Butterflies of Brazil

 

The Krohn Conservatory has had a butterfly show from Brazil since April. Since it is ending in a couple of weeks, we finally went over to check it out--Bryce loved it.

National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton

A couple of Saturdays ago it was pouring, so we decided to drive up to Dayton to visit the National Museum of the US Air Force. Bryce was so excited to see the "airrrrrplanes"

It is a massive museum with exhibits categorized by wars. This was a plane in the Cold War exhibit that people can sit in.

The B-52 bomber takes up a lot of space in the Cold War exhibit. It was neat to see one because I recently picked up a book from the library to read to Bryce about huge airplanes and this baby was one of the planes that carries the heaviest weight.

Bryce, checking out the missles

We went outside last and were tired of walking around, but I quickly got a picture of this German WWII airplane.

My grandpa flew in one of these B-17 bombers as a gunner in WWII. Pretty cool to see this--it was actually inside the museum when we saw it, but I didn't realize this was the type of plane until I asked my dad about it later.

Reds Game

 We went to an evening Reds vs. Cubs game and stayed a couple of hours before Bryce became too tired to stay any longer

Playing by the "pitcher's mound" and statues at the entrance

Downing a bag of popcorn,

enjoying the game

and feeding Jess and I popcorn.

Cincinnati Zoo

We've had a really nice summer here so far. It has been hot and cold with lots of rain, but we have been able to go out and do a few things--like go to the zoo! We had a great time and especially enjoyed the Cheetah Run! They are amazing!

Caaaarrrrrssss

We picked up this noisy bus from a garage sale. Well, Bryce picked it up. He got on it and would NOT let go--he kept his legs locked around it!!! It is cute, but the song gets a little old. Jess turns it off, and the little sly guy tips it over and turns it right back on! He he!

He also likes to line up all of his cars in a row

Taste of Cincinnati

We visited downtown the same day as the Civil War Commemoration and got some yummy food amid the swarming crowds. The street they blocked off for the event was mostly shaded by all the tall buildings, so we stayed pretty comfortable, even though it was 80 degrees plus that day.

Jess had a pulled pork sandwich and I tried a gyro

Eying up the rides

Civil War Weekend

About a month ago, Bryce and I were up early on a Saturday, so we finally got around to checking out Sharon Woods, a large park about 15 minutes away. They were holding a Civil War Commemorative weekend, since the Civil War began 150 years ago, this year. It was soooo cool!!!! Here we are with Abraham Lincoln...

Confederate soldiers

 Union troops
There were staged battles later in the afternoon, but I didn't stay to battle the heat plus a tired two-year-old. Two many battles for me!

Bryce, making sure I take a picture of the horses

Yes, I got a picture of the horses

The city of Cincinnati has moved 8-9 historical buildings over the years to the Heritage Museum, inside Sharon Woods. This train station was moved from another area of town, along with the Post Office, a church, a store, and several homes. Only one of the buildings in the Heritage Museum is in its original building site.

 It was so neat to see everyone in character. I didn't see any Nikes, watches, or anything out of place as far as costumes are concerned. They did an immaculate job. I asked some of the ladies how they were faring with the long dresses and they said it wasn't bad--that the breeze was nice. :)

Civil War era tents housed 3-4 men/tent. A lot of the people dressed in character had spent the night  in these tents.

 

Bryce and I enjoyed ourselves and had a good Saturday morning!

Bryce at Alms Park

Isn't he just the cutest! This park overlooks Lunken airport, so we had fun looking for "airplanes!"

Loves playing in any water fountain

Cheeeeeeessseee!!!

Bryce is 2!!!

 For Bryce's birthday, I attempted to make him a Thomas the Train birthday cake--this is the Island of Sodor (isn't it obvious?)

 Eying up that Thomas the Train that he wants to play with!

 Yay! He got his hands on the train!

 Lots of fun gifts! Thanks everyone!

Playing with the huge bouncy balloons

Columbus

 We were able to spend the last weekend of April up in Columbus. Jess attended conference for school while Bryce and I explored the city. We had a nice trip and really like Columbus. We were able to visit the temple grounds. Since the weather was decent, Bryce enjoyed running around while I attempted to catch him on camera.

 He loves smelling flowers

 We had a pool at our hotel, but the water was too cool for Bryce's liking. He wouldn't budge from this perch on a pool chair. I had to carry him over to the pool and give him to Jess so he could test it out a little more.

After a short stint in the cold water, I wrapped Bryce up in a towel and he was content to sit and watch Jess play in the water! Usually Bryce loves the water, but this was cold and it was late--he was tired.