We're back!

Thursday night we returned from a fabulous trip up to Ohio. We were gone for 12 days and each day was filled with something new, fun, and exciting. I think Rylan averaged about 2.5 hour naps each day because he was so exhausted from all of the activity. He did an amazing job considering how long we were gone and I could not have asked for it to go any better.

There is something to be said for visiting family and friends NOT surrounding a holiday event. It is nice to not have a schedule that revolves around major gatherings and food :). We did not plan on doing anything major (well one thing ;-)), and just took it day by day. I can honestly say that it was probably the nicest family vacation we have had yet!

The first part of the week consisted of projects around the house, family time, EnterTRAINment Junction, and the zoo. Rylan is big into trains right now and EnterTRAINment Junction was the perfect place to take a little boy that loves trains. Not only did they have a huge train display that he loved to look at, but they also had a couple of little train rides that he really loved. He also really enjoyed playing with the wooden Thomas the Train sets that were displayed. We also went of the Cinci Zoo with Jason's buddy Chris, his wife Kim, and their 2 year old daughter Ava. As you will see in the pics and videos, it was a big hit! The highlights included feeding nectar to birds that landed all over you, feeding the giraffe, and holding hands with Ava.

The later part of the week Jason and I were able to go on a little date and we also had family pictures taken. They should be ready pretty soon and I will post a link to them once I get them. I am pretty sure that they will be very cute...can't wait to see them! The one big event that was scheduled was Jason's birthday. I threw a little surprise party for Jason's 30th with the help of J's family and Chris. It turned out really well and he had absolutely no idea. We celebrated at the Eckel house with family and close friends and then ended up at a local bar toward the end of the evening. The little kids had a blast and it was just a great day! Jason said, "it was the best birthday I have ever had." That made me feel really good and I am so happy that I was able to pull it off. I could have never accomplished it without everyone's help, so thank you!

The last few days of our stay were spent with the Wood family in Massillon, OH. Rylan and I took Missi's van and made the 3.5 hour trip on Monday morning. He is a great little traveler. We had so much fun visiting Ashlyn, Katie, and Mike. We went to music class, gym class, and played in the baby pool. Rylan also got a good lesson about feeding baby dolls, having a tea party, and playing "kitchen." I really enjoyed my time with Katie and we miss them already.

Thank you to Missi and Pop, Aunt Jenny, and Katie and Mike for the great vacation. We had a great time and appreciate your thoughtfulness and hospitality. We hope you enjoy the new pics and videos!

My day...

What a day I had today! My Mama came and got me out of bed around 8 this morning. I had my normal milk, pancake, and 1/2 of a banana while watching "Super Why" and "Clifford." I am really learning a lot about letters and the sounds that they make with that "Super Why" show. I keep showing off to my Mama every now and then by picking up a letter and making its' sound :). I really like to keep as much as I can from her to drive her crazy!

Anyways, it was time for gym and she kept giving me this lecture about how I better listen to her and Coach Kerri today or we would leave gym. I think I heard the darn thing about three times and we had not even made it there yet! I got it already! I guess I will try to be a good boy today.

I always get super excited when we pull in the parking lot at gym. There are construction trucks next door working on a new building. I love to see the cement trucks and diggers and listen to them back up and push things around.

When I got to gym, I was happy to see Coach Kerri and my friends, especially Madeline. I have come to really like her. She always gives me a nice big smile and we like to have fun! Gym class went on as usual as we crawled through mats, jumped in the pit, bounced on the trampolines, played on the mountain, and walked on the balance beams. The best part of class is the end though when we get to do bubbles and sing the "Bye Bye" song. I love to chase those things around and pop 'em. They are so little and fun! I also love to get the stamps on my toes, hands, and belly at the very end of class.

My Mama did her usual "give hugs and kisses" as we were getting up to leave. I usually don't listen and give out high fives to everyone instead. I always make sure not to miss anyone either. It is important to be nice to everyone. Today I decided to be different though. I marched right up to Coach Kerri and gave her a big kiss right on the lips. I also walked over to Madeline's mom to kiss her. She tried to turn her cheek, but I followed her lips and made her kiss me right on the lips. I don't know why everyone was laughing so hard. Then they all told me to kiss Madeline. I wasn't so sure about that. She followed me over to the wall and we stood shoulder to shoulder thinking about it. We kept giving each other this weird look. She ended up walking away first, and I followed. Then, you know what happened? She turned around, put her hands on my shoulders, and kissed me. I decided that to be nice, I should kiss her back. What is so funny? You told me I should listen to you today!

What a great day....and it was only 10:15!

Mama posted videos and pictures. Make sure you look at all FIVE on the top row!