Cincinnati (3.5 years old and 23 months)

Brian goes to Cincinnati once a year for work.  We go too since we love to travel.  We drove down Saturday afternoon.  We stopped at Chic Fil A for dinner.  The kids loved that because of the playground.  Chick Fil A does a great job with costumer service, cleanliness, and always having a playground.  Then we went to our hotel and checked in.  After checking in we decided to take the kids swimming in the hotel pool.  Now the kids are older and enjoy swimming, a hotel with a swimming pool is a must if we are staying any length of time.  It was a fun night.

Sunday was our day at Kings Island.  We got there about when it opened.  We went to camp Snoopy (the kids area) first.  We rode on the helicopters that went around the Camp Snoopy area.  Then Austin and Brian went on the roller coaster. Sydney drove some cars.  We were some what disappointed because there were only about 5-6 rides that Sydney could ride.  She is 33 inches.  The kids still had fun.  After riding several rides, we went for a walk around the park.  During the walk, the kids took a nap in the stroller.

During nap time Brian and I walked over to the water park to check it out. We decided it was worth it so once the kids woke up we took them to the water park.  The water park was very nice. I enjoyed it more than the dry rides.  We played for a couple of hours.  Sydney even enjoyed going down the water slides herself.  She was a little hesitant at first but Brian got her to do it and then she loved it.  We had so fun.

After the water park we rode the train. Austin really loves trains.  He talks about riding a train a lot.  Then we went up in the Eiffel Tower.  Sydney was a little scared of that. Austin didn't have any fear.  We finished our day at Kings Island riding a few more kiddie rides.

We realized we should of packed a cooler for lunch. The price of food in the park is ridiculous.  We decided to leave the park and find dinner on the way home.  We wanted to eat at Friendly's however there was not one near by.  We ended up at Ruby Tuesdays.  It was not the best choice. The kids were not well behaved and the food was just okay.  We have no plans to return there anytime soon.  It was a fun exhausting day.

On Monday morning we took Brian to work. Then the kids and I went back to the hotel. We went swimming. The kids had life jackets on so they could swim everywhere.  We swam for about an hour then we got dressed and checked out of the hotel.

I took the kids to the children's museum and the natural history museum for the day.  The Cincinnati children's museum is awesome!  I really love it there and so do Austin and Sydney.  They really like the ball area and the water play.  The construction site is cool too. We played there until about 1 pm. Then we went and had some lunch at the museum entrance.  After lunch we went to the National History Museum.  In there the kids got to play in sand and explore a cave.  They were a little scared of the cave but enjoyed it.  They had a lot of fun.  Then we went and picked up Brian and drove home.

The next weekend was Solon home days.  It's a carnival with rides and food.  We went with Lisa, Keith, and Kaitlyn. The kids got a pass for the rides.  They rode the rides all evening.  It fun to watch them ride the rides.  We are taking them so many places because before we know it they will be too old for a lot of these things.  Our outlook is the kids are only young once so let's do as much as we possibly can with them.  We are all enjoying it.

Unfortunately Sydney is entering into the terrible 2 phase.  She is loud and screams a lot.  She likes things her way only.  She will have tantrums now.  It's so sad.  Luckily she is still the most lovable girl.  She loves hugs and kisses.  She will say hi to Austin until he finally says hi back.  Sydney still sleeps on her floor most nights. She likes to arrange the blankets however she wants them.  She will tell me exactly where to sleep too.  Some nights she will want rocked to sleep too.  I am enjoying that because soon she will not.  She goes to bed between 9-9:30 pm and gets up around 7 am.  That is the same for Austin but Austin almost always gets up a little bit earlier.

4th of July (3.5 years and 22.75 months)

Before kids, we would have a movie night in our backyard several times in the summer and once in the fall.  We haven't been doing it since the kids have been so young.  This year we thought we would give it a try.  Austin is old enough and Sydney does everything Austin does so we thought it would be fun.

We had about 15 people come to the movie night.  It was a nice turn out for our first movie night in a long time.  We watched Frozen.  The kids loved playing with glow sticks and playing on the swing set.  Mostly the adults watched the movie.  Austin and Sydney had a great time!  We are so glad we did it.  We hope to do another one before the summer is over.

We love the 4th of July.  Our favorite fireworks are in Fairlawn.  We try and go every year.  We know exactly where to park so we don't get stuck in traffic.  A band plays music before fireworks and the kids like listening to music.  This year Austin and Sydney ran around a lot.  They were not as interested in the music.  They had glow sticks too.  It was a fun night. The fireworks were awesome.  We bring ear protection for them and they enjoy the fireworks.  It was a nice family night.

Donnie, Cheri, Zach and Maggie came in for the 4th of July on Sunday night too. On Monday morning I went down to my parents house with the kids.  Donnie, Cheri, Zach and Maggie came over too. It was nice to see them.  We decided to go down to Amish country for the day.  We went to the Smuckers farm first, then to Amish stores, and then for lunch at the Amish Door.  This was the first time Austin and Sydney have been down to Amish country.  We had a great time.

Dean came into town on Tuesday morning.  We met everyone for dinner that night.  Then on Wednesday we went to the zoo.  It was great because Brian met us at the zoo for a few hours that day too.  Austin and Sydney are really enjoying the zoo these days.  Brian got some awesome pictures of Austin and Sydney feeding the giraffes.  And the bear was in the water which he got some good pictures of that too.  We all enjoyed the zoo.

On the 4th of July, we all went to the parade.  Last year just Brian, I, and the kids went and we sat at the airport.  That worked out well for us.  So we did it again this year.  We got donuts in the morning and met everyone down there.  It's nice to have the airport field for the kids to run around. The parade was great.  The kids so way too much candy.  They had fun getting it though.  Going to a parade with little kids is so awesome.  They got to see firetrucks, trackers, horses, go carts, etc.  It's one of my favorite traditions.

Then after the parade everyone went home.  The kids took a nap. Everyone came up to our house for dinner.  We enjoyed to hanging out at our house.  I am so happy that they all came up from Texas.  We don't get to see each other often but I enjoy the time we do get to see each other.  It was a great week.  After dinner they went back to my parents house.  And then they went back to Texas on Saturday.

Since we had so much fun at fireworks in Fairlawn, we decided to take them to Solon to see them.  We had never seen them before there.  It was very crowded.  We ended up at a school which worked out because there was a playground for them to play on while we waited for fireworks.  Then the fireworks started and we enjoyed the show.  Traffic was a disaster but they kids fell asleep in the car so it worked out.  We had a great holiday week!

Unfortantely Mike's sister and law passed away from cancer.  The came up for the funeral.  They spent the day with us.  We went to Home Depot so the kids could make an project. They made a bug catcher.  It is so cool that Home Depot does this every month.  Austin and Sydney really like it.  They enjoyed placing the stickers on the bug catcher.  Austin couldn't wait to go catch some bugs!   That evening we went to Burger King for dinner so they could play on the playground.   Austin and Sydney enjoyed spending time with Nana and Grandpa for the day.

Sydney is talking more and more. It's hard for others to understand her but Austin, Brian and I can understand almost everything she says.  There is never a quite moment in our house.  They are always talking or screaming about something.  It's nice that Sydney is using her words now.

Sesame Place (3.49 years and 22 months)

On Father's day we had a relaxing day together.  We took the kids to the park.  They had fun running around.  Brian got a picture book of him with the kids.  It is neat to look over the past year and see how much the kids have changed.  It's awesome we can do so much stuff with them.  And Brian enjoys photography so much.  It forces me to remember to use the camera a lot too.  I don't always enjoy taking the pictures but I love looking back at them.

We have been having 2 teenage girls babysit Austin and Sydney while I am home.  It is getting the kids use to other people especially Austin who is very shy.  And it allows me to get some things done around the house.  On Saturday morning, the girls came over so I could pack and load the car for sesame place.  Austin and Brian were at swim class.  Austin is now in level 2 swim class.  He is doing so much better.  He participates and doesn't cry for Brian any longer. It is refreshing to see. I am always surprised when we are swimming to see how much Austin can do.  Since I don't go to swim class, I miss a lot.  He sticks his head underwater himself and bounces around the pool.

So while they were at swim, the car was packed and once they got home we finished getting ready to leave.  We left around noon.  It is about an 6.5 hour drive to Sesame Place.  We stopped along the way to eat and potty breaks.  Austin does a fabulous job traveling and staying dry. He tells us when he needs to potty and then we look for the blue signs to know where we can stop.

Once we arrived at our hotel we placed the second bed on the floor so the kids could sleep on it.  They always sleep on the floor together when we travel.  Sydney is a little hard to get to sleep because she likes to continue to play but once they are asleep it works out well.

On Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at the hotel. They had a lady making balloons so Austin got cookie monster balloon and Sydney got an Elmo balloon.  Austin's didn't make it to the car before the balloons started to pop but at least Brian got one picture first.  Then we drove about 10 minutes away to Sesame Place.  It didn't open until 10 am. We arrived early and got a good parking spot.

There was a roller coaster by the entrance that Austin really liked and wanted to ride. Sydney was not tall enough yet. So Sydney and I waited while Austin and Brian rode it.  Austin loved it!  He ended up riding it at least 2 more times that day.

We ended to the little kids section of rides next.  They had at least 10 different rides that were all for little kids and adults.  We got to ride all the rides with them.  Austin loved everything.  Sydney didn't like some of the rides but most of them she did.  There were some lines but it wasn't too bad at all.  The weather was great because it was cloudy with highs around 80.

We ate lunch at Cookie Monster's Cafe.  Austin was happy because he got a cookie monster plate.  They also got cookie monster cupcakes for dessert.  After lunch we went and got our swimsuits on.  We went to the water area but they were not to into it then. They were tired. Then the parade started so we watched some of that. Sydney fell asleep and then Austin wanted to leave the parade so he could sleep in the stroller too.  While the kids slept in the stroller we walked around and sat for a while.

We had dinner reservations with Elmo and his friends.  I was excited about this.  I was thinking it was going to be similar to Chef Mickey's at Disney but I was wrong.  Brian and Sydney got there first because Austin and I were riding the roller coaster again.  It was a buffet meal. We didn't know when to eat because we were afraid if we ate too early the kids would get bored.  We realized we should of eaten right away. When the characters came out, they came to all the tables.  They were out for the entire hour.

The Count was the first character to visit our table. Sydney was terrified!  She was actually shaking she was so scared.  She really doesn't know who The Count is and it's easy to see why kids would be scared of him.  Sydney was really excited to see Elmo from a distance.  She would get scared when he came close to her.  After dinner, we went up to meet Cookie Monster.  We also danced with all the characters.  We had a really good time.  They do it so much better than Disney.  We were happy that we did this experience with the kids.

On Sunday night they had a night parade.  We got popcorn and got a good seat to watch it.  The kids really enjoyed it.  With it being at night, it was extra special.  There was a lot of singing and dancing.  We had a great first day at Sesame Place.

On Monday, we went back to Sesame Place for the entire day again.  We did all the dry rides in the morning again.  The rides were really fun.  We all liked them.  In the afternoon, we went on some water slides.  We decided to take Austin and Sydney on the big water slide first.  Austin liked it. Sydney got wet early on and she did not like it at all.  Then we went to a little calmer water slide but because she was scared of the first one she didn't like it.  She did like playing in the water though.

After playing in the water we went to an Elmo and Cookie Monster show.  When Elmo came out, Sydney was screaming Elmo.  She was so excited.  It was so cute.  They really enjoyed the show especially since it was each of their favorite characters.  Even though we don't watch Sesame Street, it's very easy to love all the characters.  It was fun to watch the show.

That evening they rode a few more rides after dinner.  Then it was sad because the park closed.  None of us wanted to leave but we had to go back to the hotel.  We were all exhausted but it was a fabulous weekend in Sesame Place!

Start of Summer (3.45 years and 22 months)

We had a great Memorial Day weekend together.  On Saturday night we went to Chargin Falls for a hot air balloon festival.  We have never been there before so we didn't know what to expect.  We just went to the high school and watch the hot air balloons take off.  It was really cool to see.  Austin got to experience port a potties for the first time.  Unfortunately for us he liked it.  Sydney wanted to try it too but she was told no.

On Sunday morning we went to Thomas the Train with Kaitlyn and her family.  We took Austin to Thomas the Train 2 years ago but he doesn't remember.  This year he had a great time.  They got our picture taken early with Thomas.  They had some bounce houses that Austin and Kaitlyn really enjoyed.  Sydney liked it too but not as much.  She was still too little for some of them.  Then we road on the train.  Austin and Sydney wanted to be with Tutta more than us. Luckily she didn't mind too much.  It was a fun train ride.   Then we walked around the festival for a little bit and came home for nap time.

Then on Monday, we went to the water park for the first time.  This summer the local mommy's group I belong to was getting season passes to a water park for a discounted price.  Brian and I thought it would be fun to get them.  The kids love water and it's only 20 minutes from our house.  We only had to go twice to make the passes worth it.  We have went several times now.  Austin absolutely loves it!  Sydney likes it too but she gets cold and will say "all done".  As the summer gets warmer though she will probably like it even more.  It has taken Sydney a few visits but now she will climb up the stairs and go down the water slide all by herself.  At the end of the water slide the water is up to her neck however she refuses to let us help her. She just walks slowly to the stairs.  She likes being independent.

Sydney has started potty training.  On week, I did place her in underwear for a few days.  It went okay but not great.  She didn't mind being wet too much so we had a lot of accidents.  I am hoping as she gets closer to 2 she will be more aware and want to use the potty all the time.  She is starting to tell us after she goes pee-pee or poopy now so hopefully she will get there soon.  Austin still will not poop in the potty.  I am taking a break pushing it.  Hopefully he will just want to do it and do it.  I just wish it was sooner rather than later.

Sydney now calls us mommy and daddy.  Until now we were always mama and dada. I kind of miss the mama but mommy is fine too.  She is talking more and more. Sometimes it is hard to understand her.  Today she was saying something I couldn't understand and I told her that. She just laughed so she doesn't mind not being understood yet.

Last month was the first time we could finally use the playground.  We had such a wet spring that it was too wet to play on it.  Now the kids play on it everyday and love it.  It is so nice it is back there.

 The kids are going to bed around 9:00-9:30 and getting up around 6:30 everyday.  They are usually sleeping all night along.  Sydney sometimes gets up but not for long.  She just wants to move somewhere and falls back asleep.  It is nice to finally get 6-7 hours of consecutive hours of sleep every night.  I have been staying awake until 10:30-11pm every night. I am enjoying watching 1 TV show a day right now.  We haven't watch much TV in 3 years so I am starting to enjoy that again.

Our neighbor calls Austin cookie and Sydney cupcake because every time Austin would see her he would say cookie. Cookie is Austin's favorite word right now.  He just says it to say it.  But it's funny because every time we are outside and they see their neighbor Austin yells "Hi cookie" and she yells the same thing back.

The other morning I was outside talking to my other neighbor and Austin went inside the house.  He decided to make himself an ice cream cone. He got the cones out, the ice cream scoop, and ice cream. He made the cone. Put the ice cream back in the freezer and the ice cream scoop in the sink and came back with the ice cream cone. He was so proud of himself.  I was impressed he did all that himself that I let him eat the ice cream cone.

We have also started going to Home Depot for kids workshops once a month on a Saturday.  Sydney is a little young but she is learning to use a hammer and she loves painting.  Austin really enjoys it.  Austin has been able to use a hammer ever since he helped Daddy build the swing set.  Austin loves using tools and he's very good at it.  We really enjoy those workshops.

Camden's Birthday (3.45 years and 21 months)

We always knew we wanted to go to Camden's first birthday party.  We love first birthday parties.  I think they are the best and so much fun.  However Brian's work schedule did not work too great with the timing of his party.   I considered driving down early myself however with Austin's soccer on Mondays that did not seem reasonable.  So we left Wednesday around 3:30pm.  We drove for a while but Austin would need a potty break and we stopped for about an hour for dinner.  It seemed like it was taking forever to get half way there.  Finally around 10pm we made it to our cheap hotel.  Brian found this great deal of hotel and best of all it was clean!  We carried Austin and Sydney up to the room and luckily they stayed asleep.

The next morning we drove the rest of the way in.  We arrived at Melissa's however she was not too happy when Austin rang the doorbell and Camden was sleeping.  We did not stay there so Camden could sleep.  We went over to Nana's house.  That evening we all went out to dinner.  The kids were pretty good and it was nice that Austin was with Nana and Grandpa most of them time.

On Friday, it was cool in the morning so we couldn't go the pool until afternoon.  We went to the playground instead in the morning.  Austin got to drive the golf cart so he was so happy.  Then after nap we went to the pool and beach.  Austin and Sydney love the beach.  They like the sand and playing in it.  We were there for a few hours.  After dinner, Grandpa had to go put Camden to bed (Melissa and Jonathan went out to dinner) so the rest of us went for ice cream.  Sydney really enjoyed her ice cream!

On Saturday morning we went to a large playground park.  Austin loved it.  Sydney tried to do everything Austin did.  Sydney and Camden would play on the little slides too.  It was cute.  Then we went back to the beach after nap.  Again they had fun.  That evening we went on a long golf cart ride.  It was cool.  Austin and Nana had jokes that Grandpa left the refrigerator door open.  It was cute.

On Sunday was Camden's big party.  We all went to the big playground park in the morning  The weather was only in the 60's so the pool party was out. However the party was still at the pool. There was no way the kiddos were swimming in that cold of temperatures.  Brian and I decided since the birthday party was during their normal nap time and the drive is so long that we were leaving right after the party and driving home.

Melissa did an excellent job with his party.  The decorations and food was great.  Brian took some great pictures.  Camden seemed to like his party.  He was not sure what to do with his cake though. Finally he took a few bites but he wasn't impressed.  Towards the end of the party Austin and Sydney were getting cranky.  They wanted to be with Brian but he was busy with pictures and they didn't understand that.  And with the party at the pool I was a nervous wreck they would end up in the pool and we wouldn't notice because we would think someone else had them. So right after the party we got in the car and started driving home.  Sydney was asleep within 5 minutes of driving.  Austin fell asleep within a half hour.

We decided that we just wanted to get home so we drove all the way that night.  We got in around 2am.  We stopped for dinner but made the kids eat in the van.  Brian needed to go to work on Monday so we wanted to get home as early as possible.  Plus we knew the kids would be up at 6 am.  When we got home, Austin was awake.  He laid on the couch with me and finally feel back asleep.  We got a few hours of sleep before the day began again.  The kids had fun down there. They really enjoyed the beach and the golf cart.

Spring Fun (3.3 years and 20.5 months)

We signed Austin up for tot soccer at our local rec center.  It is a 4 week session that they learn basic skills about soccer.  We weren't sure what to expect because Austin has some issues with activities that he participates by himself.  Soccer has worked out well.  We are able to be involved but there has been many opportunities that he goes off and does what he is suppose to do.  He seems to like it.

They played a game called what time is it Mr Fox.  The kids ask what time is it and whatever number the coach says they kick the ball that number of times.  Then the coach will answer that it's lunchtime.  The coach tries to get the soccer ball and the kids try and soccer a goal.  Austin loved that.

Sydney goes to soccer too.  She does not play but runs around and does her own thing.  It is nice they allow her to do that.  I wish it was longer than 4 weeks.

Austin is finally peeing at school.  He has been potty trained since January for peeing and just within the past few weeks he is going at school.  We are so excited.  But Austin will not allow us to celebrate.  He goes by himself and it's so awesome not to have a ton of laundry to do every night after school.  He still usually doesn't use the potty to poop.  Hopefully that will be coming soon.  Potty training has been a nightmare!

Austin got his new bunk bed.  The space in his room is better used for bunk beds.  Austin can only sleep on the bottom bunk right now.  We like his bunk beds too because the bottom one is a full so it's more comfortable to lay on than lying next to him on the floor.

Brian and I decided to paint our living room and kitchen.  We have lived in our house now for 10 years.  I really can't believe it's been 10 years!  And we haven't painted since we moved in so it was time for a change.  I really wanted to do a darker tan but Brian said no.  It is a light tan color.  Or as Austin calls it, yellow.  We are putting pictures up that I am super excited about.  In the dining room it will be in a heart shaped and the living room is going to have words with pictures.  Painting was difficult with the kiddos.  My parents helped out which was nice. Then we stayed up till 1am on night to mostly finish.  I still have one small wall to complete.  I hope to do that this weekend.

The other day I took the kids to the zoo.  We have zoo passes but usually only go a few times a year.  Austin and Sydney loved the zoo this time.  I am so glad I went. I plan on going more often now.  They saw the elephants, giraffes, monkeys.  We also went to the rain forest.  Austin wanted to ride the train and since it wasn't crowded I said yes.  He really liked it.  He was sad when it was over.

Every week we have been going to story time at the library.  At first Austin wasn't too sure about it but now he seems to enjoy going.  He doesn't always participate.  He likes to sit in my lap.  Sydney likes to do it and enjoys putting things on the felt board.  After story time they get to pick out their own books to bring home for the week.  Austin loves doing that.  Then each week they put bring them back and put them in the slot to return it.  That is probably their favorite part.  The library is  on a 6 week break from story time though.  We are sad about that.  It starts back up in June so we are looking forward to that.

Sydney likes to be rocked to sleep in the rocking chair.  She likes it when I sing rock a bye Elmo while rocking her and Elmo.  Sydney loves Elmo.  Then she will want rock a bye Sydney.  It is very cute.  Sydney is getting opinionated these days.  She is starting to have tantrums too.  I really don't like this stage.  I hope she goes though it fast.  She is talking a lot but still hard to understand her at times.  Hopefully once her vocabulary increases the tantrums will decrease.

Easter (3.2 years and 20 months)

Austin has been waiting for Easter for a long time.  He loves watching videos on YouTube of people opening Easter eggs.  On Saturday morning we took him and Sydney to our local outdoor Easter egg hunt.  It was a little cool but over all the weather was nice.  Austin was with the 3-4 age group kids and Sydney was with the 2 and under.  Brian took Austin and I took Sydney.  Because the weather was nice it was more crowded.  The egg hunt was over in a minute.  Luckily they both got a few eggs so they were happy.  After it was over, we played in the field throwing the eggs and picking them back up again.  They had fun.

On Easter morning, the kids got to find their Easter baskets.  They were under the kitchen table.  They needed help finding it but they finally did.  Austin got gears that he loved.  Sydney got an Elmo doll that she absolutely loves.  Then we had an egg hunt outside in the front yard.  It was so cute watching them run for the eggs.  Sydney realized that there was candy inside the eggs.  She decided to eat the candy while Austin was more interested in getting more eggs.

The Easter bunny hid a few more toys for them outside by the swingset.   A soccer ball was inside the slide, a gas pump was on the swingset, and a scooter was hanging from a tree.  It was something to see.  Austin had fun lowering the scooter down.  They really had a great time.  These toys are their favorites right now.

After nap we went down to my parents for dinner.  They got to find Easter baskets at their house.  Then they had an egg hunt outside too.  Again they had a lot of fun.  The weather was beautiful.  We could not of asked for a better Easter.  We walked to the park before dinner.  It was fun.

Austin has a new trick on how to put on his own coat.  He lays it down on the floor and stands behind the hood.  He puts his arms in and flips it over his head.  Then it's on.  It is pretty cool.  He has shown Sydney how to do it.  She loves to do it and refuses any help getting on her coat.

The other day Austin decided he needed to go to the bathroom alone.  He would keep telling me "don't bother me".  I respected his need for privacy.  Austin is a very private person.  I thought he was pooping in the potty.  I then realized he was teaching himself to stand and go pee.  This came out of nowhere.  He did really good with it.  Now he loves to go pee completely by himself.  We have bought him a child's urinal too to help.  He is really good a peeing in the potty all the time.  He even stays dry at nap.  He still wears a diaper at night but other than that he wears his underpants that he loves.  Most of his underpants are basic colors and he likes that.  His favorite pair is the green pair.

Sydney has moved up to the toddler room.  Since she likes to use the potty like Austin we wanted her moved up.  We are just encouraging her to use the potty right now.  Hopefully by this summer he can take a weekend and potty train her too.  I will be very excited to be out of diapers!