Justin Lunt Family Visit

Aaron's younger brother, Justin, his wife, Cheril, and their three cute girls (Madison, Hannah, & Natalie) came to visit us this holiday weekend. It was a quick visit, but we had a great time.

On Friday evening we all went bowling. I forgot my camera, but the "grown-ups" had an especially good time and Aaron got his personal high score. Good job honey!

On Saturday we took them down to Sawyer Pointe Park. We love that park because it's shaded by the interstate and it's right on the Ohio river.

Madison & Olivia trying out the kid's climbing wall.

All four on the tire swing.

After playing at the park, we walked over to Kentucky for lunch.
Carter, Olivia, Hannah & Madison watching the boats go under the bridge.

On the Purple People Bridge.

Almost to KY

Lunch in Newport at Johnny Rockets...yum!

Grammy (Aaron's mom) had sent gifts for everyone. Thank you Grammy (& Papa:).

Since Madison turns 5 on Wednesday, it was a great excuse for us all to have cake and ice-cream. Happy Birthday Madison!

Thanks for making the trek up north Justin & Cheril.

My deprived children

A few weeks back we took a big trek to Meijer. I hadn't planned on being there over two hours, but I got side tracked in the gardening section. I picked up most of my remaining garden needs (including cow manure) and after unloading that into the car, made my way back into get groceries. Since Olivia and Carter were relatively patient with me, we made a stop past the bakery for a free cookie. While checking out, Olivia spotted "Sandy." It's the mechanical horse you can ride for a penny. Sandy had disappeared for several months (while Meijer settled a law suit involving her) and so Olivia was so excited to see she was back. After tracking down some pennies (mine disappear whenever we have to walk past a pond that we can throw pennies into), Carter and Olivia took their turns on the racing horse. Then while walking to the van, Olivia helped me push the cart. Olivia let me know that "this is the best day ever! I got to get a cookie, ride the horse, push the cart AND we got Cow Manure!"
I'm so glad that a bag of poop helped to make her best day ever ;)

Last week we got to take a tour through a bakery. At this bakery, they make bagels & pita pockets. It was fun to see the ENTIRE process and we even got to bring home our own bagels & pita pockets. Mmmm.
My kids are in old t-shirts because that same morning, we had a laundry disaster! Carter had left a red crayon in his pants pocket and it got put through the dryer. Red spots all over everything! I cried (sad, but true). Luckily, I have been able to save almost the entire load. (After several washings & another trip to Meijer for a few new types of detergent.) Unfortunately, it did ruin one of my favorite maternity shirts. I'm debating whether it's worth it to replace it for the four weeks I have left. Probably not.

My Fly Catcher

Olivia got this bug catcher for Easter and it's one of those toys that gets used almost everyday! (Yes, it's just like the one she got last year...but that one got ran over after being left on the car bumper.)Anytime there is a fly in the house, Olivia is on the hunt! She's caught several flies with some little tong thingies and kept them in her bug catcher until she decides to release them outside.

I'm actually quite amazed every time she catches one. She's got skillz ;)

I had just finished painting her nails and she goes outside to catch this little guy! (It's a toad)

The only bug that I've found her to be afraid of are bees (she's probably got that from me though).

When Carter gives up on trying to catch butterflies (playing Elefun) he is often found like this. He can stack all four nets over his head.

I've also noticed Carter taking a real liking to helping in the kitchen. He cut up onions and green peppers for dinner on Sunday. I think it helps that he has his own apron ;)
If only he would stop teasing Olivia with the butter knife that he's "going to cut you." It freaks her out.