Independence Lake

Today we went to the independence lake. The kids had a blast... sand, water... what else can a kid want?! They loved it... by 11 the other guests came in and by noon it was somewhat crowded but still totally fine and manageable. We left and the kids fell asleep. Henry was so wiped out he slept at home another 2 hours :). Yeah Me :)

Grocery Shopping accomplished for the next week!!! The price... a ride with Sandy ;)

Lake Erie Metro Park

The idea was to go to a beach ;). Since I don't know every single park yet and I remembered a park nearby where I took my pregnancy pics with Henry.... it had a beach but I accidentally drove to the wrong one. Well they had a wave pool but no thanks ;)... not alone with two kids, I think that's a little too risky. Don't wanna overdo it *lol*. 

I was so hoping to find a nice beach where they can play in the sand. Unfortunately that park only had a rocky beach but we had fun anyways ;)

I'm trying to find a nice beach for them tomorrow... unfortunately it's the weekend so it might be packed. I'd rather go to these public places during the week so it's easier and less annoying ;). Wish me luck, I'll report tomorrow if I found something nice. I kind of wanna go to the German town as well but I think the weather calls for water ;)
Bath fun just before bedtime... YEAH baby, ;)

Our 4th of July

... started very fit :). The kids and I took a bike ride in our sub, Henry was chilling in the trailer while Zoe wanted to ride her bike by herself and she did very good! I couldn't believe it how much she rode and I figured for sure she'd nap after the bike ride but she didn't :(.

We made a stop in our park, played...

Feed the ducks...

Ate the old bread!!!

It was a very great morning spent. I have to do that more often... it's a little boring to ride my bike so slow but I did loops and eights on the street while Zoe took the side walk :).

In the afternoon we've got invited to a German Friend (her Parents are actually born / raised in Germany and came over when they were young). So she invited us for lunch/dinner in their clubhouse with the pool and I kind of had to give in now :).... I was trying to avoid taking the kids into the pool because I was so worried about the kids drowning (heard too many stories) so I came all prepared ;). Both in life vests and I managed it pretty awesome. I have to say, the kids are very great! When I tell them to wait or stay at the side or whatnot... they do that! I don't have to worry much about them because they really listen when it's serious stuff however you still do worry of course ;)

He liked just standing on the steps... he wasn't much into the pool... i think this vest was way too uncomfortable for him.

Zoe on the other hand I couldn't get out of the pool! She LOVED it... she didn't even wanted me to hold her after a while and she jumped into the pool... boy oh boy... I think it's time for swim class ;). I def. have to sign her up when the next swim classes start.

Summer wants to be here

It's a funny week... it's warm but mostly cloudy / thunderstorm warnings and we get a lot of rain in pieces but somehow the days stay semi dry but we don't plan much since the weather channel always says it's gonna rain and then it doesn't. So we enjoy the spontaneous outings here and there... the play ground:

Zoe was determined to make it over the wobbly bridge and she did it and then she wanted to do it over and over and over again. Now she's a pro....
So funny... I wanted to leave and told them we'd go eat ice cream... of course they wanted to have ice cream but Zoe said: '20 minutes mom' *lol*... and it took me a while for them to finally leave this play ground (which is good)... it was just a big surprise for me to turn down ice cream ;)

Our neighbor to the back has her granddaughter here for two weeks so we try to get together once a day or every other day in the yard. The girls adore each other and are standing on the patio door calling their names and looking if the other one is outside playing... soooo cute.

The Crew!!! Henry, Zoe and Chandler

Yesterday morning we went strawberry picking. It was the very last day and I really wanted to go one more time. So funny we went within the first few days of the seasons start and now on the last one. Needless to say, Henry ate all the strawberries already in the field that we put into his bucket... I had to help picking (that's not their biggest strength *lol*) and when I finally had a bucket full and went home... washed/ cut up all the strawberries... they were gone within minutes! But we had a great time and fresh fruit from our labor. I love this

Today... 10 Years ago...

I cannot believe that it's been 10 long years without her. I love being reminded of her every day and more so on special days like today. Her 10th Anniversary of her day passing away... She was an amazing woman, Mother and Wife, Friend and Daughter... you name it. It still hurts so bad not having her around but because of her and my wonderful Dad, four amazing young woman are living in this world who wouldn't be here without her. I'm so grateful for all of the effort my parents put into raising us four girls. I know now how much work it is to be a parent and I only have two little ones ;).

I'm also very thankful for Meike who's been an amazing wife to my dad and makes his life so sweet and fun, loving and wonderful. Meike, you've been an amazing addition to our family and I'm so happy that you're enjoying a life full of love and laughter with our Dad.

Love you all, now enjoy my little piece of work for my Mom: (I would suggest to have handkerchiefs - Taschentuecher close by)

We're having fun

In between all the rain and thunderstorms we take advantage of the outdoors ;).

This morning with the Germans :)

Just hang out with Zoe and Henry and even when you're having dinner they find something funny to crack up about!!! Oh man, these two are too much *lol*