A museum dedicated to children? In Cleveland?

Cleveland's landmark museums are are some of the best in the country -- even the world. For example, Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and of course, our most famous museum, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. So when Becky told me our Holiday break plans included a trip to the CLEVELAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM with Emma (and her cousins), I looked at her and said, "OK, but where in the world is there a children's museum in Cleveland?" 

 

Once I hit up Google, I knew exactly where it was. 10730 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH  44106-2200 (In University Circle). However, I still couldn't picture the building. Since I'm so accustomed to driving downtown to Cleveland Clinic for work, I was sure I would recognize or at least recall seeing signs and the building. Needless to say, that was not the case. Tucked on a little plot of land in the heart of University Circle, was a trailer/construction zone/bubble dome/condemned looking building that had a small sign out front that read, The Children's Museum of Cleveland. We were here. My wife's cousin looked at us as we got out of the car and said, "Don't let the building's appearance fool you, it's roomy inside and full of fun things for the kids to play with!" So, off we went!

 

Inside, we were greeted by the friendliest staff members. We paid our $7 admission (per person) and off we went.....

 

 Love that smile! She was playing in the sand kitchen.

 Emma, for whatever reason, was terrified of the sand. So we had to sit her on foam blocks.



 Little diva playing in the sand.

 Emma's big cousin Katie building a sand turtle.

 The shell of the turtle.

 This was the hospital room. Emma was busy at work!

 Katie dressing the dolls.

 There's that smile again:)

 Katie & Emma playing in the water. Of course, Emma had to taste!

 The water table was Emma's favorite!

 Too cute! Or nap time.

Emma playing hide & seek!

What are you thankful for this Holiday?

Thanksgiving, known to many of us as "Turkey Day", has more meaning than just sleeping in, eating great food and watching football all day. It's a holiday that allows each and everyone one of us, regardless of religion, to stop for one moment and express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to family and friends. For others, it may mean something totally different (which is okay!), but for me, it's all about FAMILY & FRIENDS! Which I am very thankful for! Okay, so I'd be lying if I didn't say I do enjoy the food and football all day long on Thanksgiving as well. There, I said it. 

 

To my Family:

I couldn't ask for anything better. Loving, beautiful wife, BEST daughter EVER, cutest dog, dumbest cats (sorry, three cute [coughing...] cats), awesome parents, siblings, nephews, nieces, in-laws, aunts, uncles, etc.  

 

To my Friends:

Well, what can I say. YOU ROCK! Much love.

 

To my Tweeps: 

All 332 of you listen to my rants everyday. For that, I say thanks! 

 

To my FB Friends:

Aren't all the pictures of my daughter adorable:) I give my thanks and gratitude to all of you as well.

 

So, this Holiday, take a moment away from yourself for once and give thanks to all who mean so much to you.    

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!

 

P.S. You didn't think I would end this post without some pictures, did you! Enjoy these past and present pics of the family.

 

 

Lion's and Tiger's and Bear's...and Ghost and Goblin's too! OH MY!

Our family had a SPOOKtacular time at Boo at the Zoo in Cleveland. The staff did an amazing job transforming the zoo into a fun-filled Halloween extravaganza!   



Emma and her cousin Katie getting ready at the house.



The double seated wagon was a hit! Katie was Tinker Bell and Emma was a little Kitty:)



Some randoms: Buzz Light Year, The Incredibles, a Nurse, a Puppy, etc.



My precious little kitty:) She had so much fun!

Happy Kitty!

The Fam walking the little kitty.

 

Emma's friend, the cheeseburger! No Emma! You can't eat that.



Meow!!!!! Priceless!

Momma Kitty and Baby Kitty. So, does Emma look more like mommy or daddy in this picture? You be the judge!

Serious Kitty!

Emma loved the dance party. Especially the bubbles falling from the ceiling.

And last but not least, the cute koala eating eucalyptus leaves.

Annual Trip to Patterson's Fruit Farm

Located in beautiful Geauga County (Chesterland) this popular farm market has become a fall tradition for many families. This past Sunday, we took our annual trip to Patterson's Fruit Farm. In my opinion, it's the best place around for apples, pumpkins, pies, cider, etc. Oh, and let's not forget about there homemade donuts! DELICIOUS!

Last year, it was pretty easy to photograph Emma as she was only 9-months old. So staging shots throughout the day was a piece of cake. This year, not so much! At 20-months (exactly today), she is constantly on the move.

The newly installed slide was a hit with all the kids this year. As you can see, it was like a jungle! And of course, Emma loved it. Again! Again! & Again!

Here's a great shot of Emma & Mommy in the pumpkin patch. I think Emma touched every single one!

 And Emma again touching all the pumpkins!

Daddy! Let me go! I want to play with all the pumpkins!

And Emma trying to pick up a pumpkin.

Family portrait! As you can see, Emma wanted back in the pumpkin patch!

And how do you resist those big beautiful blue eyes. Back to the pumpkin patch we go:)

Emma are you in there!!!! Kidding.

 I told you. She has to touch each and every pumpkin she sees!

Such a serious look. One of my favorites!

It's almost Halloween...

No, I'm not letting the secret out as to what little miss Emma will be for Halloween, but I did want to share a few cute photos of her enjoying some Halloween (fall) tradition. The first two pictures were taken before the clam bake party started. And the rest were taken as we were decorating the house.

 Love that smile...:)

                   

 This is Emma giving her pumpkin kisses!

 Trick or treat!

Daddy's little devil!

Emma is obsessed with these Halloween window clings. Every time we leave the house she has to take one with her (that's why you only see two in the photo!).  

Emma & Her 2 Favorite Cousins!

Emma's never really been a shy little girl. And now that she is super active, she loves to play with her cousins! Ryan is 3 (almost 4) and Katie is 4 (I believe). Emma loves to blow bubbles and draw with chalk. Well, drawing most of the time. She has a tendency to want to pick at the chalk and occasionally taste it as well. And when she plays with Ryan, she loves cars, trucks and trains. It's kind of funny how they alter what they play with based on who they are playing with. Ryan hasn't been introduced to Barbies yet, but soon enough (whether he likes it or not) she will have him playing Barbies:)