Hocking Hills

Me, mom, dad and dad's whole family went to Hocking Hills this weekend for some hiking and good, old-fashioned family bonding. It was a great time and I can't wait to go back to that wonderful place! If you have never been, I highly recommend it!

Here I am in my backpack ready to go for a nice long hike.The whole gang ready to go hiking...15 people, 3 dogs...it was awesome!Inside Old Man's CaveUpper Falls at Old Man's Cave

Cashed out!

Dad was showing me all that nature had to offer and I loved feeling all the different textures.

The happy family resting after a 2 1/2 mile hike to Cedar Falls. I had a hard time standing up after being in my backpack for hours. I had to find my land-legs again.

Playing the the dirtMe and Jesse playing in the dirt at the base of Cedar Falls

Mom was playing peek-a-boo with me around this tree.

I liked picking off the bark. I also tried to put it back on the tree.

Me and Noni

Dad and Max were exhausted after such a long day of hiking.

My cousin, Jesse got married back in the woods that evening. Now I have a new cousin, Michelle. I was a very happy to be a part of it and even helped by throwing wet leaves at them after the ceremony. There was no rice available!

The happy Newlyweds!

What a wonderful weekend!!

My first trip to the Zoo

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that my parents took me to the Cincinnati Zoo for the first time. I had a great time seeing all the animals and walking eveywhere!

Me and Mom checking out the elephants.

I had a good time watching the ducks. They kept disappearing under water and coming back up. I didn't know what to think about that.

I walked most of the time. I think it frustrated my parents because I had my own agenda. Here I am waving at the monkeys.

Monkey Island

My favorite place was the Cat House. I loved that they came up to the window to see me. I especially got a chuckle out of the Meercats! They were funny!

Gorillas...

Not too sure about this, Dad!

Then we went to the Children's Zoo. I liked these goats.

I did get brave and pet them.

All in all, really fun first trip to the Zoo. I can't wait to go back!!

Crazy Hair!!

Eough said!!

My weekend at Bernie's...and Durelle's

I had a wonderful time last weekend visiting with my Great- Aunt and Uncle . Here are some highlights from our fun time together!

I went exploring in their backyard. They have much nicer grass than at my house. I had to bring some stuffed animals on my journey.I had to check out this statue of Saint Joseph.

They made this nice path into the woods for me to walk on. Check how tall my Uncle is...I think I barely come to his knees. It took me a few minutes everyday to be sure of him....so tall!!

A bridge over a creek...

...that led to a wonderful swing with a great view of the bigger part of the creek.

So then my dad went gliding with Bernie on Saturday...a plane without an engine for all of those who did not know...
They put me in the front seat and I was not a happy camper at all. I am not ready to go flying without engine power yet..no way!!

Here I am much more content out of the glider.

Bernie explaining everything to dad...Doesn't my dad look cool. He was very excited to get back into a plane and fly again. I think he even got to take control for part of the flight.

This is the tow plane that took them up...I was hoping for a tow, myself. (I am holding on to the end of the tow rope...)

Instead, I think I will hook them up to the tow plane.

Dad and Bernie ready for take off!!

In tow...

...safely making their landing back on the ground after a 35 minute flight.

Mom decided to go up for a ride too. Don't tell dad, but she got an hour long flight.

In a nut shell, we had a great time and I can't wait to go back up for another visit!!

The random places my parents find me...

My parents often find me in the funniest places...

...in my toy bin!

...in my drawers!!

Discovering the backyard....Finally!!

Now that I am finally walking and have kicked the whole idea of crawling to the curb, mom and dad let me have an adventure day out in the backyard. My Uncle Jeff and Aunt Barb brought their new pups over for a playdate with Max and we all enjoyed a beautiful and cool August day in the backyard.

Here I am trying to make it back up the slight hill in the yard. Aunt Barb had to help a little.

I starting to get the hang of it though...

So this was supposed to be a puppy play date but Uncle Jeff decided it would be a great day to start working on a stone wall in the yard. I had fun playing with this stone and watching them work.

This is so much fun. Dirt, sticks, grass... what more could you ask for!

Dad and Uncle Jeff found me some worms to play with. Now I have something else in common with my cousin, Ainsley, we both like finding creatures in the yard!!



Here I am discovering the wall and all the progress they made while I was napping.
This is the stone I was playing with earlier. Dad and Uncle Jeff strategically placed it so that I would be able to play on it. They like to call it "Maddy's rock." I definitely think it is a good posing rock!!

Dad let me help put the kindling wood in the fire pit. Don't worry, I was fast asleep before they lit the fire.

After all that hard work, it's was definitely time for a drink!!