Paddlefest 2013

At the end of June, we paddled 8.6 miles down the Ohio River to downtown Cincinnati.  It's one of our favorite events in Cincinnati, and Gavin paddled with us this year.

 

 

 

We stopped about half-way and picked up Molly for a little jaunt around the river and back.  She's now convinced that she's going with us next year.  We may need two boats!

 



Gavin's First Swim Meet

Gavin swam in his first swim meet in July.  With a little extra encouragement from Dad, he did a great job coming off the diving block and getting across the pool to where Mom was taking rapid fire pictures!  We must have at least 50 pictures of him coming up Lane 3!

 

 

 

 

Way to go, Gavin!

 

Road Trip to Niagara Falls & Toronto!

After a fun two days in Boston, we continued our road trip to Niagara Falls.  Due to limited breakfast options on the U.S. side, we ended up seeing the Falls from the Canadian side. 

 

The Falls were so amazing!  And, the kids couldn't believe how loud they were!

Next time, we promised that we'll venture into the Falls on the Maid of the Mist.

After we left Niagara Falls, we headed north to Toronto.  We had a great time checking out this cool, outdoorsy big city.  We met some new and old friends there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping at Roots and Hudson Bay.  Molly says, "Shop 'til you drop!"

 

 

 

And, we loved all of Toronto's international food options.  This place had the BEST Chinese dumplings!

 

 

Checking out Lake Ontario.

 

Gavin's fourth major league ballpark (and second of the week!). 

 

Watching the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.

 

Meeting a member of the RCMP -- a very unusual Mounty!

 

 

Taking in the views at the CN Tower in downtown Toronto.

 

 

Climbing the boards at the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame.

 

 

Coming out of our shells at the Toronto Zoo!

 

 

 

 

Boston with Mallory!

After spending a couple of days in Connecticut for Grammy's retirement weekend, we started a long road trip home by staying in Boston for a night with Mallory.  We visited lots of great sights, including the Boston Aquarium, the Children's Museum, the Swan boats, and a game at Fenway. 

Happy kiddos at the Aquarium

 

 

Who's the tortoise and the hare?

 

A fun stop at the Splash Park after picking up cannolis at Mike's Pastry Shop.

Gavin's third ballpark -- historic Fenway!

 

He and Rob stayed until the end and sang "Sweet Caroline" together.  Molly and Jen rode back in a pedi-cab with Mallory and Emily.

 

 

Having fun at the Children's Museum.

 

Riding in the famous Swan boats.

And, last but not least, a trip to say hello to Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings.

 

It was a blast!  We can't wait to do it again!