Cinco de Mayo, Music Class, Derby Hat contestand Zoo class

Miss A opening presents from Paula Maureen's recent trip to Seattle.  This was at our routine Friday night dinner at the B&G.

 The next day at Findlay Market where Paula Maureen is holding Audrey up to see the "lobbies" (lobsters).

 Saturday afternoon we went to the Cinco di Mayo festival on the square.

 Due to a late nap we missed many activities but she was happy to see Cookie Monster.  We decided to head down to Vine Street in Over the Rhine to see if any of the restaurants would be opened early for dinner.

 Not only were they opened they were packed.  We had dinner at 4:30 at A Tavola (pizza place one of our neighbors owns).

 Sunday was Derby Day at our church and the above picture shows the children hat contestants.  Both won.

 Close up of Miss A's prize winner hat.

 Blowing bubbles (one of the hat prizes) on our back patio.

 Below is a picture from her last Stroller Safari class this season at the Zoo.  They take a break over the summer due to the crowds.  Anyhow this class was Sharing Shapes.

The 3 banded armadillo that the children got to touch which represented an oval. 

This past Friday after dinner we went to Oakley Square because Jen was blowing up balloon animals for a neighborhood festival they celebrate.

I love this dress, which was her choice to wear this day.  It was a referral gift from one of my co-workers at Krohn. 

Above is my mother's day gift.  I love the size, smaller than an index card, and hope the case will help me protect it.  I have been so rough on cameras since becoming a mother.

Scooter is back, Zoo blooms, Wee Wednesday @ CAM, landlord lessons, cornhole, day with Paula Maureen & Lucy and Mt Adams Clean Up day

 Monday afternoon we retrieved the scooter from the storage unit.  Miss A thought it was interesting to learn about tire pumps and helmets. She is still talking about this days later.

She also looked like an overdecorated Easter egg in this outfit.  But in my defense it was cooler and I kept adding layers.

 Tuesday morning we went to the zoo.  Another odd outfit I dressed her in... snowflake vest over spring flower jacket.  We also took (and wore) gloves as it has recently cooled off again.  The Zoo looked fantastic with all the tulips in bloom.

 Audrey listening to  the zoo keeper (picture below) explain about the owl.

 Tuesday afternoon we went to Barnes and Nobel to pick up a book we ordered.  Miss A was excited to find a stage.

 And she performed and took a bow to an audience of one ... just mama.

 Wednesday morning we attended Wee Wednesday at the Art Museum.  It was a beautiful day so we were able to walk.  In this picture she is playing in the kids room on the ground floor.

 The theme this month was Water, earth, Sky.  I found another book I think I will get for Audrey, Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer.

 A typical expression.

 We had lunch at the museum afterwards.

  Wednesday after A's nap we had to take care of a plumbing issue at one of our apartments.  Above picture shows her watching Chitty Bang Bang. 

 This portable DVD player has been really useful.

  Friday am I found out the plumbing issue wasn't completely fixed (small washer issue) so we had to meet the plumber again.  We also had plans to meet up with Paula and Lucy, so they met us at the apartment.  Below, Lucy and Audrey are sunbathing on the tenants roof deck.

 And then we walked to our house to play corn hole on the back patio before lunch.

This afternoon we are planning on walking up to the art museum to see Monet exhibit and of course Nick Cave's sound suits.  Miss A loves Nick Cave.

We are soon taking this blog private so if you are interested in reading in the future send me an email for the password.

  Miss A mesmerized by the Nick Cave Soundsuit dance videos.  She often dances along with him too.

 Our traditional Friday night family dinner at the Grill.

  With our favorite waitress Em who predicts Audrey will be the Asian Oprah.

 Graeter's vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzle.

 Saturday morning we participated in the Mt Adams clean up. Above picture taken at Bow Tie where we all met for breakfast.

 The poster for the neighborhood art walk posted on Bow Tie's community corner.

 With Auntie Paula Maureen.  Paula prefers her name Maureen so we are converting by calling her both names for now.

  Miss A carrying a "tree" during clean up on Hatch Street.

 I sent these last 3 pictures to the Mt Adams garden club president who has forwarded them for consideration for The Grapevine (our neighborhood quarterly newsletter).

The Zoo, Miss A's request to see Soundsuits @ CAM Miss Kelly's, tuckpoint project continues and A Day in Pompeii @ CMC

 We had an hour to kill late  Monday afternoon so Audrey and I went to the zoo.  This is not a great picture but I included as Miss A said "smile elephant" when I took it.

 Below is Miss A climbing to touch the evergreen tree outside the safari restaurant.

 The tuck point job continues this week at our house.  They are doing a great job but it is somewhat noisy.  Audrey greets the contractors each day with a cheerful "hello  workers!".

 Tuesday she surprised by requesting to go see the soundsuits at the art museum.  It was rather convenient for me as I needed to buy my yoga pass that day too so we walked up there after her nap.  In the picture above she was watching the artist Nick Cave dance in his soundsuits (no way for me to explain) and she kept saying "this is interesting".  Just stunned me.  And prompted me to think about taking her to the new Pompeii exhibit opening Friday at the Museum Center.

 Wednesday at breakfast before Miss Kelly's library class.   Audrey has been congested but fine otherwise.  I on the other was starting to feel miserable particulary on this day.

 So we stayed home Wednesday afternoon and Thursday... well except running a few errands.

  Look no hands.  Impressive for this little "safety girl".

  Thursday night after dinner we walked in the garden to see what has started blooming (crocus and hyacinths, daffodil and tulips are poking up too).  We also saw just how much clean up we are going to have to do soon.

Friday morning John came with us to the Museum Center to see "A Day in Pompeii".  We really enjoyed the exhibit.  My mom and I traveled to Italy in 1984 and took a walking tour of Pompeii.  One of the things I remember about that tour was it was 112 degrees that day but not so uncomfortable as the humidity was very low. 

 We toured in the morning as we are expected to get some severe storms this afternoon.

 There were three 8 minute videos throughout the exhibit. 

 Stickers and a book helped keep Miss A entertained.

 Afterwards we went to the Bar and Grill for lunch.

 Miss A the shameless double dipper for ranch dressing.