Chocolate Factory Tour

I grew up with VeggieTales. My kids love the theme song. We play it on cassette tape most mornings. (That's right, cassettes.) There is another song on the VeggieTales cassette that is often running through my head. "...we work real hard at the chocolate factory. We start at eight and we don't get lunch 'til three. I drive truck to make buck so I can send it home to my fam-i-leeeeee." 

This song was running through my head so much that I decided to take the girls to Anthony-Thomas Chocolate factory a week ago.

It was a fun little tour. We learned a lot about chocolate and candy. That was enjoyable. What made it more fun was that there was a kindergarten group on the tour with us. But Eva's favorite part was the "buckeye brownie" (a buckeye) she stuffed into her mouth at the end of the tour. We weren't allowed to take photos on the actual tour so these are just us hanging out in the gift shop.

Happy Valentine's Day!
May it include as much love as a 235-pound buckeye
could offer!

Birthday joys

Hello, Birthday girl. 

Yesterday was my birthday. This was the first birthday with two little girls at home. It was also a Saturday, so I asked Keith if he would take me to breakfast.  We went to HangOverEasy on OSU's campus. I got the Corned Beef Hash which was perfect because it was definitely made from scratch and not from a can. I also had a mimosa because ... well, this place serves drinks. It wasn't really a mimosa. It was orange juice and hard cider. Delightful.

We then went to Mission Coffee to finish my coffee tour. The latte was oh-so-good and by finishing my coffee tour I was able to get my coffee tour shirt from the Experience Columbus visitor's center. Nice. 

Later, we ordered dinner from Carsonie's. My parents and brother joined us for dinner. 

This was a great day from start to finish. One that this birthday girl is thankful for. 

2015 In Review

I have been trying to get in one more post before the end of the month. Since my last post, we had a baby and ... celebrated the birth of Jesus. Busy times.  I thought a review of the year would be a good way to close out the year. We've had a full year of joy with Eva. We also have enjoyed preparing and welcoming Audrey into our family. Get ready for an overload of photos.

Always cheering on the Buckeyes.
National Championship, Baby! 

Snow day stroll to Marshall's for breakfast. 

Hanging out with Commodore Perry
at the Cleveland boat show.

Valentine's Day date at the Fish Market. 

Winter reprieve at Franklin Park Conservatory.

Opening Day at Progressive Field.
A fun tradition.

Easter Day. He is Risen!

Happy Birthday, Eva! Lots of love and celebration. 

COSI trip with Larkyn and Rhys. 

Opening Day fun at Progressive!

Mother's Day at the Clippers baseball game. 

Our washed away beach.

Carrie, Julie, and all the kiddos. 

Date night at BNL concert. 

Aftermath of our basement flooding due to heavy June rain.

Playing Fascination with the Christensens at the Lake. 

Yay! Keith finishes 50 miles at the Velosano.

Our growing family standing in the same spot
where we were engaged seven years ago.

Labor Day in tie-dye. 

Marching band selfie. Go CCHSMB!

Columbus Oktoberfest is a great tradition.

Pumpkin picking at Pigeon Roost.

A baby is born! Welcome Audrey!

Decorating for Christmas.

Unseasonably warm December weather gives us
a chance to walk the Scioto mile. 

Quiet time with Mom.

Getting ready for family photos. Our first time as a family of four. 

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. 

First Day of BSF and 17 months

Today was an exciting day. It was the first day back to Bible Study. I switched to the day class so I could take Eva with me. Last Friday, I got a call from her teacher. She called to explain that I could bring her sippy cup, an extra diaper, and wanted to know if there was any comfort item Eva might need for the morning. So sweet. Eva doesn't really have any comfort items but I mentioned if she get fussy that singing songs always help.

I arrived a smidge early so we could find the room. This was to be our "first" real drop off. There was a little name tag for Eva outside the classroom that said "God Loves... EVA". Tears started to swell in my eyes. I couldn't help it. The emotion hit me.

Unfortunately, there was another early-comer child who was already crying. Eva was too sympathetic to let that not affect her. Her lip started to curl. I handed her to her teacher as her teacher said many kind words to reassure me that everything would be fine as Eva learned about the love of God. I assured the teacher that Eva would calm down soon (though I wasn't 100% sure).

As I walked away, Eva looked at me with a look of Are you really leaving me, Mom?

I found my way to the sanctuary for opening. I felt excited to learn about the Book of Revelation. It all starts and ends with God. It is fun to anticipate that so much of Revelation relates to Jesus (but what doesn't?). I learned that from Genesis 12 through Revelation is about God restoring the broken fellowship we have with Him through our sinful nature. What a beautiful thing. More tears.

Then, we prayed a prayer. The leader spoke clearly as I reached for more tissues, "... and we pray for the children to feel the love of Jesus. We pray for the moms and grandmas who may have not been ready to drop off their little ones... ." Bawling.

What an exciting day. Love this little 17 month old girl and all that God has in store for her.

Ready for the first day of BSF !!!!

Hi! I am 17 months old today.

Summer

We have had some good times this summer.  We have taken too many pictures capturing the memories we have shared this season (just a small sample posted here). We have spent precious time with lots of friends and family and with each other. Our bellies have been full of good food throughout. How thankful we are!

It sounds like I am saying goodbye to summer already. I kind of am. Keith goes away to band camp next week and the week after that I am back in the classroom for some August sessions at school.  We also welcome sun and fun, even during the school year but our brief "lazy days" of summer are nearing their end. 

Making bread in the breadmaker with Christin.
So interesting, so yummy!

Eva loves the old mama goat at the petting zoo.

There's a big cat, Mom!

A stop at Grandpa's Cheesebarn is always a great idea. 

Lake views with Daddy and cousin, Lina. 

Trying on the life jacket wasn't the greatest experience...

... But we managed to make sure it
stayed on during the boat ride. 

Playing with buddy Charlie. 

We love the neighborhood pool.
What a great way to keep cool!

Enjoying BNL ... before the thunderstorm rolled in.