We went to Hawaii this summer, so we weren't sure a trip to Ohio was going to be in the cards. Asa used all but one vacation day on the trip, Calib was starting class at the Community College, and funds are not exactly sky high these days. But, after some poking and prodding from the boys, we decided we should make the effort to take the trip. We wanted to see my grandma, plus Peyton's favorite place on the planet is Cedar Point (and we only got a Friday night visit on our last trip to Ohio), and everyone really wanted to enter some things in the Sandusky County Fair (which we did two years ago, but missed last year).
The plan was for Peyton, Hayden and I to go on Friday (the 18th), so we could get some entries into the fair on Saturday. Asa and Calib would be there Tuesday (for Asa's weekend), so that Calib wouldn't miss his Monday night class. Then, we'd all fly home the following Friday morning, and be back home before Asa had to clock in on Friday (the 25th). Easy peasy. This time though, we had to have a very specific flying out time, and the Cleveland airport had better flight times for us, so for the first time that's where we flew in and out of (it's about the same distance to Fremont, anyway).
But, since we flew into Cleveland we were headed right through Huron, Ohio at the right time to hit the Pizza Box for dinner. Once upon a time, Calib, Peyton and I lived above this little local pizza place. When you ask the boys what they want to do in Ohio (besides visiting people and Cedar Point), they always name food places. The Pizza Box is one of those, and we try and make a trip there every time we visit. Usually, though, we get take out. I think of all the years we've been coming here, this was the first time we ate there instead of getting take-out. We took advantage of the nice, cooler weather and sat out on the patio.
Hayden opted for the taco salad, while Peyton and I got our usual: a Smitty Sub, no onions, dressing on the side (Peyton's of course, without mayo). It was good, but not as good as I remembered. The cheese seemed different.
A downside of flying into Cleveland instead of Detroit, was the fact that the Cleveland airport is much further from my grandma's house. We actually had to pass Fremont to get there. But, we did make our way up to Toledo to collect fair entries for Gwen and Garrett, and visit with grandma. She has her good days and bad days, but Friday was a good day, so we got to visit a bit. Hayden and Peyton were really good about being patient too. I know the unlimited data helped Peyton, and Hayden was happy to play with the famous gigi's blocks.
After we left gigi's we headed to Fremont. My mom has been staying in Toledo with grandma, so there wasn't really anything in the way of food for anyone at her house. We had to make a trip to the store on our way into town. (You guys! Check out those gallon of milk prices!)
The next morning I spent getting tags on everything that had to be in on Saturday for the boys, Gwen and Garrett and mom. It was quite the undertaking, but I got it all taken care of, by the time my mom arrived in Fremont. Shout out to my Aunt Patti who came all the way from Seattle to stay with grandma so my mom could be in Fremont with us. We took everything over to the fairgrounds and then the boys picked to have dinner at Chuds. Of course no trip to Chud's is complete without Chud Spuds.
Mom's friend, Maria, joined us for dinner, and then we all headed over to Dairy Queen for dessert. We never did make it to Ice Scream Larry's this trip. But, Calib said it isn't even named that anymore, and it's not as good, so maybe we weren't really missing anything.
Sunday the plan was to spend the morning in Fremont and get some of our flower entries together, before heading up to Toledo for a visit with everyone. The boys made their fairy gardens for the show on Friday. Peyton's Hobbit Hole was amazing. I'm pretty sad we couldn't bring it home. We have to recreate this at home! He did win first on it, but we only got to see it on Skype, because we had to leave before it was judged.
Hayden's fairy garden was pretty cute too. He took home second.
My mom's friend's daughter, Nicole, had been staying at the house inbetween some moves. So not only was Nicole there, but her dog, Merlin, was there too. The boys enjoyed playing with Merlin, it was a nice extra something-to-do for them.
We headed up to Toledo, but grandma wasn't having the best day. That was ok, we had brought along things to work on some more fair entries. The boys made their marshmallow creations and their decorated rice crispy treats. Hayden made emoji rice crispies, while Peyton went with minions.
Peyton worked on gluing marshmallows to a Styrofoam ball I had brought from home. His idea was to make a hot air balloon. Hayden used another styrofoam ball and cut it to make his look like a hamburger, complete with a rice crispy patty. But, he wanted to paint it, and I hadn't brought any with me, so we had to put that one on pause.
For dinner mom took us to get take out at the new Tony Packo's, a Toledo staple that I'm not sure the boys had ever eaten at. This one just opened, like days before, so mom hadn't been here yet. We looked through all the signed hot dog buns (the boys were quick to find the Donald Trump signed one).
We took out takeout back to grandmas and ate out on the porch. The boys are now Tony Packo fans. Peyton didn't love the hot dog (he's not a hot dog person), but he said the chili cheese fries were excellent.
When we got back to Fremont that night, the boys spent some more time playing with Merlin.
Monday our plan was to stay in Fremont and finish up our fair projects that had to be in on Tuesday. We still had flowers to do, cookie jars to make, and Hayden had to paint his marshmallow creation hamburger.
Monday was also solar eclipse day. Fremont was only going to see a partial eclipse, with somewhere around 80%. Aunt Bonnie had given us a pair of glasses to share to check it out. So we sat out and worked on our fair projects while taking turns checking out the eclipse, and watching the total eclipse on mom's ipad.
We had a mix of sun and clouds, but most of the time you could see it well enough from the backyard.
Of course, leave it to my mom to decide to multitask during an eclipse, she decided it was the best time to clean out her gutters.
The solar eclipse was cool from where we were, and here in Florida, it wasn't much different. But, the one in 7 years goes right through Fremont, so mom's house is going to become the premier eclipse watching place for the Waterstrauts.
It was later in the afternoon when mom got a call from the fairgrounds. Garrett's star wars collection had won Best of Show! They wanted to know if we would come to the fairgrounds to move his collection from the current case it was in, and over to the Best of Show case. Hayden was happy to help.
We helped Maria move some things from her house to the fairgrounds, and had dinner at Pizza Palace before coming back to mom's to work on some more flower arrangements.
Tuesday morning was fair day. We took all the entries in that were due that morning, and then the boys were off to see their ribbons. Our first stop was the art building.
Hayden won 3rd place on his Owls (Pen/Marker entry), and 1st place on his Pokemon drawing in Miscellaneous. Fun story: I thought his owls were better in the pen/marker category than the Pokemon, so I tagged the owls as such. I wasn't even going to enter the Pokemon, but he had a random 'Miscellaneous' tag he wasn't using, so I decided to throw the drawing in, and then it won first place!
Most of Hayden's drawings he did at home, but I had packed our charcoal pencils in case he wanted to do one last minute. He literally did a youtube tutorial on his bear drawing a couple of hours before entries were due, and he won first place.
His pastel sunflower and his oil painting trees both won second place in their respective categories.
His sunflower won 2nd for paper design, and his bird from art week won 2nd in recycled sculpture.
Peyton didn't enter as much artwork. After much annoyance from me, he threw together a paint chip peacock for paper design the morning entries were due, and then won second place on it.
His acrylic paint, spray paint and dish soap art from art week won him a first, as did his colored pencil design (which was good, that one took him days to complete!)
Peyton entered some photography too. His ice cream 'perfect swirl' he took on his phone on the cruise ship earned him a 2nd place in the 'extreme close up' category, while the dip kiss picture of Asa and I on the secret beach in Hawaii won 2nd (that's currently my Facebook cover photo too!)
Over in collections, Peyton's Harry Potter stuff won second. (I know he was disappointed, but you can't always win Best of Show, even if you won it on your first try).
His collection of pens from all over the country earned him a first place.
I didn't have the room to bring much in the way of collections, so I encouraged Hayden to enter a postcard collection. It was a small, easy to take, and you get to write a card talking about your collection. Hayden explained our country project, and displayed some of his postcards, along with some of the one's we've received from around the world. He won first place.
Over in the arts and crafts building, Peyton took a first on his Buccaneers memory jar, while Hayden got second on his presidents jar. Peyton also did a hot glue/spray painted board. I should have taken a picture close up, because it was pretty cool. But, it's way there in the back (it looks like a long blue stick). Hayden also won second on his stuffed owl we made out of socks for George H.W. Bush's birthday, and an honorable mention on his fresco from art week.
We grabbed lunch at the fair. The plan was that mom was going to stay and help with putting the ribbons on in the flower building, while we went to the Detroit Airport to pick up Asa and Calib. But, she was needed in Toledo so she headed out there, and the boys and I went to Detroit. Since we didn't fly in there (and we weren't flying out from there), it was our only stop Michigan this trip. No trip up north is complete without seeing the 'grey skies of the Motor City'.
We collected Asa and Calib. Since they flew in to Detroit, it was a much shorter trip to grandmas house to Toledo this time around. She had a rough morning, but was doing well enough by the time we got there to visit with all of us. Asa always brings the laughs, so everyone is always happy to see him.
After our visit, we headed back to Fremont while mom stayed in Toledo. She was there the rest of the trip, so we kind of had to wing it with our plans. We weren't really sure when we would be needed where and what/when/where we could help, so we had to play everything beyond that by ear. I'm sorry if we had planned on seeing you, but it didn't work out. Hopefully next time around.
We did make time Tuesday night to go back to the fair on our way into Fremont, so Calib could see his winnings. He's 'aged-up' out of a lot of categories, so he didn't have as much to enter. But, his paper design tree he made out of a shopping bag and paper towel roll won second.
His pineapple picture from the Dole Plantation won second in black and white botanicals, and his picture of rocks at Volcanoes National Park won in black and white abstract.
Over in the hobbies and crafts, Peyton and Calib were up against each other in recycled sculptures. Peyton's seahorse from art week took first, while Calib's wire sculpture from art week took second.
Since we left before the judging of everything in the flower building, we got to check out how the boys had done there. Hayden's marshmallow hamburger won 2nd, as did Peyton's hot air balloon.
Their flowers were the only two entries in all three categories. Hayden's terrarium beat out Peyton's.
Hayden also took first with his bear flower arrangement.
But Peyton's Black Eyed Susan arrangement beat Hayden's.
Mom wasn't there to see how she did, so we had to check on all of her's for her.
We hadn't gotten to pet any animals before we headed off to the airport, so we spent some time going through the barns. We saw the goats and the cows.
They were bigger fans of us than the sheep and the pigs. But we did coerce a couple of sheep into getting some pets.
And Peyton found a preoccupied pig. (He was REALLY into licking his neighbors ear.)
We thought about eating at the fair, but Asa and Calib had limited meals in Ohio and they were upset they had missed Chuds. So, we compromised with some lemon shake ups before heading over to Chuds.
Back at moms it was a bit of a different trip. Nicole was in the midst of her move and mom wasn't there, so we found some interesting ways to entertain ourselves. Calib also determined that he could get a cell signal if he laid at the top of the stairs (desperate times call for desperate measures!)
Ok, now, a trip to Ohio just doesn't feel like a trip to Ohio without a trip to Cedar Point. (It's my favorite place in the state, for sure. So many good memories there!) We had contemplated staying in one of the hotels, but we were non-committal. Good thing, because with mom in Toledo all week instead of in Fremont, plans had to be changed last minute. We were planning on Cedar Point Thursday, staying over, and being part way to the Cleveland airport when we woke up Friday morning. But, someone had to take the stuff out of the flower building at the fair on Thursday night, and we were pretty much the only option. So last minute on Tuesday night we decided we'd have to go to Cedar Point on Wednesday. Surprise!
The park was open 10-8 that day, so we planned on maximizing our time and being there open to close.
Hayden doesn't do the big rides, so the pictures are mostly just me and him. I told Asa to take pictures of Calib and Peyton and I got one, of them making funny faces in line for the Gemini.
Allison had planned on joining us, and we were happy she was able to come even though we changed our plans and flipped our days on such short notice. We always love spending time with Allison. She's honorary family!
After meeting up with Allison, we stopped by the petting farm. This sure is a lot different from the goat and sheep area my Sneak Peekers used to hide in.
And um, when did they get camels? And where do these guys go in the winter?
I was a bit worried, without staying on point, that Hayden and I would have a hard time filling our day while everyone else went on roller coasters. But it actually worked out really well. He does enough little ones, plenty of spiny rides, and the cars and such that we would just stay in the general area with everyone else and just do the other things offered. (Hayden was funny when I took his picture in the cars he was like 'mom, I have to keep my eyes on the road!)
By now it was lunch time, and what better place to get lunch than the Happy Friar? Cedar Point is lacking in food options, especially if you're used to Disney. But, the mini corn dogs and cheese fries is all you need, so you don't really miss all that other stuff. (Well, at least for a quick trip, anyway).
Hayden and I were then off to Camp Snoopy, home of my first job ever (way back in 1999, yikes).
It was the first summer for Camp Snoopy back then, and I worked in the tiny little ride photo booth off the Woodstock Express. I worked with some awesome people that summer (shout out to Terri, Petrey, and Pagel!)
Also weird, my youngest child is now nearly as tall as the Peanuts characters. And those trees that were just itty bitty babies that first summer, now shade the whole area.
Hayden decided he wanted to go on all the rides that spin. I was like 'cool, I'll watch.' I can do small roller coasters and not get terribly motion sick, but those rides that spin are a big no-no.
Case and point- the Witches Wheel. It's the spinny ride for adults, and it is terrible. Allison talked Calib into going on it, and it made them both sick. (Calib said he'd totally do it again though. I'm not so sure Allison would).
The rest of us just watched from a distance.
There were a lot of rides that went down when we were there (for real, at one point it was 5 of them at once!), but by the time we got back over to the Dragster it was just opening. Perfect timing, as the line was low. This is the only coaster at Cedar Point I've never been on. I think I'll keep it that way.
Countinuing his tour of rides that spin, Hayden convinced his brothers and Asa to join him for at least one. (Do you see how excited Peyton is about this? He'd much rather be riding coasters).
I, however, have a favorite. I love the Windseeker. It's just a really, really tall set of swings, and it's amazing. Peyton even went on it, and he hates it. I hear they're building one like it in Orlando, but even taller. Yay!
We were back at the front of park, so we hit those roller coasters. Usually I love the Raptor, but everyone warned me it was getting really bumpy.
Of course the front of the park meant a trip to Sneak Peeks. After my two years in ride photo, I worked the front gate photo, which is where I meant Asa, right behind that green door. (Fun fact: the floor is still the ugly yellow and red checkered floor). Oh, memories.
Because of my stint in Camp Snoopy, I usually try and pick up something from the Snoopy Boutique while I'm visiting. I didn't like the french fries shirt, but the printing on it was great. Instead, I got a Linus coffee mug, and Allison bought me a magnet, so once again we could be magnet twinsies. It's kind of our thing now. (Fun fact: I was looking at a specific magnet to buy WHILE Allison was buying the exact same magnet to surprise me).
While everyone else went off to some big coasters, Hayden and I took a trip around the park on the train.
It takes you back past the Mean Streak, which is being redone and turned into a new coaster for next year. (Though, we did notice the ride photo still has the 'Mean Streak Ride Photo' signage up).
I then took Hayden for another spin on the Iron Dragon, and grabbed him a corn dog for dinner. We kind of lived off cheese fries and mini corn dogs for our Cedar Point day.
Allison had missed the first morning ride of Millennium Force, so she had hoped everyone would ride it again. It's one of Peyton's favorites, so he was happy to ride it again.
Poor Allison had an upset stomach permanently after her ride on the Witches Wheel, but she didn't let that stop her from her Dippin Dots.
It was nearing closing time, so Allison was headed home, and Calib was all roller coasted out. Peyton, however, was begging Asa for one more trip on the Dragster. Asa, who was also roller coastered out, but being the awesome dad that he is, took Peyton while the rest of us headed to the front of the park.
Hayden took me on a spin on the second set of Antique Cars while we waited.
Cedar Point at night is actually my favorite. I spent a lot of time in this park after close with various friends. But, with an 8 pm close we weren't there much past sunset. (Sunset is pretty awesome at Cedar Point too, though).
The park was just minutes from close when we decided to get one more order of mini corn dogs and cheese fries. We won't have it again for nearly a year, at least.
Despite the change in plans, we had an awesome day at Cedar Point. Until next time.
The boys love Toft's ice cream (and chocolate milk for that matter), so they asked if we could stop on our way back to Fremont.
Everyone was pleased with their 'kid sized' ice cream cubs. For real, that's a kid sized at Toft's. That's just bananas.
The next morning Asa went out to get some coffee, and we enjoyed it out on the deck. It was really nice to get out of the greenhouse that is Florida for a few days. I can't wait until we get cooler weather.
Since mom wasn't at her house, we took it upon ourselves to do some chores and water the plants.
Fun story: Mom has inadvertently grown corn. I'm guessing one of those pesky squirrels who are always digging in her plants is to blame.
I offered the boys a few dollars to help out. They like walking down two blocks to the little store on the corner to get some candy, so they were pleased with the deal.
That morning we headed to the fair to grab the judging book so mom could tally the points for the flower show to determine who would get the trophies and awards. She's done it for years, so I picked up the book, we did the points (with a little help from Aunt Patti), and then took it back to the fairgrounds. Grandma was having a good day while we were there, so we were all able to visit with her. As an added bonus, I got to see all my mom's siblings, which doesn't happen everyday.
We had to leave SUPER early Friday morning, so we couldn't be in Fremont to put things in for the second flower show. I wanted to make things easy on mom, especially since she would have to pick everything up at the end of the fair since we would be home, and suggested we just not do the second flower show. But, mom said we could drop them off Thursday night (she knows people), and the boys might as well do it for the premiums.
So when we got back to the house, Peyton and Hayden put together two more arrangements (their fairy gardens were already done.)
While Peyton and Hayden worked on that, Calib asked if he could 'go adventuring' upstairs. I said sure, and he showed back up with a trombone, rice hats, a baseball with a hole drilled throw it, and sombreros. But it did entertain them. (They also showed up with random pictures and stuff from my high school years, along with a bunch of questions about said high school memorabilia.)
My cousin, Jake, wasn't able to make it to Cedar Point on Wednesday, so he came up to visit with us on Thursday. He always drives all the way up from Columbus whenever we're there, and we appreciate the effort. It's always nice to see Jake. We had dinner at the 'Beef, It's What's For Dinner' tent, though I felt slightly bad about eating a burger in that close of proximity to a cow. Sorry, buddy!
We made our way through the barns one more time (see how excited Calib is to be in the poultry building? 17 years old and still scared of any and all birds!)
Before we left, I requested an elephant ear, so of course Asa obliged. I had plenty of people to help eat it.
Asa and I went back to the fair later that night to get the old flowers out, and bring the new flowers in. After that it was just about packing up and cleaning up, because we had to be up early-- not even bright and early, because it wasn't bright yet. We got up at 4:30 to leave the house around 5, to get to the airport by 6:30 to return our rental car, and be on our flight at 8:30.
Oh, and it was fricken cold. I was not prepared for it being in the 50s when we woke up Friday morning. I mean stepping out of the greenhouse is one thing, but holy geez, that felt super chilly.
We got to our gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight home was very uneventful, which was great, because it was super bumpy on the way to Ohio.
We landed around 11, so we had time for a quick lunch trip to PDQ before heading home in time for Asa to clock in at 1. It was very long day, but it maximized our time in Ohio. Yay for three day weekends.
Oh, and shout out to Tracy for watching our furry family members. It's good to be home, and our current plans are not to go anywhere for a couple months, something I'm not too mad about.
That's it for our Ohio trip. It took awhile to write, so if you made it to the end, way to go!
Next Up: Not a whole lot. But, Calib has been going around telling everyone it's a big week: "I've got class, the fantasy football draft, hardknocks is on, I'm getting my bottom braces..." Apparently that counts as a 'big week'.
