Mid to End of Summer Activities

Busy, Busy, Busy - our summer this year! After our July 4th vacation to WV (seen below), we kept busy with playdates, the pool, a 3 day Princess Ballet camp, a quick business trip to Cincinnati with Robert, and a visit from our old friends in WI. Below is a slideshow of some of the highlights:

Kim, one of my dearest and closest friends from growing up, came to visit one weekend while Robert was MOD (Mgr. on Duty at the hotel, where they stay all weekend). Kim's hubby was out of town and we decided to have Girls (and Kids) weekend here! Kim lives in Madison, WI- now just 3 hours from us! Tommy (Peyton's age) and Emma (almost 2) had a great time playing with Peyton and her toys, at the playgrounds and swimming at the neighborhood pool!

Next Peyton went to Princess Ballet Camp for 3 days, 1.5 hours each morning. They dressed up like Princesses, did Princess themed arts & crafts and learned some basic ballet moves. Ever since seeing her new friend Olivia's dance recital in June, Peyton has been dancing and twirling where ever she could. Her birthday gift from 'WillNic' couldn't have come at a better time - a classic black leotard and purple tutu! Peyton would even change her clothes based on well they 'twirled' (we've been wearing LOTs of dresses this summer)! The last day they put on a little show for the parents. I tear up every time I watch this; she is just so precious in her little attire, such an angel. Here's part of it, complete with Princess music:

The end of July business called for Robert in Cincinnati. Since I still feel as though we haven't seen him much or spent much time with him (still getting over short 9 week absence this winter during move process and the fact that he wasn't able to go on Family vacation with us over the 4th - AND the fact that most nights he's not home from work til 7/7:30pm), Peyton and I decided to join him. Just a 5.5 hour drive from us, we had a great, quick visit in Cincy. There less than 48 hours, we swam in the hotel pool twice, dined out, went to the Newport Aquarium as a family, ate lunch outdoors watching the river and city center across the way. Peyton's favorite part was riding up to our room on the 15th floor in the glass elevators! It was a great, little (and CHEAP) getaway!

Princess Peyton and her Prince Frog at Cincy aquarium!