Nomading Midwest Trip, Day 7 and 8: Cincinnati

After the weekend in Ashland, we left Monday morning for Cincinnati. The route took us across the Ohio River into Ohio, then back across the river into Kentucky, then back across the river into Ohio.

We stayed with my cousin Michael and his wife, Clara. The kids enjoyed playing with two-year-old Suzie, goofing around and talking with Michael. Prior to arriving, I told the kids who's house we were going to and they all got so excited for Michael. I've never seen them so bonded to one of my cousins. Michael really takes time to connect with them, play with them, be goofy.

Tuesday morning, I took the kids to Loveland Castle. I've been several times, taken the kids once three years ago. It was time to refresh this experience for the younger ones. One and Two actually had memories and knew specific things they wanted to see and do; the others loved seeing a castle for the first time.

{One, Four, Three, Five, Two}

Pictures in the garden

{One}

{Thora}

{Five}

{Two}

{Three}

{One, Four, me, Two, Three, Five}

{Two}

{Four}

{Five}

{One}

After the castle, we met up with Clara and Suzie at the Children's Museum. Loads of water, groceries, construction, lemonade stand, art, vehicles, giant teeth to climb on, balls. You know, the standard. I didn't take pictures, but we were there for several hours. One and Two did learn about dams with me...how dams generate energy, but also flood a lot of the surrounding area.

We were late in meeting Rex and Delsi after dinner (another cousin and his wife) because kids were very chatty with Michael. Rex picked a fun park for us because I told him that would be a good activity with all my small humans. There was a treehouse with a raccoon lounging on top! It's up on the right by the tree. 

All the way on the right near the edge.

We had a blast at the park. All of us were a little surprised when Delsi wanted to play. It was our first time meeting Delsi and we're mostly accustomed to park dates with friends meaning the kids play and the adults sit and talk. Delsi was ready to play and kept suggesting a new game to play when one game ran its course. We played crocodile, freeze tag, house, and talent show. Not sure if she came up with those last two because by that point Rex and I were doing the adults-sit-and-talk game. When we were ready to leave the park (all sweaty from the heat and humidity), Rex discreetly asked if ice cream was okay. They took us to Graeter's and there was even sorbet for Sam! 

After ice cream, we all said goodbyes, took some pictures, then Delsi got all smiley and said, "Reeeeex….!" We got invited to have a sleepover with them the next night. I'm pretty sure that everyone is just stinkin in love with Delsi.

{Four, Rex, Two, One, Five, Delsi, Four}

Goofy picture

And the Sad Picture for Four.