back in blogging business.

 Apparently- our computers only last four years. And one move.   But- we are back up and running with our first laptop ever.  We're moving along the technology spectrum :)

And now I've got so much blogging to catch up on.  And so many pictures.  I'll have to just start with today's adventures.

I really really love Dayton.  I will always miss Toledo and the friends I made there- but I'm finally finding my niche here and am perfectly happy.  The people, the ward, the YMCA, the parks, the area- ALL of it.  This is a really great place to live!!  I'm not sure why I am so lucky to have found such a perfect place all over again!

This weekend we decided to go exploring.  I love moving to a new place and finding all of the greatnesses (is that a word?).

Today was our outdoor day and started with a hike to Charleston falls.  This fabulous place is all of fifteen minutes from our house and was beautiful!!  A definite visitor attraction.

According to online pictures- the falls are usually bigger.  The rugrats loved them nonetheless!  This place must be stunning in the fall. I can't wait.

This kid is not in the best picture taking stage. That cheesy grin is pretty goofy looking.

Along the trail we found all sorts of fabulous insects.  Zeb stumbled upon a little caterpillar and was very excited.

We also saw some HUGE spiders and webs.

My favorite part of the day was the cave.  These little boys lost all sense of adventure and bravery the minute I put my hand in a bundle of spider webs and shrieked.  I didn't mean to spook the rugrats- but from that point on they were TERRIFIED.  Spooky spider webs and dark caves did not make for happy boys.  But it did make for laughing and tormenting parents.

See Zeb trying to escape my grasp?
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Then Kent went far enough into the cave that the boys couldn't see him and they were beside themselves sobbing and screaming.  While I took pictures and laughed.

The hike actually had some hills and bodies of water, surprisingly.  By the time we were headed back to the car the kids were EXHAUSTED- but they did really well considering it was getting hot.  They only asked to be held a few times!  But Zeb did keep complaining that his legs just felt 'soooo slow'.

 They were even pretty good to smile/pose for the camera occasionally.

 Zeb made us carry this huge rock forEVER.

 The only other tears occurred when Zeb was trying to be Superman with this tree. He let go of the trunk and it came flying up into his face. It was pretty sad.

 After the falls we visited a local 1880s working farm.  Those pictures will have to wait.