Devils Head Peak Hike & Summer Days

Summer is the time when I am a full time stay at home mom!  We have kept really busy in the past few weeks.  I really get cabin fever sitting at home all day, so I try and get out as much as possible with my little 8 month old.  We usually do one activity a day plus some type of workout, usually running or pure barre.  I have gotten really good at running with the running stroller and now instead of doing just 3 miles, I am up to 4-6 and moving at a much faster pace.  I also attribute that to getting in better running shape as well.

Summer Days playing at our house 

Practicing walking with daddy 

On Saturday (June 13th), we did Devil's Head Hike.  It is relatively easy and short (about 3 miles round trip) but is pretty much straight uphill the way up.  Also there are 143 steps to climb at the end to get to the fire tower.  These were open air steps, so I was too focused on being freaked out than to feel the burn of climbing the stairs.  I am definitely scared of heights and it seems to be getting worse with age.

Top of the peak. 

 Mid hike picnic 

Avery (our dog) is such a good girl on hikes. 

Highly recommend our hiking pack to carry Alex (it is called the Kelty K3 Carrier) 

       

Ohio Part 2

So, even though we were in Ohio almost 3 weeks ago, I wanted to add these pictures from our trip of the Fast side of the family.  My sister took many of the pictures on my side, which was why I had so many of the Markley side :)

Alex's cousins 

Emmy-3, Corri-9, Grace-11, Mya-6, and Alex, Brandon, Stephanie, Aunty Cathy, Uncle Al

The Vermilya's (Alex's aunt and uncle) loving on Alex

Grace, Alex, Cathy 

Nick (Brandon's oldest brother) cute little family (minus Kelcee) 

Alex's Great Grandparents Bill & Dana

Grandma Suz!

Trip to Ohio Part 1.

We go back to Ohio several times per year to visit family, including this past week.  Even though we were only there for 5 days, we packed a lot into the time there and took a ton of pictures, so I am going to break this post into 2 posts!  It is both a blessing and a curse that both Brandon and my families live within 30 minutes of each other.  It is great to see everyone in one trip, but it makes it quite hectic and sometimes we don't get to spend enough time with everyone.  Nonetheless, we are always quite fortunate to see everyone and always have the best time.

While in Mansfield, we did some very "Mansfield-esque" things, that I would have found pretty boring pre-baby, but now with Alex, I like to experience the unique things that I grew up doing.  Warning, overload of pictures (primarily Alex :) )This included going to Kingwood Center, the Mansfield Carousel and the Blueberry Patch.  While also in Ohio we visited with all of our family and friends, Brandon golfed (several times), fished with his brothers and dad and we went to Sara and Jay (our good friends) wedding. WHEW it was busy!

My mom and Alex in downtown Mansfield 

Hi, Grandpa. 

Loves her auntie Amanda SO MUCH. 

One of the things we did was go to the Carousel, but Alex was too little to ride solo {or even with me on animals} so we rode on the little bench. 

'

Outside the Mansfield Carousel. 

Let me practice my standing skills.

I woke up like this. 

                                                                                   I REALLY LOVE MY AUNT AMANDA! I also love my Aunt Cathy (not featured on this post- coming soon :) )

Playing on my parents deck. 

The Fast Men with their catches.  I am dying that I cannot eat those delicious walleye since we can't really fly back with those, haha. 

My friend Hollie met up with us at Panera for a coffee date.  Love getting together with her whenever we go back to Ohio.  We've been friends since 5th grade and we met through my mom and playing cello.  We have so many memories throughout the years and I cherish this lifelong friendship.

Now for the wedding pictures.  Since we don't get dressed up too often these days, we had to take some family pictures beforehand.  

Loves her dad! 

And her mom :) 

SELFIE GAME. 

The reason for the wedding! Jay & Sara Greenberg.  Literally such a gorgeous wedding. Elegant, chic, perfect. Sara looked stunning and we had so much fun!  

Known this girl for 11 years now! We met freshman year at BW. 

 WHAT?! We're old. 

Actually known all these girls since Fall of 04. We were all Alpha Phi's at BW and so happy we've all maintained our friendships. 

A candid to show you how pretty Landerhaven (Wedding location) was!