Father-Daughter Cedar Point Field Trip

The last day before school began, Greg whisked B away for a fun day at Cedar Point.  And thank goodness, I didn't go.  They rode rollercoasters! Plural! She was terrified, but my brave little 7-year-old hopped back on and managed to ride at least four times!  They had a great day together!

And as father and daughter, they checked off #19 on the Summer Bucket List!

Fun at the Farm

Every Summer Bucket List should include a trip to Szalay's for their sweet corn and fresh fruits and vegetables.  We loaded up with some of the best farm produce in Northern Ohio and were even treated to a visit by our friend, Karen and her daughter.  What a great afternoon!

We scored the best seat, which is a family table that swings and had a canopy keeping the brutal summer sun off of us! Look at those two girls digging into their sweet corn!

Irish Festival Fun

Another summer bucket list item checked off our list! And best of all, it was a fun day for Bridget and her cousins as well as our extended family.  So many wonderful activities in Cleveland.

#14 check!

Kayaking on Lake Erie

Alternate title could be I Never Knew My Arms Could Be So Tired.  Kayaking is exhausting.  Yet I had so much fun and can't wait to do it again.  All four of us rented kayaks from 41 degrees North.  Greg and Bridget were in a double kayak, while Meg and I each had our own.  I was slow and disorganized as a paddler, but soon got the hang of it and now I can't wait to do it again!

#15 check!

Fourth of July Weekend in Put-in-Bay

As part of our Summertime Bucket List, we wanted to spend the day in Put-in-Bay.  Meg's friend from college joined us and we couldn't believe how much fun we had.  I didn't know what to expect, but soon found out that we can have fun anywhere, doing just about anything!

As all northern Ohioans know, the Jet Express is the quickest way to get to the islands.  What a fun way to arrive.  We landed in the town square, grabbed our obligatory golf cart, and headed out for our island adventure. We drove around the island as if we had a purpose, stopped in some strange places (one bartender generously gave Bridget a bag of cheetos), had lunch at an open air BBQ joint, visited a winery (where we had the funniest cheese tray), and managed to find a bar or two for some interesting people watching and to have snacks.  When Greg bought our round trip tickets, he had to state the time we'd be coming back.  When I heard him say 9:30pm, I thought "No way can we entertain ourselves THAT long on such a tiny island."  Well, I was wrong.  We just managed to sprint back to the boat in time to board!

We can now check off #10! Done.

Summertime Activity List in the CLE

Last year we started the tradition of making a list of summertime activities that we would like to do as a family.   It's impossible to check ALL the items off our list, but we make one heck of an effort doing so.

In honor of the first day of summer, we hope to tackle these 20 activities in or around Cleveland:

1. Go to Edgewater Live sponsored by the Cleveland Metroparks.
2. Wade Oval Wednesdays in University Circle.
3. Hale Farm in Peninsula
4. Akron Zoo to see their amazing penguin exhibit.
5. Goodtime III.  It's a joke in our family that I've never been on this (cheesy, yes).
6. Catch an Indians game.
7. Attend a Browns practice at their Berea facility.
8. Ride the Towpath.
9. Have lunch at Szalay's Farm.  Best corn-on-the-cob!
10. Go to Put-in-Bay.
11. Go to a drive-in movie.
12. Attend the Summer Market in Avon Lake.
13. Get scoop of Honey Hut Ice Cream in honor of the Bean, who would take my husband there every summer.
14. Go to the Irish Festival.
15. Kayak in Lake Erie.
16. Go to Yoga at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
17. Attend one Cleveland Orchestra concert at Blossom.
18. Enjoy Summertime Treat Night - hotdogs, s'mores, roasted marshmallows).
19. Go to Cedar Point.
20. Attend at least one farmer's market or pick fresh fruit and vegetables at a farm.

Two More Items Checked Off the Summer Bucket List

Before my oldest headed off to college, we managed to check off two more family fun items from her Summer Bucket List - watching the sun set and sparkler party.

Picnic at Huntington Beach enjoying takeout from Sweet Melissa's. We figured that Huntington Beach would have great sunset views! Plus, who doesn't love a picnic?!

Amazing views of the sunset. Best of all, we enjoyed this awesome view while sitting on a small blanket and enjoying Mitchell's ice cream!

Sparklers really do make you feel like a kid!

Rock Climbing Rocks

Corny title, but rock climbing was absolutely incredible. So hard, yet so fun. Meg was a rockstar (yes, I can keep this up with the "rock" comments!). She climbed to the top of the wall on her first try. I was a little intrepid at first and only made it half way up. After a few climbs, though, I made it to the top and couldn't believe how much fun I was having. Upper body strength? Oh my, I was lacking in that department. By the time we were finished, our fingers hurt, our forearms ached, and we were smiling with huge grins. Great day with my daughter! Thanks, Kendall Cliffs, for a fantastic indoor rock climbing experience.

Best of all, we got to check off two things on Meg's Summer Bucket List - rock climbing and happy hour at Sonic. Love our tots!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all!