...And We're off to Chicago

The kids kept themselves entertained for a while by playing a game of tug-o-war during the drive from Cleveland to Chicago. I will be blogging our trip next, which included a stop at The Shedd Aquarium, Grant Park and Wrigley Field to see the Mets take on the Cubs!

Mini people playing Mini Golf

First Day of School!!!!

Today is the official first day of school! This is the scond year for Andrew but the first for Nolan!! Last Thursday, though, was Parents Day, and the kids got to go to their class and meet their teachers and classmates. Andrew went first with Dad and then Nolan had his class. Here is how it went!


The body language gives away Andrew's exciement.



Elizabeth made these wonderful backpacks with the kids.


I think he's ready.



Andrew and and his new teacher, Mrs. Dana enjoy reading a book together.



A bumblebee was Andrew's first project of the year.



I think it was a pretty successful day!



And heeeeeere comes Nolan!!



He needed to explore the hallways a bit before making it to class.



I think he likes the backpack also.



Nolan entering his class for the first time!! They really are growing up too fast.



With Mom working on his first school project, a pizza with all of his classmates names on it!

Anthony & Andrew- Butterfly Chasers

Anthony leads the way in the chase for a Monarch Butterfly.



They got one!!!



If you look closely, you can see it being released!



And their reaction!!

No headline needed for this gem

A belated and early birthday celebration

Being that Andrew's birthday was in July and Nolan's birthday is in September, August was the perfect middle ground to celebrate both of their birthdays with the family in Cleveland.



Jessica got the festivities started by playing "Happy Birthday" on her Saxaphone.



Nolan and Mom really get into one of his new gifts.



Kaitlyn strongly encourages Andrew to open his gifts quicker!



I think Gianni got to most of the gifts quicker than Andrew or Nolan.



Doug, Gianni, Andrew and Nick enjoy their time with all of the new toys.


Andrew discusses the plan with his brother on how they are going to blow out the candles at the same time.

The Grand Pacific Hotel- A blast for the wedding past

Olmsted Falls, where the Heritage Days was held, is also the home of the Grand Pacific Junction. Elizabeth and I had our wedding reception there more than seven years ago. While we were having Ice Cream, I peeked my head in because we hadn't been there since. I was stunned by how small it was!!

Anyway, they had a musician and dancing for the festival, so we went in and relived a little of our history and Andrew got to dance the Chicken Dance!

Heratige Days Part II

I love this moment between Aunt Trish and Nolan! He's got the best smile while she tickles his belly!



It wouldn't be a day out with the kids if there wasn't ice cream, and it was pretty messy.


See, I told you it was messy!

Olmsted Falls Heritage Days

The clan of cousins headed down the street from the Kukura household for the wonderful festival and everyone had a blast. This is the first of probably three posts from the evening.


Andrew's favorite part, aside from maybe the ice cream, was the train over at the Junction. Here he is touring the train.


And cousins Nick and Anthony giving him some information about the surroundings.




Nolan played the duck game and won a prize...

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...and I'm not really sure what this face meant, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with how excited he was to get the prize mommy was trying to open!

Tipping Doug

The kids enjoyed a beautiful day while in Cleveland by jumping in the pool with their cousins. Andrew enjoyed it even more because he got to dunk and tip over Doug, who didn't seem to mind either.