Camping at Alum Creek

We did it. We FINALLY went camping. After getting a larger tent, having severe weather warnings scare us into canceling our reservations, and just trying to plan a weekend that would work we went -- and even had a good time.

Alum Creek (or Cross Creek Resort) was close enough that if things went horribly wrong we could ditch and come home. However, even though Q froze during the night and we somehow didn't get the propane OR hot dog roasters in the car, I think we can put it down as a sucess. The resort had a movie, playground, and a pool to swim in the next morning. Most of the time was spent redirecting C from the road, fire, and other camp sites (which were less than a stone throw away). Next year should be more relaxing for everyone.

Any good suggestions for more secluded camping in Ohio? Are there any places that you actually feel like you're in nature and not just putting up a tent on some grass next to 75 large motor homes? We didn't even have to use a lantern because the fires and lights from neighboring sites lit ours up fine.

Of course we forgot our camera, but we were all looking pretty scraggly by morning anyways.

Alfajores

We went to the YWCA for midweek on Wednesday. We were suppose to make a dessert from another country to share with the kids there. It was a fun walk down memory lane to get to make alfajores. I swear I had at least one a day when I lived in Argentina.

Here's a picture of the actual alfojor I enjoyed there-- the TRIPLE!

Post the Present

Yes, I am way behind in my posts. So instead of getting bogged down I will just give you some fun things from right now (I will go back in time soon hopefully).

We have been all-things-tissue paper around here this week. Craft time has become an important part of the day and since I don't always do the prep work before hand we end up with some interesting, last-minute inspirations.

Here are two of our successful projects:

Paper bag, crayons, tape, tissue-paper = ballerina


This one we found on a great site: http://www.kidscraftweekly.com/sticky_issue.html

All you need is glue, water, tissue paper, plastic wrap, and a bowl! Oh, I guess you could add sparkles or cut-outs like we did too.

Look out South Weber!

Last week I got a call from my mom (not uncommon) and we chatted for a bit (not uncommon) and then she casually said, "Oh, I should probably let you know that last night your dad was sworn in as the new Mayor of South Weber." WHAT?! (uncommon)

So my dad's the Mayor. Cool. South Weber had better look out because Mr. Administrator Extraordinare is taking over. Things are going to be happening for that small town.

Congrats Dad... and good luck!

Professional Shots

2 hours is tooooo long to spend taking and waiting for pictures at a studio -- which is why I don't go as often as I should. But these turned out fun and I guess I should be head in again to get ones of his sister and the two of them together.



What he's been up to lately:

*Tackling his big sister any time he walks by her (and loving it -- I warned her the day would come... but so soon?). Yesterday morning he just happened to walk by her when she was standing at the top of the stairs. The result? A tumble, bang, and 2 screaming kids. No injuries, but it did take a while to untangle the two of them.
*Eating with a fork. He stops between bites to cheer for himself.
*Signing -- "Please" is his #1 because it gets him what he wants. He also signs for "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Pat-a-Cake," water, eat, toothbrush (our dental buddies should be proud), dog, fish, and all done.
*Utensils -- he's always begging for one, walking with one, or using one to scoop.
*Reading books -- he'll bring one up to you and get comfy in your lap dozens of times a day. If your lap isn't available he'll hit you on the leg, arm, or face with the book until he has your attention.
*Walks -- Sometimes I feel like we have a puppy. He'll get his shoes and bring them to you to put on him. If you stall he'll go and get your shoes and try to put them on you. Then he'll stand at the door and bang (or attempt to pull down the blinds if we've left them in reach -- that always gets us over there faster).
* Emptying things -- bookcases, drawers of clothing, boxes of toys, etc.
* Opening the door from his crib every morning and yelling, "MAMA!" waaaay before I want to get up.
* Cuddling -- As energetic as he is, I'm always surprised with how much he wants to snuggle still. Often it's mixed with body slams and climbing all over you, but he just loves being close.

Summer Fun Begins

There is seriously so much to do in Ohio -- especially in the summer. We've been hitting a ton of local festivals, checking out new eateries, and just falling even more in love with Ohio.

So here's a couple of fun things that would have been nice for you to know about BEFORE, but put it on your calendar for next year:

Powell Festival-
Very family friendly. Lots of inflatable toys, games, crafts, music, and the best part is it's right next to a great park with a splash pad -- so take a change of clothes for the kids! There was even a a free photo booth so we hopped in for some silly fun.




COVA Ice Cream Social-
Since Q was out of town at a conference in Ann Arbor, MI and I was playing the single mom, I was stoked to be reminded that it was COVA time again. We've been every year, and though it's a small function, it's free ice cream, games, music, inflatable toys, clowns, and fun. It's a vocational rehab center just up the street. The kids even got filmed for the news!

7-11
Thanks to Anna for the FREE SLURPEE reminder on July 11th. Both of the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever -- and I can't believe how long it's been since I've had a Slurpee.

I was given a heads-up that Upper Arlington is having a festival on Thursday evening at Thompson Park. Starts at 5pm, I believe -- see you there!

4th of July and more Exploring Ohio

I'd been planning on posting something about all the fun we'd had on the 4th, but then I read Laura's blog and decided that she'd said it all and had darn cute pictures too. So thanks Laura!

The nature walk we took on the 4th through Indian Falls in Dublin was really beautiful and relaxing. Crazy to think the trail head is across the street from a post office and the path winds behind a high school. With C in a backpack (most of the time) and L running along we've enjoyed both of our trips there. We've yet to encounter anyone else on the path so it's a well kept secret. Just don't go for the waterfall and you won't be disappointed.

Another hidden wonder we've enjoyed recently was Hayden Run Falls. The path down includes a bunch of steps and a walk a 3 yr old could easily handle. When we went there was plenty of water for Lydia to wade in and I was amazed how cool the air was compared to up by the road --the perfect excursion for a hot day.

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy...

Here's looking back at the Fish Shots from 2 weeks to 12 months. He's changed so much and yet he still looks just the same.

gratitude

There are quite a few little things (like nice weather and a newer grill) that have helped make life a little sweeter lately. However, there are some big headlines that deserve special mention. Here's the breakdown on a whole list of things that have gone very right for us over the last few months:

• I passed my dissertation prospectus.
• Despite budget cuts in the department, I was lucky enough to get summer funding.
• Mercifully, microecon qualifiers are finally over, and I'm just a few bureaucratic hurdles away from an MA in Econ.
• I received enough travel grant awards to fund at least two separate field trips to Russia this year (first trip: this coming August).

Taken alone, any one of these would be newsworthy, but all together, I feel like we've been blessed with more than our fair share. But we'll take it.

Happy 1st Birthday

A year old already?! I swear it was within a week that he went from a crawling baby to a toddler. He is full of energy and exploration -- everything is something to discover.

To celebrate we decided to combine his birthday bash with a little farewell to our graduating dental student buddies. We're going to miss all of the people that have been such a part of our Ohio experience for the last 4 four years.

Hope you enjoy the photos -- there are A TON for the grandparents and aunts (thanks to Laura for being our camera gal)

1st Birthday

Asian Festival and Avery Fountains

Recently we've realized that our time here in Ohio will end -- and sooner than we think. So we've made it a goal to try and do more to explore Columbus and discover Ohio. I thought I'd pass along what we've been finding in case you live here or are planning a visit (hint, hint). My first two outings are in no way related, but I thought I'd do them both in one post and save time.

ASIAN FESTIVAL (free)
Yearly at Franklin Park (by the conservatory)
Fun entertainment, all sorts of great food to try (from Cambodian to Indian to Vietnamese), a kid station, a market area, and my favorite -- Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball -- these guys were amazing. It was like hackie-sack and volleyball combined. You should have seen the round-house spike -- wow).



AVERY FOUNTAINS (free)
In Dublin, not too far off of 161 and 270 there is a fun little splash pad called Avery Fountains (or sometimes the Bunny Fountains). The kids LOVED it -- I'd been before, but today was a riot. It was HOT outside, but we didn't even notice with all of the splashing. Bring an umbrella (there aren't many trees) and plan to get wet as the water shoots up around you.

Here We Go Round

Today L saw something that reminded her of the Grinch so she had me go down in the basement to dig him out of the Christmas box. While I was down there I decided to bring up a toy wagon we'd had out when she was younger. It was such a hit that her brother ("who's not a baby anymore -- he's a toddler," she's been telling people) climbed right inside. Around and around they went.

Walking

Family members have been clamoring for footage of our new little walker. So here's one for all and then a couple more blurry, turned, and wobbly ones for the Aunts and Grandmas here.

Vegetarian Pot Stickers

It's amazing how many of these babies you can pack away. Making the filling takes some time, but if you make a big enough batch you can freeze some and save time for the next meal. Get out that food processor! Guests helping fill and pinch the pot stickers also speeds things along. I was waiting to get a picture, but you'll have to use your imagination.

Vegetarian Pot Stickers Recipe Courtesy of Ming Tsai

1 red onion sliced 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (we're usually cheap and just do canned or fresh button) 1 cup white cabbage, shredded 1 cup carrots, shredded 1 cup chopped garlic chives or chives 1 teaspoon white pepper (regular is fine) 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 package round dumpling skins, also called gyoza (we use wonton wrappers found usually in the produce department) Salt to taste Canola oil In a wok or large saute pan, add a little oil and saute onions and ginger. Add the mushrooms and stir. Add the cabbage, carrots and chives. Season. When mixture is soft, place in colander to drain. Add the sesame oil and cilantro when mixture is cooled. Check for seasoning. Using the gyoza skins, make half moon dumplings keeping the bottom flat. In a hot non-stick pan, coat with oil and place dumplings. When bottom gets brown, add 1/4 cup of water and immediately cover. This will steam the dumplings. Carefully watch the dumplings and completely evaporate the water so that the bottom gets crispy again and sticks to the pot. Serve with dipping sauce (one of the main reasons Q loves these). SPICY SOY DIPPING SAUCE: 1/3 cup thin soy sauce 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar 1/3 cup sliced scallions 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sambal (fine without)

Utah

OK, I know it was FOREVER ago, but Laura keeps telling me she's waiting for a post from Utah so here it is:

We were flown out to help celebrate my Grandma's 80th birthday. It fell on the same weekend as Q's dad's bday so we got to be there for that as well. Here's our family shot at the birthday bash in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

While at my parent's we got out my old doll house. Since L has been obsessed about her doll house at home we thought she might enjoy it. We were right. It was pretty fun reliving my childhood with her.

The next few shots are kind of fun. My sister Kim made a family calendar. These were two of my favorite pictures. The first one was for December. The theme -- The Grinch (a major part of our Christmas traditions growing up). My dad played the part perfectly (can you see his heart has grown three sizes?).

The other one I loved was a recreation of a picture that was taken right before my sister Dani went into the MTC (10 or 11 yrs ago).

Dandelion Princess

I LOVE Spring in Ohio. There are so many gorgeous blossoms and everything is green. We've been taking advantage of the non-rainy days. Lots of picnics, playing in the yard, and I even made L a dandelion crown out of the yellow weeds decorating our grass. She thought I was cool and so did I! I'm definitely putting that one down as one of my 30 things I learned to do this year.

11 Month Fish Shots

I can't believe he turns 1 at the end of this month!

The Pit

So we've now lived in this house for over 2 years and this week we used our fire pit for the first time. L made sure to instruct us on all of the safety rules and luckily no fire trucks showed up to spoil our fun. I think we'll be Smores a lot more around these parts. Anyone for a hot dog roast and corn hole?

Waterparkin'

I've been so busy lately trying to keep up with everyone's blogs that I haven't been posting on mine. So the next few days I'll post some from times past. Last month we went to Cincinnati to the CoCoKey Waterpark. Loved it. Seriously. The kids had a BLAST. I thought C would be too small or they would think the water was too cold, but it was great. We did a package with the hotel across the street and got 2 day passes with our 1 night stay. IKEA was just around the corner so we also got a bunch of great stuff while we were in the area. Love IKEA.

The Attack

We've been working a lot with L to help her learn to be gentle with "the baby." She just wants someone to play with and wrestle though. Well today someone decided they were sick of being pushed around. Take a look...