Fish & Toledo Fun

One of the great benefits of grandpa and grandma's place is the great fishing in the pond right behind the lake. Grandpa would faithfully keep any scraps of chicken or meat and the kids would have so much fun feeding bits of chicken bones to the fish -- as they would rush up to the shore to get their fill.



Reeve also became a master fisherman -- catching 13 fish in one day -- and spending many days at the pond putting on bait, casting his line, and catching bunches of fish.

Time with family was great -- especially since it was the first time that we'd met baby Bryson - so that was a special treat since after our arrival Rania finally stopped calling herself "baby" and began saying "ME." I guess our family is growing up and the baby phase will be behind us before we know it. . . though from the diaper perspective it can't be soon enough!

Woodward Reunion

MONDAY, JULY 21, 2008



For a couple of days we had a nice retreat at Punderson State Park outside of Cleveland. All of Doug's family was there -- plus special bonuses seeing members of our extended family -- Uncle Don & Aunt Lynn, Uncle Ray (and his semi! which was a big hit), David & Leidi (who were recently married) and of course Grandpa Levi & Grandma Ramona -- who quickly re-bonded with Gabi.

And Reeve really hit it off with his cousins, having such a great time.

Sauder's Museum

SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2008

We had overnight trip to Sauder's Museum. Taking a step back in history, it was wonderful to visit the living history farm, witness the fiddle contest, and get some incredible Amish cooking.

But the best part was getting to spend more time with cousins and family. The delightful inn adjacent to the museum was a great place to stay.

Cousins!

How incredible it was to be close to cousins during when in Ohio. Now that Tracy's sister and family have moved right down the road, it is only a three or four minute bike ride to get from grandpa and grandma's house to the cousins house. Michael, Jacob and Laura could easily bike over for lots and lots of fun times.





It is so reassuring to see how timeless family can be -- the joy of being with cousins. As Michael and Jacob are older than our kids, it was neat to see them take the lead, organizing activities, games, even tours through imaginary wildlife parks in a little red wagon. . . .the bliss of summer.





Rania and Kaiden also slowly thawed and began running and running and giggling and giggling having lots of fun together. Sometimes only pictures suffice to tell the story.

First Tooth Lost!!

SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2008



Reeve lost his first tooth. It had been loose for several weeks, and Reeve finally just plucked it out of his mouth.

What a great feeling to have Reeve lose his first tooth in our very own house. Brant was even having a sleepover making it all the more of a celebration!

Fun with Friends!!

SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2008



It was so incredibly encouraging to see our kids so quickly bond with all of their friends, whom they had not seen in quite some time.

We had an absolutely delightful evening at "The Real White House" where Doug had to eat his pride, as Adam defeated him in Fantasy Football last year. Sigh -- some lessons come down to having to know when running backs will break their legs. . .

Reeve had a WONDERFUL time with Brant. How great to see them so quickly reunite and have fun together.

The BEST Children's Museum

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2008



Still struggling from jetlag, and having the kids wake up at 1 in the morning (Doug is to blame because he let Tracy sleep more than two hours in the afternoon!), we did make it to the Children's Museum on Saturday.

How fun to feel like we were coming back home -- such a familiar place, so comfortable, and yet so fun. We were disappointed that so many of our friends were out of town for the 4th of July -- but it was a good excuse to enjoy visiting the Children's Museum.

Tracy's Birthday

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008

To celebrate Tracy's birthday (ah, how nice to be 29, eh!), we brought mommy breakfast in bed.

The kids also had fun at KLCC -- where "Baby Bop" (what the entire Barney clan is called by Rania) was the focus of our entire day. Nice evening, fountains, wandering around, and of course pretending to ride the little toy car next to Barney & Baby Bop.

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Back from Vacation -- Pangkor Island

Wow. We've been back from vacation now for just over a week, and it is time to do some catching up from our great time in the States. But first, at the end of June we went to Pangkor Island. Horray!

Nice place -- beach is on the Straits of Malacca, so nothing like Redang -- but good times with Auntie Tasha and fun around the pool.

Notice Gabi's great photographic efforts in the group picture at left.