Last Days of Summer Vacation...

Today is my last day of summer vacation!  It was always tough as a student when the reality came true that summer was officially over, but I've never experienced it from the other end as a teacher!  It's still just as hard....  This year brings a huge transition for me in many ways!  Tomorrow I will be starting as a Third Grade teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School!  Not only will I be back to work full time, but I will also be saying good bye to Evelyn each morning, something I haven't had to do before.  I've already teared up a few times thinking about it, but I feel blessed that she will be with family two of the five days throughout the week.  We've also found a great at home sitter just a few minutes from our house.  

I wanted to make the last few days special with our family, so Chris and I took Evelyn to the Aquarium.  We haven't been there for awhile, so Evelyn had fun taking it all in.  She waved to the fish and loved when I made fishy faces at her.  She and I also spent some time in our neighbors pool.  She loved floating around on the raft that she called her "but" (boat).  

I'm going to miss her so much, but I think it will make the time that I see her that much more special!

Third Anniversary!!

 

It's hard to believe that we have already been married for three years!  Chris had to work during the day, so Evelyn and I went to visit Great-Grandma.  We had lunch with her where of course, all of the other residents loved talking to Evelyn and loved her pigtails.  After lunch, Grandma pulled out a bag of Cheerios so Evelyn could go feed the ducks.  So we walked out to the bridge and Evelyn had a ball!

 

 There were two ducklings that we tried to feed, but the bigger ducks kept running them over!

 Chris and I celebrated our anniversary by going on a surprise date, planned by Chris.  First we went and painted at an art studio where Chris brought one of my favorite wines.  Even though we aren't artistically gifted, we still had a great time.  Following painting, we headed to dinner at Season's 52.  We really like this restaurant because the menu is always changing, and the food is fantastic!  After dinner we stopped by Yagoot for some dessert.  It was a wonderful surprise date!  Thank you for planning Chris, and thank you for being so wonderful!  I love you!

 The finished product!

Fishing at Lake Isabella

Katie and I decided that we wanted to take the kids fishing, so we invited my parents to join and we all met at Lake Isabella.  We had dinner and then loaded up the fishing pole and walked the edge of the lake to find the "perfect" spot.  

 Look who is starting to smile!!  Adorable baby Dean!

 Not too sure what her Grandpa and cousin are doing, but it's interesting to watch!

 She loves to say Baby Dean!

 Quinn found many "creatures" as he calls them :)

Woodland Mound Water Park

 We have a park near our house called Woodland Mound, and within the park is a water park for kids called Parky's Wetland Adventure.  We have been here a few times this summer, and Evelyn squeals as soon as we get out of the car and she hears the water.

 She walked over to the woman with the green shirt on that you see in the picture, and simply took her bucket from her.  I took it back to the woman and apologized, but she laughed and gave it back to Evelyn for her to play with.

 Waving to a stranger of course...

Summer at the Cincinnati Zoo!

This summer has had some really nice weather, so we have had the opportunity to visit the zoo several times.  Since we have a season pass it's been nice to visit for a few hours then head home once it starts getting too crowded.  Here are some pictures from several different visits to the zoo.  It's fun to watch Evelyn look at the animals and point to them.  She also has a tendency of waving at them and telling them good bye!

 Waving to the baby giraffe.

Our cute little "painted dog"  The painted dog exhibit is really nice;

 Walking with Daddy.

 

These little "babies" are growing up too fast!

 Wiped out on the way home!