Vacation in Ohio

Northwest Ohio won't make anyone's top-ten list of vacation hot spots. But when you have a toddler, and northwest Ohio is where his grandparents live, it takes on a whole new appeal. Adventure-filled family vacations in exotic locales may be fun someday, but for now, we prefer to spend a week back home with our families, where we get to relax and spend quality time with loved ones. And, of course, there's free babysitting :)

We left after Steve got off work on July 3 and spent ten wonderful days in Ohio. Our vacation included...

...lounging at Grammy and Pops's house:

...spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's house, including a playdate with some of Elijah's second cousins (six boys under the age of four):

...and a birthday party for Great-Grandpa Kannel, where Elijah enjoyed jumping on Great-Aunt Suzie's trampoline:

Other un-photographed highlights included not one but TWO dates with my hubby (our anniversary getaway, plus a movie matinee later in the week); a cookout with my mom's extended family; dinner with our friends Kaleb and Denise; dinner and wonderful conversations with Granny and a couple of Steve's cousins; girls' night out (pizza subs, of course!) with my two best friends from high school; and a luxurious massage (Christmas gift from my parents--ahhh).

It was so nice to spend relaxed, extended time with our families and catch up with a few friends. Elijah loved all the attention from his doting grandparents--and we enjoyed the break. Northwest Ohio may not be glamorous, but while Elijah is little, it ranks as my number-one family vacation spot.