Columbus Commons

After a busy morning (the new bike) we decided to venture out after nap time to a new attraction I'd heard about, the Columbus Commons.  It's like a tiny Central Park, on the old footprint of City Center Mall (which, incidentially I wish they'd kept, even though I like the new CC.) 

We picked a family day, so they had balloon twisters, some jumping obsticle course inflatables, bubbles, etc. and I think we rode this carousel about 5 times!  It's free, and it's super cute, you can see all the downtown buildings and it's a great friendly atmosphere. 

We capped it off with a snack from burgers, fries and dogs, where Amara stole daddy's fries and milkshake, as I waited patiently for the balloon twister to make Amara's green elephant--very cute!  Super fun aftrnoon and what I hope is the first of several great summer events there!

New bike (lazy weekend)

After a bike day at her school, we decided to upgrade Amara to a bike, from her trike.  We let her pick it out and she picked out a red/pink one, and in 3 days we had it.

We took her to the store to pick out a helmet--they require them at school, so we figured we'd have it, and we came home to get ready.

We surprised her with it, and right away she and daddy got to work inflating the tires and testing it out.  Grandma and Grandpa Jahn stopped by to see the inaugural test ride too!

The training wheels needed a bit of adjustment too--I think they were keeping the rear tire from touching the ground, that'll make it hard to learn!

Grandma Jackie and the girls.  Cora was less than impressed by the whole ordeal, but Amara was excited--though quickly moved on, as with most things lately.  Hopefully though the skinned knees and crashes that will surely follow, she'll love to enjoy her bike as much as I did years ago.

TLG graduation: bye bye super beasts

Aww, yet another graduation and TLG session come and gone, Amara is no longer a super beast!

We had a great time this session, which started in Winter and included the time off for Eric and I--which meant I actually got to take her most of this session and I loved it.  She does so well with the balance beam, bars, and LOVES to do flips :) 

Grandma got to come as well as daddy, to watch our patient little girl take her turns and have a blast with Miss Amber and her friends.  I know she'll miss Bella--she always asks about her.  We're not sure if/how we'll start things back up in the fall, since Grandma can't take her now, but maybe a night or evening class?  The biggest difference is this was the last parent-child session.  From now on, if/when she goes to any classes, mom and dad have to wait outside :(  (ALREADY??))

Grandma watching Amara with Cora entranced as usual!

We're popping the bubbles with our toes--something we love to do at home as well.  Amara is quite flexible and we love to get on the floor and wrestle around, while the bubbles float overhead (courtesy the ceiling fan!)

Lining up at the watching wall, waiting for well--anything.  They line up for their medals, hand sanitizer, or stickers and stamps.  Sometimes I wish we had a watching wall at home!

Proud moment of Amara and miss Amber, I thin this is her third or fourth little gym session!  She started in the fall after turning one, so she was about 15 months--and now graduating after just turning three!

Her class of anxious 2-3 year olds :)

Last stamp time with Miss Amber.

Family photo--doesn't happen much, but thanks grandma for taking this one!  We've had a great run with TLG Polaris and hope to continue--not sure how we'll get Cora up there, but we know it's been great for Amara's confidence, balance, and overall outgoing personality.  Love Miss Amber and TLG, we'll miss you over the summer!

Easton splash pad

We headed over to Easton for the first splash pad/fountain visit of the year and apparently so did most of Columbus :)  It was a hot day, but not one where you can exactly enjoy it, so after nap time we got Amara suited and ready to roll!

Getting there, the sun was in and out of the clouds, doing the most amazing show for us, and I was surprised we actually captured it somewhat!

It takes Amara a while to warm up to the fountains, or water, pretty much whenever we go, but she ends up having a great time.  After we splashed a bit, we ran inside for a pretzel and some lemonade (which hit the spot).  Getting ready to go, Amara decided she wanted to play again, so we unpacked and found another grassy spot.

She was actually even more into it the 2nd time around--maybe she had her sea legs by then?

Crowded?  This pic makes it look packed--and it was...but not as bad as it looks.  Most of the kids are just running around crazy, but she wants to keep eye contact with us and make sure we're not going anywhere for sure.

No surprise, Cora found a little friend.  This little guy was infatuated with her, and she him as well--I think he was 3 or 4 maybe, it was so cute.  Gave her something to do for a bit anyway--but she is always so good.  As long as she can see big sis and there's something to do, she's entertained! 

We even ran into Sabrina and Charlotte, having dinner at Brio!  Clearly the family knows where to go for a fun time!  Columbus is a big-small city, I've said that for years...Fun day!

Amara's 3rd Birthday

If you can't tell--Amara is showing us that it's her THIRD birthday, and her shirt tells us that it's all about Tom and Jerry ;)  

Yet another beautiful cake from Kathy--she did such a great job, and considering Amara had told us she wanted a Tom and Jerry cake MONTHS before, we knew it had to be great.

She wasted no time playing with Mallory, Aunt Kristin and Grandpa Young!  She loved her Birthday cake set for pretend food--something she is very into right now and will be great in her kitchen set.

Tearing through the presents!  She did pretty well at first, but then lost interest somewhere around...oh...clothes :)

Taking the cake--Cora apparently thought that Uncle Matt needed some baby prep time (since Steph is due in June) and as he held her she went right to sleep, chewing on his thumb!

Expectant mommy being watched over by big sister Ily.  Ily has been like this during my pregnancies as well.  I told Steph that next time she visits, Ily probably won't give her the time of day!

After having a big morning with Grandma and a nap, Amara was thrilled to have her party kick off--first one in our new home!  She jumped on her new trampoline with all her friends (the Smith family, Mallory, Jonathan & Miss Sarah, and aunt, uncles and grandparents) too.  It was hot, so there was a lot of in and out of the house, but everyone enjoyed cake, ice cream (Eric and I discovered Blue Bunny, Bunny tracks, YUM) lemonade and popcorn too!

Learning hopscotch with Mallory.

Babies not impressed by the party, Nathanial and Cora.

CAKE TIME!  That little smirk makes me smile and tear up at the same time.  She was so excited to be sang to by everyone and to be able to get to blow out her 3 candle.

The Young family.

Our Young family. A long day, we're all warm, I think Cora had already nodded off for the night at this point too!

This is a "morning after" bday pic--note still wearing her shirt, hair a tossled, jammie pants, and Cora not quite awake--bedtime came all of a sudden and not much stirring by anyone!

Beautiful and tasty cookies by the Pink Apron--a referral from a friend online.  Everyone enjoyed them and they made such a nice complement to her theme and colors.  All the kids got one in their goody bag and several adults enjoyed them too.

Amara posing in front of her birthday sign :)  and yes, she is posing with her hand on the fountain!  such a ham.

We all had a great day with her party and are SO excited for the year ahead for Amara!  So many memories, laughs, sad moments, etc.  WE ARE SO lucky and blessed to have you and thank you Beanie for being our Amazing girl.

Birthday lunch w grandma

On the morning of Beanie's bday, Grandma wanted to jump in and help.  Considering Amara NEVER turns down Grandma time, she hopped to it and headed out the door to have a special time with Grandma Jackie.  They headed to Meijer and went shopping (new outfit on)...

Then went to McDonalds--a treat I can remember myself...what is it that is SO special about being able to eat in a fast food restaurant, but so impossible to sit through a "sit down" restaurant...i guess the irony is lost on a now 3 year old beauty :)

It was so hot, they spent their time between the inside and outside parts of the McDonalds!

Back to Grandma's house to open her present, a giant Buzz Lightyear toy!  He has a remote, talks, etc. and is really fun!  Thanks for a fun and very special lunch and time on her 3rd birthday Grandma Jackie!

Lunch with the Easter Bunny

This year Grandpa decided to join us for the Easter bunny lunch at the Y!  It was SO squishy outside, I didn't know how they'd pull it off, but we went, got our seat and got ready.  We ran into some friends (dad can't really go anywhere without knowing SOMEONE) and enjoyed our time with the crafts and lunch, while Cora slept through most of the whole event.

They had the usual crafts, decorating sugar cookies, of course lunch (hot dog, chips, orange, banana, and some crazy cool-aid in a barrel)...and the main attraction, Mr. Easter Bunny himself.

It was looking promising for the outdoor hunt, but about 15 minutes before, it DUMPED rain outside, and they reverted to plan B...indoor hunt.

I don't think the kids minded much, the Y was fun about it, they even hid an egg in Grandpa's shirt pocket! They were on chairs, under tables, etc. to give the kids a little more than just putting them on the gym floor.

We started packing up to go as Amara was opening all her chocolate, and that was a good time to distract and get moving!