Our trip to Ohio in 3 post

The week after New Year's we took our Christmas trip up North. I can't begin to tell you how excited I was that there was NO snow, barely even on the ground, until 5 miles from the In-Laws house (gotta love living in the "Lake effect snow area"). Even then, there wasn't much. We could still see the ground in some places...However, that didn't last long. Our first full day there, we decided to take the kids Ice Skating. Jess has been a few times, but the younger three had never been. I will say they all LOVED it.

Jess helping Delaney

Daddy helping Owen

Poppy helping Sean

A very pretty Jessica

Delaney skating on her own

Owen's got it!

Sean off on his own

I especially love this next picture because you can almost see how fast Sean's little feet were moving.

The skaters!

P.S. I have a video that I am going to try to upload later.

St. James Island ~ A Soccer Tournament

I thought that since she has another Tournament this weekend (weather permitting) I should tell you all about the tournament she went to 4 weeks ago. Charleston, SC. What a beautiful. Boy do I wish I had more time to just sight see. Next time. Oh, I forgot to mention, Scott stayed home Delaney, Sean and Owen so my sister, Karen, and I were able to spend some "girl time" with Jessica. Thanks Scott!

The tournament didn't go so well. Although they didn't place so well , the girls played hard and had a great time.

Heading out, again!

This time, Florida bound!

Surprise!

Thursday morning we got up and headed to Cleveland. Although Scott's dad new we were coming, he did not know why. July 5th was his 60th birthday. Scott's mom managed to pull off a Surprise party on the 4th. Family from New Jersey, Pittsburgh, North Carolina (not just us, but others too), work colleagues, and friends and neighbors. Even Uncle Sam (aka Aunt Cris) was there!

Early Saturday morning, Scott and a family friend took his dad out golfing (Tom, Scott's dad, has these pictures, I hope to get them soon) then the prepreations began! The tent/table guy, the bounce house guy, friends coming to help prepare dips and salsa, and other sides, and THE PIG COOKER! Yes, that is right, in the depths of Ohio, we had a good ol' southern BBQ! I know I have a lot of Northen readers, so when I say BBQ, I don't mean hamburgers and hotdogs on a grill! I mean a pig! Slow roasted over a pit! It was DELISH!!

The golfing three arriving. Worked out pretty good that they had Tom sitting in the backseat of his own car! lol

Partiers!


The Cake

The O'Laughlin Clan ~ minus the kids
(at least the ones that could make it)

Sunday, the 5th was also Mike's Birthday. Mike is married to one of Scott's cousins.


The pig

The bouncers




love that Owen always came out head first!

Amish Country

Scott was golfing all day Wednesday, so I decided to meet up with a dear friend. She is in the process of moving into her new house which just so happens to be near Hershey. We meet half way in Lancaster and toured an Amish Farm.

That's right, I met up with Debi! Miss you guys already!

All sitting, waiting to learn!



How would you like to have to cook on this everyday?

Checking out the Rabbits.

Sean and Owen looking at the animals.

Notice the sign over the horses' head that reads "Do not pet the animals"

Everyone but Owen


Again...everyone but Owen (including a not so happy Will)


My happy Crew!







One room school.

Look at my little students.


The four little ones ready to learn.

PULL Jessica, Pull!


Debi, thanks so much for meeting up with us. It was great to spend some time with you guys. However, it just made me want to spend even more time with you. Can't wait until we get to do it again. It is your turn to come this way! lol Our house is always open for you.