Findlay Market

Findlay Market in Cincinnati is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market. It had the feel of some of the European markets we loved, so we definitely enjoyed our visit there Saturday.

These pastries were delicious, but the pecan bar that stole
the show wasn't around long enough  to be photographed

Florida

The area of Florida where Jacob grew up has the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. The water is clear and green, and the sand is pure white. It just doesn't get any better. We loved spending last week there.

It was the best castle I could build with no tools...

flying kites at sunset

Jacob's grandma lives in a big house in a secluded cove right on the water. She has a small beach and a dock, and it's always fun to swim there too.

reliving childhood memories at Grandma's house

Family Reunion

We went to Florida last week for Jacob's family reunion, and also to honor the family's matriarch at her 80th birthday. It was great to spend the week with Jacob's family.

Jacob with his 3 brothers (playing Cranium)

Jacob's parents with their grandkids

cousin huddle

Uncle Jon with Katelyn and Jane

Jane LOVED being hurled off the deck into her
dad's arms.

Ashley, Jared, Lilly
(I've said it before, and I'll say it again: these people belong on magazine covers!)

I love this sweet picture:
Gavin cuddling with Great-Grandma

She's a remarkable person. And now she's 80!

at the zoo

 (There is a real danger that this blog will turn into a series of posts about our trips to the zoo.)

We spent a fun day at the zoo with cousins Brinly and Jane, along with some of their friends Emmy and Lilly. I love the petting zoo part where the kids can brush the goats. I wish Gavin were mildly interested in the hand-washing afterwards...

Always a highlight was the train ride. The train makes for happy, happy kids.

sharing secrets

penguins are a favorite--always

cute cousins

picnic

The insect house was great!

in motion

.

The carousel was a bit traumatic for Gavin, but we survived.

no big surprise he chose the giraffe

Our Town

We've lived here nearly 5 months now, and we just got around to walking the historic downtown. It was charming and apparently has connections to the Underground Railroad.

 One highlight was this ice cream stand where they sell 30 flavors of soft-serve ice cream. We'll be back--often--to try other flavors. The lemon was ok, but the mint oreo was AMAZING.

Another highlight was a cute little cupcake shop. Gavin insisted on the PB&J cupcake, which sounds weird but was evidently delicious (I couldn't tell you for sure because he refused to share). Jacob and I split this other monster: chocolate with buttercream icing. And blue sprinkles that stick to the faces of father and son.

Here are a few more photos of the beautiful walk we enjoyed as a family.

gazebos galore