Kings Island-Opening Day (and the Boonshoft Museum)!

After a 6 month wait, we were finally able to return to Kings Island for opening day last Saturday April 27th. The weather was warmer and drier than last year, which was nice in spite of the crowds. Emma got to see all of the Peanuts characters, including Woodstock, whom we missed last year! Due to the long lines, we mostly stayed in the kids' area, Planet Snoopy. In spite of our many visits to amusement parks, it was a "first" for all of us when we got stuck going up the last hill on the log flume. I guess going on a 41-year-old ride after it's been sitting all winter was asking for it! Emma got a little teary-eyed, but the ride operators came and helped us out of the log and down the incline; Todd joked that we had always wanted a behind-the-scenes tour! The rest of the day went fine, concluding with fireworks and promises to return soon! We stayed overnight in Cincinnati and went to the Boonshoft Museum in Dayton on Sunday. We'd taken Emma there a couple of years ago, but she didn't remember much about it. It's a science museum that caters to young kids with a 3-story climbing toy, a treehouse, pretend-play areas, and even an indoor zoo!

Happy Birthdays!

Emma got to help 3 people celebrate birthdays this month: her friend Josie, from church, had a gymnastics party; her friend Ryley, from preschool, had an ice skating party; finally, Uncle Jason had a party at a park! Can you tell which party was which?!

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

A couple of weeks ago (mid-April), we registered Emma for Kindergarten! She was sooo excited, even though she won't get to see the whole school or meet her new teacher until open house in August. She can't stop talking about her new school!

Easter 2013

We had a great Easter celebration this year, which actually spanned a few days! Grandma Karen arrived on Friday to spend a few days with us. On Saturday we attended the egg hunt at church and dyed Hello Kitty eggs. On Sunday we went to church for breakfast and the 10:30 service. We came home to find that the Easter bunny had visited; Emma found her basket in the TV room with Littlest Pet Shops, books, a stuffed cat, and, of course, candy! We had Easter dinner up at Grandma Pat and Papa Isch's house this year with Aunt Kristy, Uncle Jason, Aunt Linda, Grandma Coe, and Grandma Karen. It had been a rainy morning and early afternoon, but suddenly the sun came out and Emma was happy to see that the Easter Bunny had visited Grandma and Papa's house, too, to deliver some eggs to their front yard! Finally, on Monday we attended the Easter "Parade" through the Victorian House, where Emma got to meet Beatrice Bunny, make some crafts, and gather some more treats!