Of course I went down to Dayton...but you probably saw that coming. Papa Rob stayed home. (probably traveling with the whole Cloud family the previous week had something to do with that decision. Can't say I blame him. We are a pretty crazy bunch!)
I don't know why, but it always seems like there are so many fun things to do in Dayton. I realize this sounds crazy because we live in Columbus (which happens to be full of museums, a science center, the number one Zoo in America, a festival practically every weekend, and an amazing Metro Parks community but I suppose you always have some sort of allegiance to your home town). Oh Dayton, you get me every time.
Some highlights from our weekend include...
1.) The Grape Festival at Hidden Valley Farms. This was actually kind of a bust. We went there after Max's first nap on Saturday morning. They had fresh produce, a barnyard area, musician, bounce house, and train (but he wasn't big enough to ride). Max did seem to enjoy looking at all the animals (the llamas were insane...such huge teeth with a big over bite). They also had a giant plastic play house with windows, and a door, and pretend phone that he loved. We may have to upgrade some things in our backyard next summer :) We also got to see some legitimate purple grapes growing on the vine...WOW!
2.) The Sunflower Fields. This is one of those things every year that my mom and dad go back and forth on. Did they plant them? Or did they plant soy beans? Are they blooming...etc. etc. So, ultimately we end up driving over there to check it out. Turns out, they were blooming. I just love sunflowers! They always seems like the happiest flower to me. We did the obligatory family photos (minus Papa Rob...insert sad face). Max looked like such a big boy when standing in front of all he flowers....and those red Toms? I love em!
3.) Alter Fest. Is there an event that can be so much fun while simultaneously making you feel old? If so, this was it for me. The festival is held in the parking lot of my old high school....a place I had not been to for 10+ years. But, our family has been going to this festival for a LONG time (what can I say...we like a good chicken dinner!)
Holy moly - things have changed but also not. I was surprised to see lots of kiddie, carnival style rides. Max was actually able to ride a few of them with an adult...and it was so much fun. He loved pushing the horn on the car ride. And, the elephant ride...he held onto the bar the whole time and looked genuinely surprised when it started to lift off into the air (as did mama...I have a weak stomach). On the midway he played a few games..."You've Got Mail (opening a mailbox of his choosing for a prize), "Duck Pond" (pick a duck and the number on the bottom corresponds to a prize), "Goldfish Tank (which we did not win, even though I really thought a fish would be fun!), "Slam Dunk" (though he would not take the ball from the kid running it...even though it was the same hoop as at our house!), and "Plinko" (where we won a giant inflable duck!) Oh man...good times! Can't wait to go back next year!!
4.) Family Fun - on the screened in porch at my parents (Max likes the slide and pushing things down the slide)....cookout with my grandparents...watering Grandmim's flowers....swimming in the pool....and extra grandparent time as Mama left on Sunday and Max stayed in Dayton.
I think this smile says it all.... love that he is always up for an adventure!
xo
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