Ohio

We just got home on Monday from a fabulous trip to Ohio to see Josh's family. It was so nice to see everyone and to get away from California for a bit. We got to stay for ten days, which was a nice treat. As usual, the kids had a blast. Those two should have been born on a farm--especially Wyatt.

They took rides on the tractor...

And played in the barn...

And made new friends, like Wilbur, the mini donkey...

Wyatt got to "drive" Grandpa's old truck...

And Daddy even put together his old train set from when he was little...

We finally met our newest nephew, Jackson Patrick...

Did some work around the farm with Grandpa...

Like cleaning up a tree that had fallen in the pasture...

Rea stayed away from all of that working business...

On Wednesday of last week it was a bit rainy, so we drove to Cleveland to eat at this restaurant which was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". It was outstanding! They have over 30 different types of grilled cheese sandwiches...yum!

On our way back from Cleveland, we stopped at the Lodi Outlet Mall. We did plan on doing a little shopping, but the main reason we went there was so that Wyatt and Rea could ride on the miniature locomotive that runs all through the mall. Clearly, Wyatt was excited...

Caught Rea in the act! haha

We had a second rainy day, so we took our free time and wrote Santa a letter...

Then we took it to the post office and dropped it in the mail. I wonder how long it takes a letter to get to the North Pole...

Rea was scared of the horses/donkeys/any animal at first. But she finally warmed up to them...

Wyatt is a farm boy at heart...just like his daddy.

In this picture, Wyatt is saying "Hi! My name's Wyatt!". haha.

Rea decided to save a carrot for herself...

Wyatt bonded with this cat and told me his name was "George Washington"...

Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Jake had ducks too!

Wyatt got to ride June Bug, the mini horse...

Rea would have none of it...

Another one of Wilbur...he is so stinking cute!

Wyatt loves to mess with Uncle Jake's tools...

Grandma has saved several old instruments...the kids love them...

We were sad to have to say goodbye when we loaded up on Monday to head home. The kids adore the farm, and more importantly Grandma and Grandpa. I only hope we can start getting back there more often. Before this, it had been a year since our last trip there. Being on the farm does you good...even though I am tired from the week and the time change, somehow I feel recharged. Like we escaped somewhere far away from the hustle and bustle of normal life. I need that more often...