Crocker Park Holiday Lighting

On Saturday evening, the 3 of us ventured out to Crocker Park to watch the holiday lighting ceremony. All you Kansas Citians can just imagine the Plaza lighting ceremony and then think of about 1/6th of that size. It's not even near the splendor and visual amazement of the Plaza, but it's still fun and full of Christmas spirit.

When we first set up shop in our 'spot', Drew gave us the pouty lip for about 10 minutes. Once he realized mom and dad were having fun dancing and singing Christmas songs along with the band, the fear subsided and he was just peachy. We were also experienced with fireworks world after a successful 4th of July  so I knew this display wouldn't phase him either. Although it was past his bedtime and the stimulation around him was overwhelming, our little guy did great and even smiled a tad bit.

Halloween at Crocker Park

I think Drew was in his Pooh costume at least 5 different days this October. Thank goodness it kept him warm and cozy and was comfortable or I'm sure we would have seen a few tantrums. This past weekend we ventured to Crocker Park for their Halloween festivities. It included a pet costume competition and trick or treating for the kids. Drew LOVED watching the pups all dressed up and we had a great time eating lunch at B Spot with some friends.

Ok, I think it's safe to say that I'm done with the Pooh pics. Sorry, but it was my baby's first Halloween and I get to take a lot of pictures!

Crocker Park Holiday Lighting

So last year we took Drew to see the Crocker Park Tree Lighting and festivities and decided to go again this year. We were having some decent weather for Ohio in late November and I wanted to hear some Christmas music Drew to experience the tradition again. Plus, it's a magical way to start Thanksgiving week!

He loved seeing Santa on stage and dancing while Derek and I sang with the band. He only wanted to be up on daddy's shoulders for the best view, but got a little worried throughout the fireworks. Derek and I talked him down from tears about 7 times during the show telling him how fun and pretty fireworks are. By the end he was perfectly fine and even asked for "mo fire-worts"! I felt a bit proud of myself for not just coddling him during the show, rather teach him why he didn't need to be scared.

I'll leave you with some dark pictures (since I hate flash) of the little man all bundled up watching the show!

Hope you have a great start to your Thanksgiving week!! My brother and his girlfriend fly in today and then my parents fly in tomorrow. I think I'm going to take a couple days off blogging to enjoy their company! Hoe you have a great week!!

Crocker Park Tree Lighting

I'm a sucker for traditions this time of year. Period. From specific foods, to certain decorations to outings, there are just things that make my favorite Holiday even better. One of those in Cleveland is going to see the lighting of the Crocker Park Christmas Tree and Santa's arrival. We've been for the last 4 years in a row and the songs and fireworks make it spectacular. This year the weather wasn't too cold, thankfully, or Ady and I would have watched the show from inside a store while the boys braved it outside.

New this year was Santa being shot out of a canon into a red net. Santa must be super athletic to be that old and able to do that!

Obligatory family picture in front of the lit tree. Unfortunately it's absolutely terrible as I picked the one person who didn't know how to use a camera and we had to use the flash. Ugh. Oh well...it's the memory that counts, right?

You can see previous years here:

2011         2012           2013 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Weekend Shenigans

Today I'm joining in the fun with Sami for her weekend shenanigans link up! Here's a rundown of our weekend.

On Friday, Drew and I took my parents to the airport bright and early. We already miss them but were thankful to have spent the week prior playing, reading and enjoying their company!

Since it was super early, I was able to enjoy a breakfast date with my main man on the way to daycare. We tried this adorable mini donut shop near the airport and needless to say, someone loved his!

On Saturday we ventured to the IX Christmas Connection, which wasn't really what I thought. For some reason, I assumed it was this super fun kids event filled with Holiday activities. Instead, it was like 8,000 booths of exhibitors and things to purchase. As we were walking in, Derek even said 'where are the kids and husbands'. HA! We made the most of it by decorating cookies, riding the ferris wheel, watching dog shows and sampling the food, but it's not on my list to really ever attend again.

We ultimately found the 13 other kids and families in attendance near the Santa station which we dressed up Drew for. I had high hopes for this year after the crying shots we got last year, but apparently Drew didn't get the memo. Play-by-play below.

1. The protest         2. The escape attempt         3. The screams 

Yep, sheer terror again this year. He absolutely adores Santa and loves reading Santa's books. He talks all the time about being a good boy so Santa will bring him gifts and loves the guy in general. But try to put him near a Santa and it's like the world is coming to an end. Maybe next year.

The positive side to getting so upset is that you nap longer! Derek and I enjoyed a few lazy hours on the couch Saturday before we drove to the annual Christmas tree lighting at Crocker Park. There was a windchill of SEVEN so we didn't stay outside too long, but we love this annual tradition.

Derek worked yesterday and I enjoyed a lazy day with my little guy. We played indoors mostly, but were able to venture out to Target and get lunch together at Panera. I already admire you stay-at-home-moms (or "Domestic Engineers" as my good friend Des says), but having Drew to myself for an entire day just makes me appreciate what you do even more. Those toddlers... whew! They are work!

But the best part of the weekend? Knowing that Derek's siblings and parents arrive today! I'm super pumped for another week of family in town! Hope you had a great weekend as well!

Mimi's Musings

As I mentioned before, Mimi is in town for almost a month to enjoy spending time with these two...

It's funny how when others find out that my mother-in-law is staying for that long, the normal reaction is a huge gasp. Apparently not too many people get along with their MIL's which is quite the opposite as us. I feel very lucky to have a great MIL that I love very much! (.... even if she does let Drew get away with whatever he wants)

It's been nice having Ady here at home while I work so that A) I don't have to start pumping yet and B) I get to hear her 'talking' throughout the day and see her smiles whenever I want. We've also enjoyed having Mimi around for the neighborhood Fall Fest and Crocker Park Trick or Treating.

A visit from grandparents isn't complete without some tracing and drawing lessons....

And Drew, of course, LOVED baking cupcakes with Mimi!

Next up; Grandpa comes into town tomorrow just in time for Halloween!

July 4th Weekend with Family!

My parents drove in from Kansas last Friday and arrived on Saturday afternoon to spend the week here in Cleveland. We are so excited to have them in town to see some sights and spend time with their grandson!

First up - a day at the beach! The weather was perfect, the sand was warm, and the air smelled of hot dogs and burgs.

Then Monday we ventured down to Crocker Park to see the antique car show. As expected, my father was in heaven. Although Drew slept a lot of the time, we enjoyed walking (in the shade of course) and checking out the various makes, models and sizes of these old cars!

Then, off to the fireworks show down by Lake Erie! Once the sun went behind the trees, the weather was beautiful and the sunset over the lake was gorgeous. Drew fell asleep on the walk to the park and we had hoped he would remain that way for the rest of the evening seeing as how we were worried about his reaction. He did end up waking up about 30 min before the fireworks went off, but once Derek's shooting range 'ears' were put on, he relaxed and enjoyed the show on daddy's lap!

 

Dock Dogs and Rainy Races

Yesterday we went to see the Buckeye Dock Dogs at Crocker Park. It was a bit cloudy, but that didn't stop the four-legged fluff-balls from running and jumping off the dock with all of the determination in the world. I was surprised to see even some smaller dogs and breeds like Dalmatians soaring through the air to get to their favorite toy in the water. And while one of the experienced chocolate labs jumped 25 feet before touching water, there were some beginner pups merely stepping off the end of the dock after creeping up to it.

Later that evening, we went to the Lakewood Streetwalk to wander around for a bit before running in the 5K. This race was at 7pm, as opposed to the normal 7am, and was going to be our first race with Drew as our 'driver'. About 30 min or so before the starting gun was to go off, the ugliest, darkest clouds I've ever seen crept over the skyline threatening our fun. We all patiently stood, either waiting for an announcement about a delayed start, and/or making decisions about running or not. When the most torrential downpour began about 4 minutes before the race, we pulled the plug not wanting to be out in the bad weather (and tons of lightening) with Drew. A bowl of soup and coffee was enjoyed as we dried off at Panera before heading home for the evening.

One Good Labor Day Weekend

My parents came up to visit this past weekend for a few days and see the sites that Cleveland has to offer. After an extremely stressful week, followed by a visit to the ER late on Friday night for my mother, we were all "healed" and ready to go on Saturday.

We began Saturday with a trip to the Westside Farmers Market to pick up some meat and fruit for the weekend and later ventured to see the Cleveland Orchestra in their outside location, Blossom. We watched the Joffrey Ballet and relaxed on the lawn with munchies and coffee to keep us warm in the unusual 58 degree weather!

On Sunday we ate at the famous restaurant, "The Melt", which has made it's appearance lately on the Travel and Food networks. Then we headed down to Derek's office to watch the Cleveland Air Show. I've definitely always loved airshows since I was young, but my father was like a kid in a candy store. The first shot below is probably one of my favorite of the weekend.

Sunday evening we enjoyed a full farmers market meal prepared on the grill followed by a drive down to Crocker Park, our favorite outside shopping area. The weather was perfect and it was a nice evening to sit outside nibbling on ice cream while doing some people watching.

Then on Monday, we made our way to Kelleys Island for some shopping, eating and sight-seeing. We rented a golf cart to get around the island so that we could see the various stops such as the Glacial Grooves, the beach and a local winery. (click the pictures below to make a bit larger)

Overall, we had a wonderful weekend and I miss my parents already! Thanks for everything mom and dad!!