On Friday we started out our fun at the Easton Town Center splash pad. It was Drew's first time to something like this and he was very unsure at first. I tried to urge him to go in, but he preferred to stay on the sidelines only feeling a sprinkle here and there. Ultimately he found a bucket and was in heaven.
Then we checked in, swam for a bit at the pool and put Drew down for a nap only to open the curtains when he woke a while later to a CRAZY storm. I'm talking, 60-80 mph winds, limbs flying everywhere type storm. Once it passed we grabbed some delicious dinner at Graffiti Burger and gawked at all the damage. There were trees with 2-3 feet diameter's that were completely down and huge billboards busted in half with their ads hanging in the wind. It was crazy, but we finally made it to our destination after sitting in tons of traffic for a while.
Almost every website recommended we visit Cosi and I'm SO glad we did. This place is HUGE and has hands-on exhibit's for babies up to teenagers. Drew had so much fun exploring the toddler area as well as a few other exhibits!
On day 2 we tackled the zoo! It was GYNORMOUS and I can see how it is ranked #1 in the country. With almost every animal imaginable, food and restrooms wherever you need them and wonderful maps/directions all over, it was a great experience. The storm the night before cooled down the temperatures for us in the morning and the heat in the afternoon (after a hotel nap) was bearable with all the shade and water sprayers!
Sunday was for a quick visit to the OSU campus, an outing at the Franklin Park Conservatory and a really great lunch at a place called Piada. It's branded as 'street' Italian and Derek's parents saw a special on the TV about the place the night before. It was really yummy and nice inside and will be a staple whenever we're in Columbus again!
After lunch we were planning to visit a local ice cream shop and take a tour but they lost power in the storms so Plan B was implemented despite my reluctance. We needed Drew to tire out so that he'd nap on the drive home and we knew a playground would do the trick. The Polaris Fashion Place has a huge kids play area that we knew would wear him out. UGH. It was filled with kids WELL over the age and height limit causing Drew to get knocked over his fair share of times. Once we had enough of the crazy kids that were running like wild animals, we left and drove over to our last stop. ICE CREAM! Drew had been so wonderful all weekend that we wanted to reward him before our journey home.
Overall it was a fun weekend and we'll probably be back next summer when he's older and can experience the zoo even more!
I love road trips! Canada would be cool to visit. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun weekend getaway for all. And soooo glad the storm did not directly put you in danger! Now Dad and I MUST visit that zoo! Maybe we can come up next Spring when not quite so hot and go with you then if you're going again.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fun filled trip! He looks like he is so inquisitive!!!
ReplyDeleteYou fill your weekends with such fun activities. And how are you so freaking tan??? So jealous! :)
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