Camping at Mohican State Park

Looking down from the fire tower where Lauren, Claire, Quinten and myself climbed!



Does this provide perspective for you? Audrey tried several times to climb but never made it past the first several stairs. The stairs had a railing but nothing between the railing and the ground!



The kids hanging out in the hamock!



Grandpa Jim enjoying the fire? Rest is great when you are camping!



Quinten busting out some dance moves. This one makes me laught!

Last weekend we took the camper out to Mohican State Park. We invited Janet's nieces, Claire and Audrey, along with Mark's father to join us. It was a full camper but we enjoyed every minute. Perfect weather enhanced the weekend. OK-it was a tad cold at night but we had space heaters for the tent and in the camper. The sun cooperated and felt great! We spent Saturday morning hiking and exploring and the afternoon canoeing down the Mohican River which was much more like a creek! Claire wanted to try kayaking and took off so fast that we could not keep up! Mark relented some cooking to me! We keep things pretty simple and had to eat out Saturday night as the canoe trip took longer than anticipated. Turns out that was a wise choice as I did not have enough food! Sunday we went home and enjoyed more time with my nieces. Lauren enjoyed having someone close to her age along for the trip. Quinten loved having Audrey and Claire with him.

First Day of High School

Father and daughter.


The high school freshman!

Lauren started her freshman year at Gahanna Lincoln High School late August. While she was ready for school, she was not as excited for the sumer to end. I was not prepared for the emotions I felt as she headed to the bus stop. Tears in my eyes I looked at Mark and said I am not ready. Mark had a few tears in his eyes as well. Lauren will do great academically and socially though the transition is a big one.

Pennsylvania Visit

Steve and Ethan going for a ride!



Lauren and Matt really do love each other!


My cool dude!


Look up Ethan!



The 2 youngest cousins got along great.

We went to Pennsylvania to celebrate Steve Zappe's 40th birthday. Luckily we were joined by Chris and his family and Mark's mother who came in from North Carolina. Time with the Zappe/Maloy family is always enjoyable. As the cousins get older, it is entertaining to see the relationships develop. Lauren and Matt did not bother with any electronics and had fun! The three youngest played well in Ethan's play room and in his kitchen. Ethan is starting to talk and is a very active little boy. I forgot that he was not even 2!