The Great Outdoors

Summer has smiled on us here in Mason, Ohio.   I saw on the news this morning that it has been the fourth coolest summer in Cincinnati history.  We are not complaining!   It has just meant more time to be outdoors, enjoying all that Mother Nature has blessed us with. Our hearts are full with all things Summer/July :  fires in the backyard, vine ripened tomatoes, family visits, summer festivals,  beers on the back porch, park play dates, vacation Bible school, summer camp....The list goes on.  Here is just a sample of some of what has been filling our days:

July 4th Parade in Montgomery, Ohio

"Beer Night/ Fire Night" (as Brian and I affectionately call it)

We may need to rethink calling it  "Beer Night/Chigger Night" after this one!   Lucy and I both got eaten alive after chasing the ball into the woods one too many times.  The look on her face below just about sums up her and I's discomfort in the days that followed. 

"S'more Night/Fire Night" is a more appropriate title for Lucy:

Look at that massive bite on the side of her face!

Lindsay Lou's annual summer trip to see us.  (This year she drove herself for the first time! )

Downtown......

While downtown we "Rode the Ducks."  For anyone visiting the city, this is a must!   Essentially, it is a car and boat all in one.   You drive around the city, touring for a bit, and then they drive you right into the Ohio River for a little boat ride.  So crazy, and so fun! 

This was Lindsay's idea....

Here we go....... driving into the river!

I was amazed at this massive tree, right on the river.

There was the annual "Sausage Festival" downtown, with live music and all.  Brian and Lucy had a little fun dancing....

Brian created this pancake for Lucy one Saturday, unbeknownst to me!   I never knew I had such an artsy husband!

Lucy with our first tomato of the summer....

Watching Daddy pick more tomatoes.

Vacation Bible School:
 (she looooved it!)

Play dates with BFF Abby

More family visits, this time going to the Celtic Festival in downtown Dayton....

And of course, Kings Island.... (pics courtesy of Lindsay's iphone)

Here's to an August that surpasses the cool temperatures of July!