Vacation?

So the kids are at camp from 9-3 each day, which means I should have 6 hours all to myself. I could be watching movies, scrapbooking, getting a pedicure, reading a book, laying by the pool, whatever I want, right? Well, for the last 4 days I have cleaned all the carpets in our house, cleaned our couch with that same carpet/upholstery cleaner, cleaned out the linen closet, organized all the kid's art stuff, fixed our toilet, trimmed the palms outside, done countless loads of laundry, rearranged the office, filed papers, and loaded and unloaded the dishwasher more times than I would like to count. Is this what vacation is?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Ohio Bound!

Our Ohio adventure started Sunday with a drive to Ontario to stay the night in a hotel since our flight was so early the following morning. We woke early Monday morning and made our way to the airport. Had a very easy trip through security and waited patiently for our flight. Brennan and I sat together and Grandma sat with Emerson in the row in front of us. First flight to Las Vegas, then from there onto Columbus. We arrived in Columbus at 4pm and got our car and headed over to the Gresham's house. The kids did amazingly well during this long day of travel!

We were greeted by the whole family, who was just as excited as we were to be there! Monday night we had such a relaxing night with the kids playing and running around Carrie and Austin's beautiful backyard.

Tuesday we woke up and decided to head out to COSI (still not sure what that stand for!), in downtown Columbus. It is this great children's science center. The kids had a ball playing in the water area, dressing up like doctors, climbing in a submarine, adventuring through years past, and hanging out under a tree.

Wednesday we headed out early to Amish country to meet up with Kathy's (Jeff's stepmom) relatives. They drove up from Cleveland to meet up there. Amish country is so amazing to see. It is truly like taking a step back in time. We had a wonderful visit with Grandma, Aunt Judy, and cousins Katie, Becky, and Patty (and Patty's three little boys!). As we made our way back to Carrie's house the kids crashed, what an eventful day for them.

Thursday we took our time in the morning and then headed out to Easton, THE best shopping area I think I have been to. They had every store imaginable! Too bad we had 5 kids with us, although come to think of it they probably saved us a ton of money! LOL! Thursday night the adults, and Baby Cohen, had a great dinner out. Something about being able to have a conversation and eat our food slowly is just so fun!

Our visit to see the Gresham's went way too fast! We so enjoyed spending our time with Carrie, Austin, Cameron, Kennedy, and Cohen. The kids had the best time just running around the house playing inside and out. The weather was so beautiful compared to our normal summer weather at home. Emerson and Kennedy loved to play dress up!The boys loved to run around and ride on the quad and jeep. Although I am not sure that Emerson wanted to let Baby Cohen go!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

10 Random things on a Sunday

1. I haven't yet posted about our fabulous trip to Ohio, but I promise to tomorrow...lots of pics to share and some good stories.

2. It is WAY too hot outside, 115 for over three days now...can I go back to the 70's we had in Ohio now?

3. Brennan and Emerson start summer camp in the morning. Can't wait to see how Brennan does in a new school. This will hopefully be a great introduction for him for the fall when he starts there for preschool.

4. What in the world will I do with myself from 9-3 for the next week while BOTH kids are in camp? I NEVER get that much time for me! But if the list I keep adding to grows any larger, I will need a whole other week to recover from this one!

5. Brennan has an evaluation with a speech therapist tomorrow. Interested to see what she says. Whoever knew that having one too many ear infections could spiral into so many other things (ie: surgery for tubes, speech evals, etc.)?

6. TV in the summer just stinks! You know it is bad when you start looking for Friends reruns to watch at night.

7. I counted the change in the kid's piggy banks today, so I can go to the bank tomorrow, my goodness, I think they have more money than mommy and daddy do! Change sure does add up!

8. I cut Brennan's hair today and he looks SO big! He is growing up WAY too fast.

9. I still have not seen the Sex and City movie yet. I might just have to make a girl's night sometime soon to go, at least before it leaves the theatres!

10. Okay, don't think I am crazy, but I miss work. Well, really I don't miss working, but I miss the people I work with and even some of my students. I am sure that feeling will leave soon enough:) LOL!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happy Daddy's Day!

Dear Daddy,

Thank you for being such a great daddy!!! We love wrestling and playing hide and seek. We love dancing and singing all around the living room. We love playing silly games and calling each other silly names. We love playing store and swimming with you in the pool. We love it when you take us places and buy us treats that mommy wouldn't buy. We love it when you sit and cuddle with us.

Thank you for loving us because we sure do love you!!!

Love,

Emerson and Brennan

It's Official!

Today was my first day of summer vacation! I should feel relaxed, relieved, joyous....right? I was joking with a few of my fellow teachers, saying that it always takes us a few weeks to really feel like it is summer break. Right now it honestly just feels like another normal weekend, but hopefully that feeling of euphoria for vacation will overwhelm me soon enough.
The kids and I leave tomorrow, with my mom, to visit one of my best friends, Carrie, in Ohio! I am so excited for so many reasons....Brennan has never travelled this far before, my mom has never been to Ohio, I get to meet Carrie's newest handsome boy, Cohen, and I get to see a great friend! This is really the best way to kick off my vacation, I can't wait!
I promise to post lots of details and pictures when we come home next weekend.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Is it over yet???

3 more days and counting until summer break is here....I am SOOOOO ready!
Lots of love,
The Grady's

Pomp and Circumstance

Emerson graduated from Pre-K today. The school sure goes all out for these adorable 5 year olds, a full graduation complete with caps and gowns. The kids all came in the church, two by two, then sat in the pews.

Emerson and Tatum

Dr. Brennan, the principal, welcomed everyone, then led us in prayer. He did remind us that we would be attending many graduations over the years, 8th grade, high school (Class of 2022!) and college and that this was just the beginning. Next, the teachers introduced their classes and the students sang a song for everyone.

Emerson with Teacher Olga

The students were then called forward to receive their diplomas from Dr. Brennan and Mrs. DeNovi, the preschool director. The teachers had taken the time to look up the meanings of each child's name and in their introduction, read each child's name description aloud. It was amazing how fitting each child's description actually was.

Emerson and Kaitlyn after the celebration!

Lots of love,


The Grady's