Ohio Vacation

Who would ever think that a week in northwest Ohio would be better than a week at the beach? Not me, until our experience this summer. We were home from South Carolina just long enough to unpack, do laundry and repack before heading on the road again--this time for our planned "vacation" home. Steve's parents and my parents live five minutes from each other, in the small town where we both grew up. The added bonus is that his best friend and my best friend both still live in the area, so a trip home means time with both our families and several dear friends.

Ohio may not have the ocean, but it has lots of loved ones, not to mention free babysitters--so that more than made up for the unremarkable views :) Plus, Steve wasn't working, so the week was much more fun and relaxing. And I haven't even mentioned the mild weather that provided a wonderful respite from hot and humid Tennessee! Adventures included:

...helping my mother-in-law throw a shower for my sister-in-law, Michelle, who's due to deliver the first Kannel baby GIRL next month! (unfortunately we didn't get a photo of all three of us)

....an afternoon with Julie and Joel

...and several other wonderful events I don't have pictures for--like a trip to Fort Wayne to visit my college friends Stephanie and Jaala, a visit to Findlay to see my extended family, a Fourth of July cookout with friends and Steve's family (including a super-fun game of volleyball), and an evening of s'mores and fireworks in my parents' backyard. We even enjoyed a little anniversary getaway!

And no, I didn't dress Elijah to match Daddy on purpose! I didn't even buy the shirts on purpose--my mom bought Elijah's outfit and it coincidentally matches a polo shirt Steve already had. Anyway, for those who can't get enough of the pictures, you can view my full albums on Picasa here.