Grandma Kris comes to visit

After being in Cincinnati for 2 weeks my mom came for a visit. She arrived the afternoon of July 4th and stayed for an entire week. It was pure heaven while she was here! I love having one on one time with my mom. I guess that's one of the perks when you live away from family is when they come to visit you have them all to yourself! We were busy exploring our new city the entire time she was here. Mike had started work the Monday before she came so it was nice to have a partner in crime to explore and check things out. After her being here for a week, I felt so much more at home and confident in my new surrounds. I think it was because my mom and I drove around and visited so many places together. Like I said it was heavenly to have her come visit and it meant the world to me.  

One of the first places we took Grandma Kris was the zoo. It was seriously one of the hottest days we've had since being in Cincy but we didn't let it stop us for going out and having fun! 

Charlotte got such a kick out of feeding the goats! Thanks to Grandma Kris for buying the food so Charlotte could do that. ;)

The animals were active despite the heat. Almost makes me nervous how a thin piece of glass separates you from dangerous, wild animals. 

I think the highlight of the zoo was the train. Charlotte enjoyed sitting next to Grandma Kris and riding a real train. What a treat! PS how grown up does my daughter look in this pic? I swear since moving away she has seemed so much older! 

One of the things I love most about Cincinnati is the park districts. There are so many fun, nature perserves filled with playgrounds, splash pads, lakes and even one has a farm. We drove up north about 25 minutes to check out one of these parks with a farm. Another big hit with Charlotte and another place I feel comfortable going, after checking it out with my mom. 

While at the farm Charlotte got to ride a small pony. Sometimes I'm amazed with how brave this girl is. She wasn't nervous to ride it at all and multiple times told me to move my hand away from her back. She wanted to ride it ALL. BY. HERSELF.

The farm was very kid friendly, which we all loved. It has a small petting zoo where you could actually go in, pet the animals, and brush their hair/fur/coat...what would you call it?

Again Charlotte was not afraid and got right in there close to the animals!

The farm also had a large garden where kids could water the plants and pick some vegetables. All Charlotte wanted to do was play in the cabin. Fine by me, kept her entertained forever! 

Just chillin with Grandma in the garden, at the farm. 

It was so hot and humid while my mom was in town. Every day was suffocating heat! My mom was such a good sport and wouldn't allow the heat to stop us from doing things. Saturday was an especially hot day so we took my mom to one of our favorite places, East Fork State Park. The water is surprisingly warm and we found if you go to the lake earlier in the day it's quite peaceful and not too crowded. We love the lake, it's a great way to get a little someone wiped out so they take a nap too! 

My mom and sisters will be coming to Cincinnati to visit in October (hip hip hooray)! So my mom wanted to take a day and go downtown to check out some of the things we can do in October. We went to Fountain Square where there seems to be something always going on. We were pleasantly surprised, while we were walking around a bunch of dancers randomly started doing some street performances. It was quite the free show! I wanted to jump right in and dance with them. 

Fountain Square is decorated with fancy, ornate pigs. I know there is something to do with the history of the Cincinnati and Pigs. I need to read up on my history and find out. 

We went to the top of the tallest building. I do not do well with heights. It made me so nervous when Charlotte wanted to get close and look over the ledge, can you tell?

Trying to get a good shot of the bug and me. She was too interested in looking over the side. Yikes.

Pretty view of downtown Cincinnati. 

Our little family infront of our home. 

I loved being able to have my mom see our home and our neighborhood.

Please don't mind the pregnancy chubbiness. Blah. 

Visiting the famous Graeter's Ice Cream was a must. 

(I guess I shouldn't complain about pregnancy chubbiness if I'm willing to eat so much ice cream)

Other highlights of the week included:

Playing games at night. We love some banana grams. 

My mom showed me how to make homemade bread, homemade sweet rolls, homemade chicken pot pie, and pumpkin spice cookies. Nothing like your mom's homemade cooking! 

And of course we got to run together. Loved this. Charlotte even wanted to get in on the action. 

We also tried Cincinnati's famous chili. Cincinnati is known for it's chili. The chili has a bit of a sweet taste to it and it's usually served over noodles smothered with cheese on top. I tried it over a hot dog, Mike and my mom had it over noodles. The verdict, we liked it enough. I don't need to eat there every month but once in awhile it's a tasty meal to indulge in.

The week was over all too quickly. I loved having my mom in town. It really did help me feel more comfortable in my surroundings. I loved talking, running and having her all to myself. Thanks for taking the time to come visit us! It was such a treat for all of us! Please come back soon Grandma Kris. We miss you so much!