Cedar Point Amusement Park

We surprised Mackenzie with a surprise trip to Cedar Point.  We rarely have 1-on-1 time with Mackenzie and we thought that with her going off to elementary school this year, that it would be fun to have a special trip with just her!  We met up a group of our friends and their kids and enjoyed 2 nights away, thanks to the help of Nana and Grandma Buzzard. :) 

Of course, to prepare for the trip, Aunt Emily and I took her to get her very 1st pedicure.  I wasn't sure how she would do with the whole spa experience (hot foot soak, nail trimming, lavender exfoliating rub, etc), but as it turns out...she is a diva! 

I have never seen her sit so still...

she was so proud!

And so were Aunt Emily and Mommy!

Toe-tally ready now for our adventure!

The next day, we hit the road for our adventure with our sweet girl.  Of course before we made it to the hotel we found a cute little icecream shop on the side of the road.  It was pretty hot so of course we had to pull over and support the local economy. 

After arriving at our hotel and meeting up with some of our friends, we relaxed at the hotel pool and let the kids play at the indoor water park.

Inside the hotel was a really cool indoor water park.  There was the fastest water slide known to man.  If you don't believe me, here is proof...

The next morning, we had access to early admission since we stayed on site, and hit the park. We were unsure what Mackenzie would think of of the roller coasters.  She has only been on fair rides, but we quickly found out that we have a dare devil on our hands.  She loved the roller coasters, riding kiddie rides with her friend's, and having Mommy and Daddy all to herself.  We are hoping to make this an annual trip with our friends the Essman's and the Baker's!

The kid's mapping out their game plan

Ready to hit the park!

...and these two BFF's were a stitch,

they totally thought they owned the place!

and when you're this cute, I'm pretty sure you do!

we may have to forbid them from hanging out together in their teenage years!

I'm pretty sure we stopped at every kiddie ride in Camp Snoopy!

...and after a dozen kiddie rides, it was time to move on to a legit roller coaster....

she was a little apprehensive, and may have been white knuckling it...

...but our little dare devil loved every twist and turn,

...and of course wanted to seek more thrills!

...and on we rode...

occassionally the heat got to us...

...and what better way to end the day than with fireworks?!

The next day, we all met for breakfast and hit the "beach" aka Lake Erie. 

We had a blast!  And at times, I forgot that I was really on the lake, and not at an actual beach.

We loved every minute with out sweet girl, and she loved every minute with us...and I'm pretty certain Caleb loved being spoiled by two of his favorite women in the world!  Thanks Grandma and Nana for helping make this trip possible!  It was one we will not forget!

Father's Day 2012

I am beyond blessed to have grown up in a household with the most amazing Dad in the World.  For 18 years, I lived with and observed a man who loved and cared for his family with amazing patience (especially in a house of ALL women), positivity and pride.  He taught me so much about what a family should look like, how they should interact, treat and love each other.  He taught me resiliency and determination in my younger years; how to ride a bike, tie a shoe, drive a car.  In my college years, how to balance a check book, save money and work hard.  And in my adulthood now, he is still the man I turn to for a second opinion and the only one who I allow to remove my splinters.  :)  Thank you for shaping the person I am today and for all the lessons you have taught me along the way.  I know I probably don't say it as often as I should, but I LOVE YOU! 


And to my second Dad, aka "Father Bob", I hit the jack pot when I met your son AND gained you as a Dad!  You have always treated me like your daughter, and love and supported whatever crazy idea we may have had in our (almost) 8 years of marriage (like maybe owning 2 homes for a short period of time:). We can always come to you for "real" advice and know that you will always be there for us.  Thank you for the role you played in shaping your son into a wonderful husband and father.  I am eternally grateful to you!  And thank you for playing such an important part in our children's lives.  They love you bunches!

                                                                      Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day Interview 2012

This post goes out to our hero....Daddy!

We love you!!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy ever! I am so lucky to share this parenting journey with you, and our kids are even luckier to have you as a father & role model! You are a fabulous, roll-on-the-ground, piggybacking, dance party, soccer playing Dad! And just in case you ever doubt it...here's proof from your favorite 5 year old...

SUMMERTIME!

These pictures pretty much sum up how we feel about Summer....

                        Summer is HERE!  And we couldn't be happier!!!!