Sunday, June 26, 2011

Ohio

Last week we enjoyed a family vacation to Ohio. Jim's parents are serving a mission in Kirtland, and we figured it was a great time for a visit. It's a 10 hour drive from CT and the kids were great....we've reached the magical age of easy traveling, hooray! We enjoyed all day Thursday touring the sites of Kirtland. It was a very educational experience. By the end of the day, James said "PLEASE no more tours!"

Visiting the Kirtland Temple.

Grandma & Grandpa giving us a tour at the Newel K. Whitney store.

At the Johnson Farm. (One of our favorite spots)


On Friday we went to Cedar Point (an amazing amusement park). It was only about an hours drive west of Kirtland. We were there from 10 am to 10 pm. The kids (and Jim/Me) had an GREAT time. If you like wild, scary roller coasters then this is the place to go! It's known as the roller coaster capital of the country and it truly lives up to its name. The girls went on everything and James wishes he could have gone on all the coasters - but he did enjoy LOTS of kiddie rides! :)
Emi and James on the kid swings.

This ride was a heart stopper. Jim and I both loved this ride (the girls decided not to ride this one....I nearly chickened out, but I'm glad I went....amazing!)
Top Thrill Dragster is a behemoth, standing 420 feet above the Cedar Point midways. It opened as the tallest and fastest coaster in the world back in 2003. A hydraulic cable launch system - launches riders from 0-120 mph in less than four seconds.

This coaster is definitely a winner. Emi and Clara both rode on this one! Millennium Force is the park's star attraction, standing 310 feet above the Earth. It broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000 and continues to deliver ultimate thrills to those who challenge it. Dive to the ground at an 85-degree angle and reach speeds of 93 mph during your two-minute journey. (I can't figure out why I can't get this pic to display in a larger size...oh well)

Pint size roller coaster for James!

Mom and Clara in the front!

At the end of a great day!


The next day, we headed to Niagra Falls. It was a beautiful day and kids were amazed by the huge falls!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Time Flies

I love the beginning of June for many reasons, one of which is the fact that the kids get their Paul Cryan black and white pictures taken. They turned out great - I realize that my opinion is extremely partial :) My Mom has patiently been waiting for me to post these!

This is Emi's 2004 picture - she was three! Oh, how time flies!


And here is Emi now - 2011! Fun to see these side by side!


Emi likes this one because she she thinks she "looks like a teenager"!


I love this one of Clara - the little movie star.


Clara loved posing for the camera! The photographer is absolutely hilarious and is amazing working with the kids. Clara was just eating up the whole experience!


My little boy is getting much too big!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Sewing

I've sewn crafty things before...but never anything to actually wear! I had three opportunities this past week - Clara needed a green skirt to wear for her first grade play....Emi needed a white Egyptian outfit for Egypt day and then the girls 'needed' some cute church skirts!


Clara was a carrot in her first grade play :)


Emi the Egyptian - her skirt is made out of an old dress shirt of Jim's!


I saw this cute skirt pattern and had to give it a try. My good friend is a 'seamstress extrordinare' and she guided me through the process.


Front shot.


Back shot.