Cars 2 Review

Today, we took the kids to see "Cars 2." Carleigh and Cody are BIG fans of the first movie, so we decided to check it out on the big screen. Overall, it was a great, action-packed movie. However, if you think it was going to be like the first movie, think again!

I think some people made the mistake and went in to see the film thinking their 3 or 4 year old will understand every part of the movie. No way! There were parts of the movie that was over my 6 and 7 year olds' heads! The theme of this sequel was SPY movie! I still think it was a fun movie, but try not to compare it to the first movie. It has a totally different theme. The characters are still the same and I enjoyed the underline theme of friendship. Cody was totally glued and did not move an inch during the entire movie. Carleigh became antsy at the end. Of course she was antsy at the end of "Tangled" too, so who knows if it was the movie or just Carleigh?!!

I would recommend it seeing the movie....just beware that if you are taking a little one, they might have questions about the spy parts!!

Hueston Woods Adventures

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Today, we decided to take the kids to the beach at the local state park. It was a beautiful day with highs in the lower 80's. We had a picnic lunch at the beach before jumping into the water. I also got a few moments in relax and get some sun. Then we visited the nature center and saw turtles, snakes, cougars, owls and other birds. Our last stop was to my favorite hiking trails. You can tell this area was hit by tornadoes because there were LOTS of big trees to climb over on trails. We enjoyed this day very much!!

At the Beach...

My kiddos LOVE any kind of water whether it be a pool, ocean or lake. Although this water was murky due to the lake, it did not stop their fun! An adorable golden retriever was swimming with her owner and the kids loved following her around in the water.

Cincinnati Museum Center

We received free tickets to all three museums: Children's Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Cincinnati History Museum. All of the museums were interesting. The kiddos have visited the Children's Museum when they were on their Kindergarten field trip. I remember going to the Natural History Museum as a child on a field trip sometime in elementary school.

The kids REALLY liked going into the caverns and it was really cool going through the Ice Age exhibit. The train display thrilled Carleigh and Cody enjoyed anything that spinned. We did the Children's Museum last and they enjoyed the water tables, ball pit and tree house.

Back in the bike seat again!

I picked up my new to me bike from my sister! She generously gave me her bike! It was like being reunited with a long lost friend! All it needs is some air in its tires and I will be good to go! I am looking forward to hitting the bike trails with my bike again!

Thanks Sister dear!!!

Camp Out!

This weekend is National Camp Out Weekend encouraging families to camp out in parks, backyards and in-doors! Due to allergies, we decided to camp indoors! We borrowed my niece's tent and we are set for a night of fun! We grilled steak and hot dogs on the grill with veggies. Surprise #1 was a baggie full of their favorite snacks, surprise #2 will be popcorn and 'smores for our family movie, and surprise #3 will be glow sticks and necklaces for bedtime!

My niece Brittany helped me set up the tent (since it is hers in the first place) and once the tent was set up, you probably could hear screaming and excitement at least 20 miles away!

A Peek at our Week...

The first part of the week was very low-key thanks to having sinus infections! At least I was glad that Matt and I had them and not the kiddos! The kids had a game Monday night so that was all that we did on that day. Tuesday wasn't much exciting due to my cold. I started to feel better on Wednesday and got a lot of things accomplished in the house!

Carleigh attended VBS at my sister's church from Tuesday - on. Cody enjoyed being the only child each evening, although he would have preferred to go! We tried to make it up to him with going out and keeping busy. Wednesday night, Carleigh spent the night with her bff, his brother, and her cousin Brittany at Britt's apartment. They camped out in a tent! (I am stealing this idea and plan on doing it very soon!) Carleigh loved playing with Emily.

Thursday, we went to the bike trail after lunch and then found a shady playground to explore. Today, we went to Ft. Liberty Playland, the walking trails and the smaller more private playground back on the walking trails. What was so cute was that a little girl befriended Cody and they could be seen holding hands and had their arms around each other. Watching him play was so incredibly cute to watch!

We have plans next week to visit the Children's museum, beach, go to the movies, and possibly a zoo trip. We are trying to pack in as much as we can this summer!

A Day at the Farm

After we got some sleep, we went grocery shopping and then on to Indiana (50 minute drive) for a few hours at the farm. We saw newborn calves which were oh so adorable! It was nice to be outside and not melt from the heat and humidity! It was also nice to take it easy and sit around and let the kids just play!

Last Swim

After our day at Magic Kingdom, we had one last swim at the pool. We really liked this pool. Carleigh became quite the daredevil and would jump in the pool and she has learned to float! She is quite the little fish!

On Friday, we started out around 7:30am and did not get home until Saturday at 2:30am. Whoa! It was quite a long drive!!

Princesses and Carleigh

Carleigh could hardly contain her excitement while waiting in line to see the princesses! Cinderella is her all-time favorite and she could not wait to meet her! Luckily for Carleigh, Cinderella was the first character you meet. All the princesses gave each girl special attention and Carleigh was so pleased!

Prince Eric and Ariel were found in a gazebo in another section of the park. Despite the long wait, she really liked meeting them as well.

Day 7 - 2nd Trip to Magic Kingdom

Our second trip to Magic Kingdom was another day of fun and heat. I think by our 7th day, I was getting quite used to the heat and humidity! Today, Carleigh got to meet several princesses and she was sooooooo excited! We also rode Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Prince Charming's Carousel, It's a Small World (again), and the Haunted Mansion. I was thrilled that no one cried during any of the "dark" scenes on this final leg of our trip!

In the evening, we packed up and swam one final time before our very long trip home! It was such a great vacation! We plan on going back in a few years and seeing how all the parks have changed. It was such a magical time!