Highlight Reel

Since my blog-record keeping has been so...less than inspiring lately, I thought I'd throw in a long list of photos from the past six months to make myself feel better. And so, folks, here you have it: the highlights (at least some of them) in no particular order from our spring, summer and fall.

"Grace Conquers the Dentist"

Just a few weeks after her third birthday, we took Grace to the dentist for the first time. I have (undeservedly, since I eat candy like a fiend...) really good teeth that rarely have any problems. Spencer's teeth...don't have quite the same track record. I was interested to see where Grace's teeth would land. Luckily, she seems to be taking after me!

She was awesome. She loved the whole thing. The hygienist was thoroughly impressed and kept saying they'd never had a better patient---adult or child. Since Spencer and I had both had our teeth cleaned only minutes before, I suppose that does not say much about OUR patient skills. Alas.

"More Zoo trips than the average Family"

We go to the zoo a lot. And I really mean a lot. Never has a zoo membership been more thoroughly enjoyed. We just love it. We feel like we have a personal relationship with most of the animals. And the manatees! Oh, how I love manatees. It doesn't hurt that Columbus has one of the best zoos in the nation. And that it's only 20-25 minutes from our house.

"Our Brief Stint as Cyclists"

We bought semi-nice bikes at the police auction in April. They cost us hardly anything, but brought us a lot of joy. Until they were stolen. Less than a month after our car had been broken into. But let's focus on the good things about Columbus. Remember the zoo, everyone? Sigh...

"Whirlwind Chicago Trip"

Spencer's mom came to stay with us for two weeks during July, which we loved. Just before coming our way, she'd been visiting with Spencer's sister and family in Wisconsin. To make the trade-off more fun, we met in Chicago and spent the day. Yes, that does mean that we drove a round trip total of 12 hours in less than 24 hours, but it was still worth it.

This was, by far, my favorite part of the day. On a stroll through Grant Park, we turned the corner and immediately ran into this little scene: dozens of people (old, young, fancily dressed, clad in sweats...) dipping their bare feet into water. Apparently, hot, sweaty feet afflict us all. They are the great equalizer. People who generally wouldn't sit within feet of each other on a bus were waiting in lines to exchange foot sweat at very close proximity. It was awesome.

Hooray for Chicago!

"Spencer Conquers the Air"

I bought Spencer a flight lesson through Groupon for Christmas last year. He finally used it this summer and a new obsession has been born! He would probably do a better job at writing about this, but Grace and I sure enjoyed watching him fly around in the sky. I'm sure there will be much more of that in our future... :)

"Spencer and Anna Conquer Cedar Point"

Wow. That's all I can say about Cedar Point. I didn't know that roller coasters could be so enjoyable. At one point, we were in line next to a man who spends his days travelling from amusement park to amusement park. An...interesting life-style, to say the least, but long lines easily lend to attentive listening. He went on and on about all the amusement parks he'd been to and kept declaring Cedar Point one of the best. Apparently, among the coaster obsessed, Cedar Point is a big deal. :)

We had a great time, and the day was only made sweeter by the fact that Spencer's ticket was free and mine was more than half off. You gotta love student discounts. And really generous incentives for giving blood.

"Rose Festival"

We didn't make it to half as many summer festivals as we should have this year, but at least we got this one in with the Warnicks. Missing the Duct Tape Festival near Cleveland was an especially big disappointment, but hopefully we'll have our priorities straightened out for next year...

"Deek Creek Follies"

We always look forward to a few good trips here with the Warnicks. Especially for the brats. Bryan barbecues a mean brat. That sounds decidedly terrible. I hope you all know that by brat I mean a fancy hot dog.

"Strawberry Picking"

Guess who bought a bunch of canning jars at a yard sale, promising herself she'd at least make freezer jam, but has not? Me. Oh there is no end to my lack of motivation while pregnant...

"Anna and Ellie Conquer a 5k"

When it comes right down to it, 5ks are much better than half-marathons. Which, themselves, are much better than marathons. You can look this happy after it and you still get a cool t-shirt and free yogurt. :) Having done all three multiple times, I definitely vote for the preeminence of the 5k.

"Spencer Conquers the Physics Department"

Here is Spencer standing next to his award-winning ($250 to Barnes and Noble, thank you very much) research poster. Grace and I couldn't be prouder. And they always have such nice meals/snacks at these things... :)

"The Graces Conquer Finger Painting"

A couple of afternoons a week, Grace and I get to hang out with another little three-year-old Grace. It's been awesome. In this particular photo, they've just finished finger painting but I hadn't gotten to the re-clothing part. They started reading stories to each other (and singing songs about "two naked Graces...") and I just couldn't resist the photo.

"Trip to Ithaca"

Back in May, we took one last trip to Ithaca to visit Sam, Emily and Alex and meet little Edison for the first time. It was a lovely trip. If only they hadn't moved 16 hours away...

Such an incomplete conglomeration of our past six months, but...a finished post nonetheless. Until next time!