Summer Vacation

I'm not sure I'd even notice summer- other than the heat- if it weren't for the week when the kids come to visit and suddenly it is summer vacation.  So when Brandy and Mikayla (we missed you Will!!!!!!) made their way up from Florida and then Amber and Evan came down from Chicago summer began for me.  Now this year it was a both "summer" and "wedding"- so this year's summer vacation was extra special.

Now you're going to notice that an awfully lot (shall we say most) of the pictures include Mikayla.  There are several reasons for that- one she doesn't complain much when I try to take her picture- or should I say multiple pictures, and then there's the fact that other than when she was sleeping she was always close at hand.  It didn't take her long to realize that if you want someone to pretty much do whatever you want them to do, going straight to Grandma is probably the best approach.  And of course she is cuter than cute so the camera just loves to take her picture- again and again and again.  You'll see other folks as well- but well, you're going to see a LOT of Mikayla. 

Now I think I'll start with where we spent the most time- THE POOL! After all it is blazing hot this summer and in the afternoon if you wanted to be outside the only way it was going to happen without immediate heat stroke was at the pool.  So most every afternoon you found us POOLSIDE!  I don't necessarily agree with Max that summer started when guests arrive.  I found it to be summer in early July when the temperatures started soaring into the triple digits and the humidity started in the 90's and only dropped to the 60's during the afternoon.  I don't really know how she missed all of that, because it was really hot.  Consequently, a good many of these pictures were taken at the pool. 

Watching Mommy DIVE!

And then there were dinners at home...

And the trip to Wyoming Pastry Shop...  I don't think there are any rules that cookies have to be eaten using ones hands.

And the trip to the Children's Museum at the Museum Center...

And a trip to my favorite- the Cincinnati Zoo!

And of course Cousin Love...

Anthony still asks if Mikayla is here every time he comes over.

And a fairy come to visit- or what a minute- that's Mikayla!

But certainly the BIG HIGHLIGHT was the great Bridal Shower that my dear friend Mary Jo Peairs gave for Amber.  The food was amazing- and the company was wonderful!  Thank you Mary Jo!

And of course the fantastic presents for the bride who was able to succesfully unwrap them with much help from her niece...

I so want to mention that because Brandy and Mikayla flew in to Louisville (a lot cheaper than flying into Cincinnati) we started the vacation with a special day with Will's sister, Anne and her husband, Sean and adorable son Braxton!  What a treat!

After our Summer Vacation here in Cincinnati, Brandy, Mikayla and I headed for the drive to Florida in the minivan (that minivan is sure logging the miles this year!).  Brandy was scheduled for her very last chemotherapy and I wasn't about to miss the celebration- And we did celebrate! They crowned her QUEEN for her last day!

And I'll mention I'd drive all the way to Florida to eat Will's fantastic cooking- Impressive!

And Will helped Mikayla learn to ride her "new" bike that Reeder handed down...

And then there was the celebration dinner at the restaurant of Brandy's choice...

And bubbles...

And books....

And the beach- though I must be honest and tell you that though Mikayla LOVES the pool, and LOVES the bubbles, and LOVES the library, Mikayla DOES NOT LOVE the beach... Grandma made her go...