Almost Time for School to Start

Hi everybody!  Boy, I've been really busy this summer, and it went so fast!  School starts this week for me.  I am very excited about being a second grader.  Before school starts I wanted to share some more pictures about what I did this summer.  

I went to the splash pad with Grandma, Grandpa, and my cousins.  

It was a great way to cool off on a hot day.

Afterward, we all went to Wittich's Candy Shop.

Guess what else goes really well with hot days....ice cream!

I know I already mentioned camping in Old Man's Cave, but I didn't post as many pictures as I wanted to post.  So here are some more from my camping trip.

Mom and Dad said they went to Old Man's Cave with their families when they were kids too!  In fact Dad still remembers helping his parents hitch up their camper.  I tried to help Grandpa with the camper too!

A pop-up camper is just the right size for us.  We had such a blast!!!

The weather was terrific the entire trip.  It was a little chilly at night, but otherwise it was great.

I had a lot of fun riding my bike around the campground.  Mom said she has a lot of memories of riding her bike around the campground when she as a kid too.

In addition to hiking and exploring the caves we panned for precious gems!

Everyone sat around the campfire, roasted marshmallows, and had a great time.

I know I mentioned that I went to the Ohio State Fair too.  Look at how big this combine is!

I got to milk a cow.  Her name was Edna.

I was successful, too!

Even though I am getting older I still like to ride the merry-go-round.  Mom and Dad are glad their little girl hasn't grown up completely just yet.  But I definitely favor the much bigger, faster roller coasters these days!

At home, Mom's tomato plants are really taking off.  I check on them almost every day.

Speaking of growing up, I am now officially one year older!  Mom, both of my Grandma's and Megan celebrate my birthday by going out to lunch together.

I was so surprised when I opened a birthday present and found out that I was going to the American Girl store that day!

The American Girl store was AWESOME.  I found a doll that looks just like me.

I took her to the salon there and had her ears pierced!

It was such a special day.  She hasn't left my side since I brought her home from the store.

I also celebrated turning 8 years old with my whole family when we went bowling together.

I had only played Wii bowling before so Dad gave me a few pointers before I started.

I caught on to how to bowl and had a great time.

Mom was a pretty good bowler too.

We all had a lot of fun!

Aunt Maresa, Uncle Casey, Liam, and Grayson came to bowl too.  Aunt Maresa and Uncle Casey wore some really awesome socks to go with the spirit of the bowling shoes.  I think they wore them for good luck.

Uncle Ned had especially impressive bowling technique.  He explained to us how to keep score.  

Here is Dad with Uncle Mike, Grandma, and Grandpa.

 Here is Megan bowling a frame.  She really got the hang of it!

After everyone bowled for a little while, it was time for pizza, cake....

...and some good laughs. :)

I loved spending time with my grandparents, aunt and uncles, and cousins...

... and Mom and Dad, too.

Guess who else had a birthday?  Grayson celebrated his birthday too!

The whole family and a bunch of his friends headed over to Grayson's house for games ....

... and a pinata!

Finally, this weekend I went to my cousin Mindy's wedding.  

It was a beautiful day.

Megan and I had the honor of handing out the programs at Mindy and Erick's wedding ceremony.  It was so special to be a part of the wedding, and we loved every minute of it!

My Great Grandma was there too!

My cousin Mindy looked so beautiful on her wedding day.

Here she is dancing with her new husband, Erick.

Mindy and Erick brought around the traditional basket of gum to each of their guests.

 Everyone had a lot of fun at the reception.  Megan even caught Mindy's bouquet!

I was sad to leave, but it was late and I sure was tired. 

As you can see I've had a lot of adventures this summer.  It has been a fun-filled last few weeks.  I am excited to start school, meet my new teacher, and see all of my friends again.  Hope you have a great week!

Oh, and HAPPY 69th BIRTHDAY, GRANDPA R.!!!  :)