Lions and Coasters

This month has gone by so quickly. The girls and I went to the Cincinnati Zoo with my sister, Cousin Jason, his girlfriend Amanda, and my cousin Megan and Kadience. I wore my pedometer and we walked nearly 5 miles! Luckily, this time it wasn’t all uphill. The last time we went, we must have taken the wrong direction because it was ALL uphill. Now we know the way to go! The girls loved the elephants, and the monkey exhibit. We were thankful that it didn’t rain, however there was a heat advisory most of the day. It was pushing 100 deg and very humid.

A few days later, we went to Kings Island with cousin Daniel. He works there and scored us some free passes. Again, it was a hot and humid day. The girls had never been to an amusement park that size, so they didn’t really know what to expect. Lacey got in line for the very first roller coaster and by the end she had regretted the decision. She was a little nauseous afterward and it took a while for the feeling to settle. It was one of the bigger coasters, but she was determined to give it a try. She loved the water rides, and even my Mom rode it once. Lily went off with Ashley and to my surprise they rode the Diamond Back. It is the newest, probably largest coaster in the park. I am so proud of Lily for being brave and trying something new. I am also a little shocked, as the week before she was very nervous and hesitant to use the escalators at the Zoo! We ate buffet there (mistake) for lunch and attempted the water park area. The water park area was nearly a mile walk just to discover that everyone from the surrounding states and their grandmother was in the water or in the lines. Of course, it was 99 degrees! In fear of losing the kids in the crowed, we headed back towards the front of the park and the kids rode some “kiddy” rides and then we headed home.

Home

We had a fabulous time in Tennessee for the 4^th of July. I was able to meet some of Ryan’s who are moving back to the Tennessee area. It was really great to put a face to the names I have heard so much about over the past many years. We look forward to visiting again before the year is over, possibly Thanksgiving.

While we in Tennessee, Lacey was baptized. It was a beautiful day and everything went perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for Lacey. She was very excited initially but was nervous when it came time, but she did all that she needed to do and I am proud of her. She is a special child and I am so blessed to be her mother. I regret not getting better pictures of her in her pretty dress.

We are planning a lot for next week; A trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Kings Island. I hope that the weather is nice, but my expectations are not too high, it is July.

An important, but dreaded task was accomplished this week. My Mom, sister and I went to finalize the decisions for my Dad’s headstone. It is going to be beautiful, and a little bigger than Mom wanted. I knew my Dad well and he would have wanted the best, biggest, shiniest one they had. It will be ready in about 8 weeks. By that time, maybe grass will be growing on the grave site. Seeing a pile of dirt is so depressing.

Ryan has an interview for new job in a few days. He is ecstatic about it, as the pay is nearly three times what he makes now, and the insurance/benefits are awesome. I am still not working, as I am using my time wisely and spending every waking moment with Lily and Lacey in the sun, by the pool. I will return to work, eventually.