Like every year, we made the 5-hour trek to northern Indiana for the 44th Annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival. Scott was able to take a couple of days off over the weekend (a rarity) so we tried to cram in a weeks worth of things to do, in a few short days.

One of our favorite family traditions, the hayride. It was a PERFECT day for a Fall hayride.

My dad's house is quite possibly the most relaxing place, for me. The girls have a blast running around, playing, exploring... And, laying by the pond, hearing nothing but the sounds of frogs, water and birds ...priceless.

The girls LOVE to color, paint and draw. Unfortunately, they love to do so on my walls, furniture and each other. So, we've instilled "Craft Time." After lunch, before naps. I lay out all their paints, markers, crayons, papers, stickers... My carpet is now pretty shades of blue, red, orange and purple, but who am I to stifle my artist progenies?! 

Jeff Wyler hosts an annual Family Day at King's Island every year. This year, since Alyssa was here, we all went. It was as HOT as Cincinnati could be that day, but we all had a great time! The girls even did great with no naps and 100 degree temperatures.

When Alyssa was here, Scott and I wanted to take she and the girls to a few places around town. Having already done the zoo (Chin-Baby Reunion), we decided on the Newport Aquarium. I wasn't sure how the girls would be since they don't allow strollers (how do I keep them contained?!?), but they were SO amazed by all the sites, it was a great day!

We were just in time to see a shark show!

"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."