back to the farm

We HAD to go back to Calder's dairy farm! It proved to be an exhausting day, but the girls really seemed to enjoy. We were there in time for the milking hour. 

the cows in line for milking, the yellow brush was like a scratching post for them and they took turns rubbing against it

milking's come a long way

Cora petted every calf she could coax out of the "calf-tels"

the calves loved giving kisses to the girls

goose parade

the Toledo Zoo

Oba and Sofu got Grandparent's passes to the Toledo Zoo and since it was only in the low 70s and school is still in session, we figured it'd be a perfect day to go explore! We had a ball...

 the polar bears were especially playful

 giraffes on safari

 Emi really liked the baby elephant

thanks, Oba and Sofu!

picnic at Elizabeth Park

We met up with Sara and her kids Luke and Colin this evening. We had hot dogs, chips and watermelon and it was all YUMMY!

Just hanging out...

We had a relaxing Sunday afternoon, enjoying the shady backyard and nice weather. The girls fell asleep SOOO easily after all the activity and fresh air!

 the girls in their church dresses

 bubbles!

 feeding the birds and bunnies with Sofu after breakfast

 riding in circles... this was the first time Cora's ridden a "big kid" bike and she did great, hardly needing the training wheels

 playing in the old tin fire engine that I played in as a kid

 watching a bunny feed (how Finn and Bonny wish they were here!)

 taking a break 

 hugs from Aunt Laura

 riding "Tex" the Pony down at Elizabeth park

Emi's new babydoll

Happy 95th birthday, GG!

 What a great celebration! Almost all of her grand and great-grandchildren were in attendance as we had a pizza party today. We enjoyed hanging out and hearing all about Grandma's life. We saw some great pictures, as well. It's become a tradition for each family member to bring Grandma a flower on her birthday, which creates a beautiful bouquet... today it made 3 lovely vases. We love you Grandma!

 the girls getting to play with their cousins 

 Simon says "dance like a chicken"

all done!

ROAD TRIP!!!

Meg, Cora and Emi hopped in the Volvo to drive up to Michigan for GG Vera's 95th birthday. We're staying a week, since we can, but we miss Greg who's remembering life as a bachelor while we're gone (with a HUGE "honey-do" list...) The trip took almost 12 hours with the time change and was pretty tiring. Perhaps the most stressful part was potty stops with a baby in arms and a newly-potty trained 3 year old! Oh well, thank God we made it safe and sound. Looking forward to relaxing all week before making the journey home. 

 unwinding on trikes in the back yard of Oba and Sofu's house

4 wonderful years!

 We shared our 4th anniversary today with the kids and were happy to just be together (this makes 2 out of 4...)! What a busy 4 years, with 4 moves and 2 kids joining our lives.... we are SO BLESSED. 

Here's to many, many more!

What happens when a 3 year old is the one tasked with taking our picture... not bad!?!? Don't you love our mantle decorations?