Happy 70th, Dad!!

We celebrated my dad's 70th birthday a week early because he was in town for an All-Class Reunion. He came with my step-mom, Anne, so we decided to have a cookout at our house to celebrate this special milestone birthday (actual day is Sept. 18). I didn't want to put my dad through blowing out 70 candles, so I opted for just the number candles. He did appreciate that! My brother, Rick, his wife Christina and their daughters, Meredith and Morgan came over as well to help celebrate. The weather was sunny and cool--perfect for a cookout. We were all glad the rain only came Saturday.
I had Buehler's make this awesome cake. It was marbled with chocolate, yellow, and strawberry cake and French buttercream icing. It was amazing, and of course, it had to have a palm tree and a snowman. Being Dad lives in Florida, but was born and raised and lived most of his life in the snow of Ohio.

Jeff and Hayden cooked the homemade burgers, while little dog Eddie watches on. These burgers have become my specialty this summer with "secret" ingredients of BBQ sauce and minced garlic. Plus we bought a 1/4 of a cow...and had many, many cookouts this summer. Time for chicken and fish this winter!






My dad captured this pic of my brother, me, my step mom, Anne, Christina, and all the kiddos!! We had a fun time just being together.

Hayden's First Day of PK4 (and last first day of preschool)

Hayden is ready in his cool motorcycle jacket on this cool September 8th day for his last "first day of preschool" at Medina Christian Academy. He was really excited, so much that he grabbed his lunch box and filled it with goodies to eat in the car. He doesn't eat lunch there, but we always run errands before hand. He attends from 12:30-3:15. Just in time for me to get home right before Luke and Blake do. One more year...I am enjoying my little Hayden and our alone time while I can. Next year it's off to kindergarten all day!!
Hayden is ready with his backpack in front of his school. He's an old pro since he attended here last year as a 3-year-old.

Hayden made his way confidently to his new classroom at Medina Christian Academy. He poses here with one of his teachers, Mrs. Anzevino. His other "helper" is Mrs. Carroll, a super nice lady as well. Pretty amazing that Hunter had PK4 in this very same room many years ago. Luke attended MCA as well, but only for one year before we moved to Alabama.

COSI and the Titanic Exhibition

Labor Day Weekend brought us back to Jeff's old stomping grounds in Columbus for COSI's Titanic Exhibition. With only 2 days left, the exhibit was worth the long lines and sometimes "pushy" folk. It was quite amazing to feel like we were on the ship, walking the cabin halls and into the boiler room and third class. I could feel my mind going back to James Cameron's version of the Titanic. There was even an iceberg to touch, although it was not as cold as what the stranded passengers felt as they found themselves in the water...wondering their own fate. Each of us was given a boarding pass, and we would find out if we survived as we ended the tour. We had real names of passengers, which brought the whole experience to life. We all survived, since we were first class, except Hayden. His wife lived but he didn't. Gulp.
It was a chance to reflect, especially for me, to what really matters. We don't take anything with us when our time is done here. How are we investing in what really matters? I thank God and pray I do not have to experience such a tragedy in my lifetime. September 11 was bad enough.


***We also spent time exploring the regular exhibits at COSI. Luke made me laugh when we went through "Progress." He sits here in front of a t.v.--looks like one my grandma and grandpa had. Wow. And Blake enjoyed the mini-submarine vessel, but especially all the space simulators. He still wants to be a "spaceman" when he grows up!
Hayden explored this weird-looking phone, and Hunter stands in front of a post office. Jeff is thinking about pumping some gas while Luke gives the 6 o'clock news!!
And of course, we all had to eat at the Atomic Cafe. It was a great time of fun, pillow fights, swimming in the rooftop pool at Marriott, and of course, COSI.