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.

Indianapolis

Back in April, when the Bulls and the Pacers were still playing, we went to Indianpolis for a quick Saturday trip. Jess went to the game with a friend, while Bryce and I hung out at a nearby mall with the friend's wife. We had a good time. I enjoyed seeing another mid-west city more closely than just driving by on I-74. (photo from bethbanks.com)

Conseco Field--home of the Pacers (photo from Stadiumadvisor.com)

Phone Calls

Bryce has converted our griddle cord into his personal home phone.
Maybe this is a hint that I am on the phone a lot?

I love the "deep conversation" expression on his face while using his "phone"

Happy Easters!

 Yes, I am still playing catch up here. This is Easter Sunday, and Bryce is in his "spot" for a "cheeeeeeeeeeeeese!!"

Momma and B-ryce

 After church, Jess hid an Easter basket for Bryce and a basket for me. I looked high and low in the house and finally found it in the basement! Bryce had an easier time of it...  He is 2 after all. I really like this tradition coming from the Field family. Here is Bryce, looking in the pantry.

 He found his basket with the pots and pans!

 Removing every last piece of candy from his basket.

Happy Easters! (As in a Nacho Libre Easter)