Spring Break Getaway and Easter

We went to Ohio's Hocking Hills for a spring break getaway and had a wonderful time. The area has many hiking options through sandstone formations left behind by the glaciers. It rained almost all the time we were there but our spirits soared--with the help of rain gear!

Our secluded cabin.

Caution!

A picturesque meadow.

Here's an interesting shot.

See what we found at the end of one trail. This looks back at the grotto we just hiked.

Later in the week we did an overnight getaway to Detroit to sample the casinos there. Our group included Lois and Dave, Aunt Ann and Uncle Ed. Sharman, Barb's cousin, joined us for a most enjoyable lunch. Special thanks to Sharman's son, David, who helped arrange luxurious accommodations at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, which was recently renovated in grand fashion. A great time was had by all!

We celebrated Easter in Fostoria with a family gathering that began at church followed by an Easter feast at Lois and Dave's. What a great time everyone had! We also celebrated in Cleveland the prior Saturday with a terrific luncheon prepared by Margaret and Keith. Kathy, Tammy, Christian and Emma joined in the festivities.

Everybody loves to hold Baby Hayley, and she always poses for the camera!

Emma has success in the egg hunt! Christian was a great egg hunter as well.

Barb traveled to T-town this past weekend to hang out with her sister, Jennifer. After a very fun Friday night, they headed west to Lake James to meet their new (great) niece, Hayley, and visit with Evan, Sarah and Mike. Hayley was absolutely adorable and never fussed once. Evan was lots of fun to play with and entertained them with his trains, his alphabet skills and more. Sarah and Mike are doing well, managing the demands of a newborn and a two year old, AND keeping their sense of humor!

Hayley is just as sweet as can be!

Evan and Sarah read his new "Cats" book.

Jen and Evan do some serious design work with Evan's extensive train set. He can identify every train, name and number in the Thomas series.

Here's Mike's new "bike" that he just got this week. He put it through its paces to catch up with Barb and Jen after they left sans camera. Thanks Mike!

When they returned to Toledo, they inspected the progress being made on Jen's new acquisition - a property that's being renovated to house her pediatric dental practice.
Here's a view from the side street.

This will be the main entrance from the parking lot. The addition is for the waiting room/reception area.

Here's a closer view of the addition with the kid-friendly window designs.

This is the interior of the waiting room. Her young patients will love the windows at eye level.

She's hoping to move in during the month of May. Good luck!

News from Florida

Today Melanie and Mo, along with guest Adam, brought home Willie, their new arrival. He is a German shepherd - dachshund mix with a brown and black coat. He's a real cutie and feels it's just fine to call him Will for short. Here's a photo taken by cell phone.


Also today, Melanie, Mo and Adam watched the launch of the space shuttle from their backyard. In the picture below you can see the shuttle's column of flame and smoke rising above the house next door. Today has been quite a day! (Worth noting: The shuttle's launch pad in Cape Canaveral is about 170 miles north from where this photo was taken.)

Never Too Old...

...for a PINATA! When Carly was little, she always wanted a pinata at her birthday parties. She turned 25 this week, and we celebrated on Friday night - dinner out - a slightly lopsided homemade key lime birthday cake - and A PINATA!


Cake first!




Get ready, get set...



Give it a whack!



Jim, Tiffany and Barb also gave it a few whacks. None of us are too old!

It Feels Like Spring!

Winter has a few weeks left to go but it sure feels like Spring! The sun has been shining and the days are getting warmer. Nature presented one of its more dramatic vistas today along the North Coast. Here is a photo of Lake Erie frozen in time--a truly spectacular sight!

Granddad Visits Michaela, Mama and Daddy

Jim had the opportunity last week to provide daycare services for Micheala in Washington while Mama and Daddy worked. There were many special moments including dancing, singing and a visit to nearby Great Falls Park. Here are some highlights.

Michaela chases Daddy after dinner out one evening. It was a fast paced combination of hide-and-seek and tag.

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Caught by Daddy!

Reading a new book from GB. It's all about cats like Orphie.

Get ready to dance...it's showtime!

At Great Falls Park along the Potomac River. Michaela takes a kayak for a "test drive."
Dancing with wings. This is a little hard to see because the camera was pointed toward a light source. But the point is--can someone please figure out a way to bottle this energy?

Melanie and Mo in Florida

This past weekend we visited Melanie and Mo in their new home in Coral Springs. We had a terrific time celebrating Melanie's birthday and seeing all the new sights! Here are some examples.

Florida's newest residents.













Checking out the hot tub.
















Mo makes new friends.














Tour their new home!


The new buy buy BABY store in Coral Springs. Melanie was part of the leadership team which managed the store's opening this week.















At the Nick Saviano High Performance Tennis Academy in Sunrise, FL, where Mo is now a coach and instructor.