End of July

It's the end of July already? How did summer fly by so quickly? This past school year I typed up too many worksheets, quizzes, and tests and responded to so many emails that I needed to step away from the computer this summer. I just spent a couple of hours updating my school website and our dept's website, so it looks like re-entry has begun. This summer I've enjoyed spending lots of time with Aiden, Reid, and Eric, sewing, cross-stitching, knitting, and listening to audio books. The boys start Pre-K on Monday, August 4th. Next week I need to spend some time at school to get a jump-start before teachers officially report on August 11th. I'm also going to try to catch up on posting more pictures of our summer adventures. Stay tuned...

"Hio"

On June 13th, we made our semi-annual trek to Ohio, or "Hio" as the boys have been referring to it. First stop: DIA (Denver International Airport). The construction of the airport hotel is continuing. I told the boys when it was done, I was going to go stay there by myself for a little get-away. Aiden immediately told me "No!" I like this shot because I was able to capture the iconic white peaks of the main terminal.

The boys did a great job thanks to our iPads. Reid sat with Eric, and Aiden and I sat in the row behind them. We flew on Southwest because that's the only airline flying directly from Denver to Dayton. It's a little nerve-wrecking not having assigned seats, but luckily we were able to find seats together.

So long, Colorado.

Hell, Dayton.

Still Reid's favorite spot:

Eric's dad cleaned up a go-cart that cousin Jordan used to drive. The boys loved it!

On Saturday, I went for a long walk around the neighborhood. I found a corn field not too far away.

We visited Eric's mom at her care home.

We enjoyed spending lots of time with Jennifer, Shane, and Jordan. Shane made his delicious chocolate chip cookies and buns again. This time he also made some yummy strawberry cupcakes. He's a great baker!

The little cousins are gaining on the big cousin.

Jennifer and Shane gave the boys their birthday presents- puzzles that you can color, a Nerf basketball hoop, and lots of Legos. They've all been big hits with Aiden and Reid. Thank you!

Auntie Jennifer and Aiden. Aww!

Reid made up a game where you had to try to throw the Nerf ball in the gift bag.

I think Aiden resembles Eric in this picture:

Luckily, the weather was fairly pleasant and the guys played outside a lot.

Eric never seems to quite be able to make the tag in baseball.

We even saw and caught some fireflies.

We swam at our favorite pool.

We caught a very early flight going home. The boys were luckily in good spirits despite the early wake-up call.

Good bye, Ohio.

Honk shoo!

We had a great time and the boys keep asking when we get to go back to "Hio". Reid said we should wait six weeks and then go back for nine weeks!