The Best of Friends

The girls and I were excited to spend time with Megan and Wendy during this trip to Ohio. On Thursday, we drove to Lodi to meet Megan at the outlet mall, where we shopped, ate lunch, and rode on a train. Kaitlyn immediately took to Megan, requesting to sit with her to read maps while I changed her sister. Claire, for her part, was content as could be sitting on Megan's lap for the 2-mile train ride. I forgot my camera that day, but I do have a shot of Kaitlyn in her new outfit from Megan and one of the t-shirt Kaitlyn got for free!

Then, on Saturday, Wendy made the drive to Canfield. We spent the afternoon playing in the yard and viewing pictures from her travels. Kaitlyn, who had been grumping outside, turned that frown upside down when Wendy shared her photos of animals. Reading an animal picture book later, Kaitlyn said, "Mommy's friend Wendy took pictures of EAGLES! And SEALS! and MOOSE!!" Unfortunately, Wendy didn't pull through with a shot of a hippo, but we like her anyway! I have scores of photos from the day, but here are some of my favorites.

Fun with Uncle Travis

Claire absolutely adores her uncle Travis!

Tractor Ride

She wasn't sure at first, but once Kaitlyn got on the tractor (i.e., riding mower) with Papa, she loved it! She waved like a princess on each lap around the yard, and Papa grinned the whole time.

Papa's Party!

To celebrate Papa Kneen's 60th birthday, we planned a surprise 1960s bash. Friends and family came dressed in mod and hippie attire...with Grandma in her wig taking the cake! Kaitlyn kept saying it was almost time for Grandma to put on her "wedding clothes." Too funny. We ate, we danced, we sang happy birthday. It was a great night.

Meet Ollie

No, we do not have a dog...but Uncle Jason does! Kaitlyn loved chasing Ollie, a rescued border collie/pit bull, around Grandma and Papa's backyard. Thankfully, she did not immediately begin the refrain, "I want a puppy!" There's nothing like a playful pup to wear out a 2-year-old, though!

Grandma and Papa's Swimming Pool

Kaitlyn has been very excited about going to Grandma and Papa's swimming pool, and float night did not disappoint! After falling off her float within 10 seconds of having it in the water, she insisted on pushing her big, orange dinosaur around instead of riding on it. She blew bubbles, splashed, kicked and paddled for Papa, and drank at least a third of the shallow end. It was a great evening!

Visiting G.G.

On Sunday, the girls and I went to visit Great Grandma Kneen (aka G.G.) with Uncle Travis. We had a wonderful time at her house! Kaitlyn chased butterflies, splashed in puddles, colored pictures, and ate dinner at a table "just Katen's size!" Claire, for her part, was just happy to snuggle on G.G.'s lap. We also got to see Great Auntie Eleanor and Great Uncle Tex, who took us to the lake to feed the fish, before getting in some quality playtime with cousins Bryan and Christopher.

Flashback

On Monday I took the girls to the park, where Claire went on the swings for the first time. She loved it! Her big smile reminded me of another one, and when I went back to look at old photos, I saw that Matt took Kaitlyn to the park for her first swing ride exactly two years ago!

Kidspace Museum

This morning we took the girls to Kidspace Museum, conveniently located right here in Pasadena. Kaitlyn loved playing in the arroyo creek, climbing on the wrought iron trees, watering the garden, and painting on the waterfall wall...and Claire was patient and smiley all day! It was great fun, and I look forward to bringing the girls back regularly now that we're members. This place ALMOST makes up for not having a backyard!