The land up north!

We had a great time with Todd's side of the family on a trip last week. First we stopped in Toledo, where we attended the Lucas County Fair with Grandma Karen and returned to the Toledo Zoo for a visit with Dora and, of course, our favorite animals. Then we went on to Michigan's Irish Hills area, where Papa Norm and Grandma Sheila have a cottage on a lake. We were treated to boat rides and trips to the state park, where Emma enjoyed the beach by building sand castles and ducking her head underneath the waves. She also loved jumping off the dock at the cottage! We also took a trip to The Cascades in Jackson, Michigan, where a 5-tiered, man-made waterfall flashes lights in time to music. Since we went on family night, Emma also got a balloon, face painting (complete with glitter!), and a picture with Aladdin and Jasmine. Back in Toledo at the end of the week, we visited with Karen's side of the family, who were visiting from North Carolina, Dayton, and Texas, so needless to say, it was a special visit. Emma enjoyed the trip so much that when we told her we were heading home on Sunday, she replied, "Can I stay here at Grandma's just a little bit longer?!"

More Fun with Gramma and Papa Isch!

Emma enjoyed another visit with Grandma and Grandpa Isch the week before last, with no less drama and excitement than the first visit in June! First we visited Shefphley Gardens about an hour north of their house. The beautiful flowers and music-themed playground entertained Emma for hours! Next, we returned to Lake Erie, this time going to the Vermilion area, where we had a picnic lunch in the harbor while we watched the boats come in and out. After a nap in the car, we drove to the beach, but a dirty beach and thunder prevented us from swimming. The next day we made up for the beach incident by going to Pleasant Hill Lake near their house. Mom and Dad had both taken trips to this lake as kids, and they brought us there as well, so it seemed fitting that Emma get a turn! It was a hot day, so we all enjoyed having Emma swim between us before returning to the beach to build a sand castle. After Emma's nap back at Gramma and Papa's, we went to the Loudonville Library again, where Emma enjoyed the playhouse and shopping carts again! The next day, after returning home to Daddy, we went to Aunt Kristen and Uncle Jason's new apartment. At the end of the evening, we went to Graeter's Ice Cream, which has an indoor ice-cream-themed playground!