What a wonderful birthday tradition in Ohio! With several birthdays happening in the summer, there is the fun tradition of breakfast for the girls, party and cake for all (with gifts!). And this year we had a nice dinner out to eat with the adults while the kids were with babysitters. 
We had to say goodbye to the Woodwards - and Reeve who joined up for a week with cousins. They got in the car and headed east. But before, we had to get proof of our connection to the Willits family, as we frequently are seen in the Willits family T-shirts, we got some photographic evidence!
It is convenient enough to have the red park, and it is right across from St. Luke's so Mark decided he would get a picture to show his diligence in following up on a recent FTC case. 
After vociferously cheering on the US to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana at Uncle Jason's during the barbecue, we had our own World Cup soccer match on their big front yard. It was a dramatic late winner, just like in Brazil. 
After the hike, the boys spent some time on the swing, trying to recreate the fun jumps from yesterday. The swings weren't quite as big as at the red park, but what great opportunities to have some fun outside. The girls, meanwhile, spent much of the time in the nature lookout, window to wildlife. 
The cousins went with Doug for a walk around the Ferns & Lakes Trail. There were a few mosquitoes at the very end of the trip, but not too terrible. We had a nice walk around the lake and through some of the beautiful sections of Oak Openings. 
Based on Grandpa Barrie's suggestion, we made the drive a bit upriver on the Maumee River to Grand Rapids, Ohio, the nice little town on highway 24 just past the dam. There was a nice walk along the river, some fun times with cousins, and beautiful weather. 
