{Ohio and the Stewarts}

In mid August we traveled to Ohio to catch up with some friends. Our first stop was the Stewarts. Its been a long few months with them gone. I have missed having someone to listen to the monitor while a run a quick errand, someone to complain to when the kids are driving me....you know, and someone to play games and give our leftovers to. It was SOOOOO good to see them and even though we didn't stay long enough, we had a blast. They have a fun BIG house for the kids to play (complete with the biggest and best basement ever).

Jonas got really worn out during all of our travels. He crashed on the couch one day.

Jonas REALLLLLLY wanted to swing in the neighbors (two houses down) swings. Devin let him go thinking he wouldn't go all the way over there. He was wrong. Jonas made it all the way over there...and cried when Devin went to get him.

We visited the Air Force Museum while we were there. Coolest Air Force Museum.....and HUGE!! Don't you think Aleese has the coolest stroller ever? EVERYONE stops to comment on it. Its like we're a circus act.

We pretty much threw all the kids on one bath every night. It was MUCH easier that way. They loved it. One night they got to "Swim" in the jet tub. They had a blast.

All 5 kiddos. Cute as ever.

Barrick really missed JoJo. Jonas talked about him for days before we went.

I had to include this picture. Jonas gets so nervous on Devin's shoulders...and Devin being having the patience he does, keeps trying to get J used to it. Clearly this didn't end well. Devin's face STILL cracks me up.

{Sandusky}

Yep. Still catching up. Wondering if its worth it. Anyways....The next stop on our trip was Kirtland....but I got strep throat while we were there...so I didn't take any pictures. I was busy filling my prescription and trying to focus on living. I do love Kirtland, however, and really like the visitors center. My parents and sisters (most of them) enjoyed it. We even met Thurl Bailey's in-laws. (They are serving a mission in OH and were at the Kirtland Visitors Center that day) That was pretty exciting. After Kirtland we continued West towards Sandusky, OH. We were headed to Cedar Point...Kaylee's actual choice for her senior trip.

We stayed at the Castaway Bay Resort which has a large indoor water park. Very fun. Jonas loved it...and I think the rest of us did too. (Except for the ones who couldn't part with their cell-phones for very long.)

The kiddie wading area was pretty big and lots of fun. Jonas got bored of it quickly. He wanted bigger and better. As soon as Devin came...they headed off to do all the fun, exciting stuff.

Like this Giant Splash Zone. It had slides and a huge bucket of water that dumped on your head. A kids dream.

Kaylee helped J take a ride on this floating turtle. He liked it although you can't tell from the picture.

Kaylee also took J to meet Snoopy. He was a little unsure.

The next day we headed to Cedar Point. Bright and Early. Kaylee AKA the ride nazi, was determined to ride all the cool rides. It worked and she rode all the ones she wanted to. I think. I never dared ask her :)

Ms. Alyvia pretty much just rode in her stroller all day. She was pretty happy with that though.

She also got to ride on Dad's shoulders--a first for her.

Jonas rode LOTS and LOTS of rides...and loved most of them. These little race cars give you a good swing/jerk on the corners. He loved them and rode them a couple of times.

One of his favorites was this bus. It just went up and down in the air...but he loved it.

The frog hopper was not a winner in his book. I think he would have liked it....but he didn't like the ride before (The boats) so he wasn't really sure about going on anymore rides. He didn't cry though, just covered his eyes like in the picture the whole time.

Taryn (and Kaylee and Brookie and Dad) rode the roller coaster with him. Pretty sure it was his favorite. He rode it again and again.

He also liked the helicopters. I was nervous sending him to ride by himself, but everyone else's legs were toooooo long to ride in the back.

With Dad on the roller coaster. This is his cheese face. It always looks so painful.

All in all, Cedar Point was so much fun. It was our first time taking Jonas to an amusement park and he loved the rides. I had more fun watching him than anything else. Devin and I rode very little, but had the best time watching Jonas enjoy himself. The girls were brave and rode lots of the big (and scary) rides. Among them was a roller coaster that is 17 seconds from start to finish. Pretty fast ride!! They drug my Dad on that one too :) It was a fun place....I would definitely take the kids back when they are older!

{Niagra}

We were all looking forward to Niagara Falls (or Viagra Falls to some members of the family that I will not name.) and it did not disappoint. We all loved it!! Even my Jonas was in heaven with all the water! Since I uploaded backwards (as usual) we'll start with Cave of the Winds....

Its a separate excursion from the usual Maid of the Mist. You ride an elevator down to an area off to the side of the falls. They have built a walkway/deck that actually goes really close to the falls. You get a poncho and some sweet sandals-then you proceed to get soaked!! It was so fun!

We left Alyvia with Grandma and Papa who didn't want to get wet...and we sure got wet!

Jonas after Cave of the Winds.

Devin held Jonas most of the time, so his shirt ended up really wet because Jonas pulled his poncho down. They went all the way to the top of the deck where you basically can't see from all the water splashing in your face.

Devin, Jonas and Taryn at the top. I couldn't even see them so I just had to point and shoot...and hope I got them somewhere in the frame...not bad!

Looking up from the bottom of the deck.

This was after Maid of the Mist.

Our rocking' sandals. We got to keep them so we have them for forever. I threatened to wear them a time or to just to see Taryn squirm. I would be way too uncool for her if I were caught wearing them.

Niagra

Jonas after Maid of the Mist.

Devin after Maid of the Mist.

Wet Kids.

Jonas loved the waterfalls. Actually he just loved the water in his face.

I tried to keep Lou out of the direct splash. She was happier that way!

More falls (taken through the plastic bag to protect our cameras)

Awesome. Can't see their faces :) Taryn and Brookie

All Aboard!!

Before we got soaked on Maid of the Mist.

This is the elevators from the observation deck down to board the boats.

The bridge that goes from the U.S. to Canada.

Maid of the Mist boarding (from above).

The falls from above!

This was by far one of our highlights of the trip. Everyone loved it...even the (Ahem) teenagers :) We really like Cave of the Winds too. I would do it all over again. It really was fascinating!

{The Grand Adventure}

Palmyra, NY to Niagara Falls to Kirtland, OH to Sandusky, OH to West Virginia and back to Maryland. (With a lot of stops in between) Plus for days of DC!

After 1100 miles, 1200+ pictures, laughter, tears, fighting, one scary hotel, one lost blanket, and a lot of time together....our vacation with my family is over. It was glorious. Despite the heat, the sleepless nights, the strep throat, and the tired legs...we had a blast. Thanks for coming, for planning, for sponsoring, and for loving us...we love you right back!!

(Of course I uploaded the pictures in reverse order...oh well)

Taryn dove through the back window (which was down) to get into the car. Hilarious? Absolutely.

The traditional D.C. temple picture.

On the porch at Mt. Vernon. Fun place!

Trying to get a picture of my kids for my Grandma. Didn't go over very well.

We're missing Brookie...but here are 3/4 of the girls.

Lou-Lou liked all the attention she got!

Jonas and Devin throwing rocks off the Wharf at Mt. Vernon.

The first tomb that Washington was buried in. He was moved later to a bigger, nicer tomb. I have a picture...but didn't locate it in the 1100+.

Stained glass at the Visitors Center at Mt. Vernon.

Joining the Washington Family

The DC Duck tours. One of the most fun ways to see DC! Our Captain (Wayne) was awesome. It was hotter than HOTT...but so much fun!!

Jonas fell asleep...we wore our kids out!

Lou-Lou was awake for the first part of the tour, but fell asleep not long after this.

Brookie and Lou-Lou being disobedient. (notice the sign)

Brook LOVED the few minutes she got to ride on Devin's shoulders. Not sure what Taryn is looking at :)

Kaylee Bug and Lyvy Lou taking a much needed nap.

Cooling off after a REALLY hot day at the Zoo.

All the kids in the Orangutan house.

Mom and Jonas at the Great Cats. (We saw the Lion cubs...so cute!! Again somewhere I have pictures)

This tree had fallen on the path to the Zoo (We rode Metro in). Don't worry though....Taryn and Kaylee lifted the stroller (WITH JONAS) right over it. Tough girls? Absolutely!!

Jonas riding Metro...happily!!

Taryn...being forced to happily ride Metro :)

On our way back from the "Grand Adventure" we stopped in Fredrick at this little covered bridge. Not exactly what I had in mind when we looked for one...but it was cute.

Papa and Jonas

Throwing rocks into the stream below.

The Covered bridge. It was located in a city park.

In West Virginia at Coopers Rock. Brook was helping Dad hold the bench down :)

Jonas running away..again.

All the kids at Cooper's Rock look-out. I was scared of the snakes....I should have been scared of what Taryn and Kaylee were up to!

CEDAR POINT!! So much fun. I have about 100 pictures of Jonas on the roller coaster, the Bus, the swings, etc...I'll save them for another post. He L.O.V.E.D. it!!!

The slides outside our hotel. We stayed at Castaway Bay...it was the coolest indoor water park!

In Kirtland. Taryn helping Jonas jump through puddles. We missed a big rainstorm while we were on our temple tour.

The Kirtland Temple. (Taryn is holding Lyvs blanket...not hers)

Amish Country. Very cool...and the best breakfast on our trip!

We saw quite a few of these....fun! Brook really wanted to ride in one, but the place wasn't open on Mondays :(

Quail Hallow Resort. Very nice. Best Pool....except for Castaway Bay.

Blue Indigo Hotel in Buffalo, New York. A little weird...but nice!

Lock 29 in Palmyra. VERY cool. The guy who ran the lock even filled it up and opened it for us.

Martin Harris Home.

The Family at the Hill Cumorah Visitors Center. (is that what it was called?)

Taryn "Driving" in New York.

At the Log home in Palmyra.

Kaylee...driving in New York. (she really did drive around the circle at the Whitney Farm)

Cute girls in the Sacred Grove. (very cute girls.)

Taryn trying to keep J on the path.

Peter Whitmer Farm

Small World! Taryn knew this Sister Missionary! She helped at Taryn's school last year. It was very nice to meet her.

Cooling off at the Log home. (did I mention that it was hot?)

Brook was a great helper the whole trip. She rode in the van with us off and on and was so good to help with the kids. She watched movies, read her horse magazines, and made friendship bracelets. She's a good traveling nanny. (All the girls were good helpers....thanks girls!!!)

The Palmyra Temple at night. I was shocked at how small it was. *another Small World story....Dad knew a missionary that worked at the temple. (We saw him outside just before he went it) He lives in Bear River City. He and his wife are on a mission at the temple. (Dad knows someone EVERY where we go...and if not...he makes a friend!)

Still to come....Niagara Falls!!!