We celebrated a day early because Rob was leaving today to Atlanta for work
but it was extra nice because my parents, siblings, Tiffany, Dallas and Kailynn, Janet
and their kiddos were able to join us for a fun little birthday get-together. 

We had cookie cake (a Norr child favorite!) but Tyler wanted his own little cake and picked out this cute little doggie.

Ty couldn't wait to open his presents.  He pretty much had most of them figured out
because it isn't hard to shake a box and not know that there are leggos inside.  He
is obsessed with Star Wars- the Clone Wars right now and loves the leggos that go
along with them.  He loves to build with them and Eric is finally loving it with him.
(Eric never got into them too much, that would require sitting still for a few minutes...)










 

Our next and final leg of the trip was Ohio to visit my sweet and wonderful cousin Kelly Jo
and her awesome family.  I'd plan to visit two summer's ago but wasn't able to.  She is
probably one of the sweetest people in the world.  It was great to see them.

Sunday night I got to see my Uncle Eddie as he was visiting.  He taught us all how to play
Texas Hold 'em.  Eric especially liked that game.


Monday, the kids played all day. They had so much fun with toy guns playing Star Wars.
We went to their community pool and I got to relax a little and read my book.




That night, we ate outside (we ate out in the backyard three night in a row, the weather was
so nice) and then roasted marshmallow and had s'mores.  I really love those things and it
was fun to see my kids loving them too.



Tuesday, Bob, Tanner and Dustin took us to the Cleveland Zoo while Rob and Kelly worked.  It was really great zoo! 
Tyler especially liked the Dinosaur exhibit and Natalie and Eric loved the Australian section.  Natalie and I both loved the giraffes.
They are my favorite!



Tyler played for about 5 minutes with this beaver.  The beaver would go down when Tyler went down
and then come up when Tyler would stand up.  It was fun to watch.



And, we caught this cool pose of Dustin at the zoo

unlike the scary face he painted on himself later that night to scare the crud out of his Aunt Casey.



One of the highlights of our time in Ohio was seeing my dear Aunt Cathie.  She has always been one of my very
favorite people in the whole world and I have such great memories with her.  She still shines as bright as she ever
has and it was such a treat to be able to see her and introduce her to my family.  I probably haven't seen her for 20 years.



We made Uncle Bob a Texas sheet cake for his birthday when we found out how much he likes chocolate.


Wednesday was our last day to play before our 18 hours trip home, so we took the opportunity to
visit Kirtland, Ohio where Joseph Smith and the early saints built the first modern day temple for the Mormon
Church.  I'm so glad we took the time to visit this historical place as it was a faith building experience for me

to remember all of the hard work and faith those wonderful people had and kept throughout all of their trials.




Thanks Kelly and Bob for a great time in Ohio is was so great to spend time with you in your home!
WHAT A FANTASTIC SUMMER VACATION!