among one of the many delicious meals we had, we ate lunch at the Fitzwater Cafe. Dined at a fantastic Tex-Mex restaurant. And had breakfast at my favorite little place, The Local, before we left. There was definitely a lot of food involved in this weekend. We got to enjoy one another's company and catch up at a variety of tables and settings. It was so very nice.

And, we spent quite a bit of time in the car. It felt like we drove all over eastern Pennsylvania. I'm so thankful the winter storm they were calling for didn't show up. 

Our drive back home ended up taking 7 hours instead of 5, as apparently everyone was driving back to wherever they had to go at the same time on Sunday afternoon. Ugh. 

We made it back with David in tow, just in time to see the Vampire Weekend concert. What a fun band with such a unique sound. They were as good, if not better than their recorded music. It was a great way to conclude a busy fun-filled family weekend. 

That was my Thanksgiving, in a nutshell. 

I saw a quote that said "Let us be full of both thanks and giving." That's just how I felt. Full of thanks and wanting to give more of myself and my heart to those I love. 

I hope you are truly blessed this special time of year and know how much our Father in Heaven is head over heels in love with you. 

Father's Day Surprise Visit

On our drive back from NYC, which happened to be Father's Day, we made a surprise visit to see Andrew's parents in PA. Laura and the girls (from Ohio) had actually surprised them on Friday, and David was there, too. It turned out to be a very special father's day. I'm pretty sure there were a few tears of joy. We arrived just in time to have dinner as a family. 

And we got to celebrate David's birthday! 

I think it goes without saying that Denny was a very happy Dad. 

We got to see our niece, Sydney, who is growing into such a sweet young lady. 

And our niece, Morgan, an adorable little cutie pie, who always makes us laugh. 

Even though we were there for less than 24 hours, is was so much fun surprising everyone and getting to see each other. And, we were able to snap a great family photo (we're just missing Aaron).

Easter in Pennsylvania

Last weekend, we celebrated Easter with our family in Pennsylvania. It had been quite a while since we saw our extended family. On Saturday, everyone gathered at Nana's house for the annual feast. 

After the meal, as is Ohl tradition, the men went outside to shoot guns into the field, swing golf clubs, throw the football, ride vehicles and various other "outdoor" activities. 

While the women stayed inside, talking, enjoying dessert and cleaning up (not sure how that always works out that way). 

I got to meet Zack and Maura's little doll, Riley, who's 6 months old. She's got red hair like her Mom and beautiful big blue eyes. She barely made a peep the whole time. So. So. Cute. 

I love getting to see our cousins.

We went for a long walk, as is also tradition, around the neighboring farmland and roads. 

The landscape really is beautiful. Everything is starting to re-awaken from winter. The fields will soon be growing again. Makes me feel like I've been transported back in time to simpler days.

The sky was an amazing blue and the sun was shining just enough to not be too cold. 

Nana is doing well. She's always got stories to tell (some new, and some have been told many times). She is the only grandparent we have left, and I look forward to visiting with her. It's also amusing and fascinating to look around her house. 

Especially on the porch where we have dinner. You know, just your usual deer head, turkey, pheasant, fox, squirrel, rabbit and bee hive on display. She has quite the collection of "nature". The funny part is that we're all so used to seeing it! 

On Sunday, we went to church with Denny, Marilyn and David, followed by brunch at The Local (also known as the old caboose). Is caboose a funny word, or what? Is it just me? It is a delightful little place with a unique locally based menu. It was fantastic. 

Aren't my in-laws the cutest? They really are the best. It's always great spending time with them. 
 

It was also so good spending time with David, who took some time away from Philly to be with us. Wish we could do this more often (minus the 5 hour drive time).

Here we are, just a couple of honey bunnies. I hope you enjoyed your Easter. Remember, Jesus Christ is risen! He is the reason we celebrate.