Friday, June 30, 2017

53 Days of Summer- Shawnee Prairie Preserve

Great Adventure in Great Outdoors!


This place. OMG. Make time to check this out because it is 100% worth your time. Located in Greenville, Ohio, Shawnee Prairie Preserve and Nature Center was beautiful. As a photographer I was IN LOVE.  I couldn't decide what I loved more, the log cabins and fences or the wildflowers. It was just picture perfect. 

We started inside at the welcome center where a wonderful greeter told us about the trails outsides and the classrooms inside. We decided to walk outside first. It was hot, but the kids loved it. They have an entire section of the part dedicated to kid activities and encourage those to pick up logs/sticks, ect. and rearrange. Along with a huge sandbox and cool underground tunnel, it was hard to keep the kids moving.  We started back into the woods, but about 100 yards in I was getting eaten alive and I didn't bring bug spray so we turned around. When we got to the log cabin and fence line, the kids started to react their favorite cartoon westerns.  

When we went back inside the nature preserve building to cool off and go to the bathroom, we got to check out some of their displays inside. You can see from the pictures, the kids liked watching the bee's make honey and Olivia became a turtle whisper. They had reptiles and other displays throughout that the kids liked looking at and touching. There was even a space to sit and bird/nature watch through the two-way glass. It was really neat. 

Before pulling away, I made the kids stand in front of the beautiful wildflowers. I want to dress them up and bring them back to take pictures. It's really that beautiful.  So if you are looking for a day trip that's free and worth the drive- check out Greenville!

Thursday, June 29, 2017

54 Days of Summer- KichenAid Store in Greenville, Ohio


My Candy Shop- 

Oh and Kids Can Learn Too!


My first job out of college was working at Elder Beerman during the day and waitressing at night.  I was getting my own apartment in Ada. I couldn't wait to buy my first KitchenAid mixer with my store discount. I saved up and it was the first thing I bought when I moved out on my own. So to find out that the mixer stands are made right here in Ohio, we had to check it out.

In downtown Greenville, Ohio, right next to the visitors bureau, is a KitchenAid retail shop with every color mixer they make. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! The store clerks politely directed me downstairs to check out the museum dedicated to KichenAid mixers made since the 1920s. The kids thought it was really cool. I thought it was neat to see how the mixer has evolved over the years.

They told me that they are gearing up for the end of July when they have their biggest sale of the year. You can bet that I'll be making another trip there for sure. Today we walked away with a cookie sheet (Isaac's pick), spatulas (Olivia's pick), and a little ceramic thing that says it prevents your pots from boiling over (My pick). I'll keep you posted on how well that ends up working. I'm hoping it's the best find ever!  
You are going to see in the next post where else we went in Greenville, but this was worth the drive down. There were plenty of super cute shops downtown and we ate at a delicious new restaurant/bar called The Merchant House. Highly recommend checking out Greenville, Ohio!

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

55 Days of Summer- The Creamery




I've only been there one time before and it's probably been five years ago. The Creamery in Delphos.  I remember loving it and I remember wanting to go back, but never really drove over there just for that and I don't ever drive to Delphos for anything. Now I love (no, like an unhealthy obsession) for ice cream. Tonight we started off heading to the drive-in theater because they have the WORST website ever and it looked like they were open on a Thursday. Turns out, no they're not. So it started to rain and Jeremy asked if we wanted to stop at The Creamery.

It was packed, It took us about 10 minutes to even order. Having limited experience here, I ordered Isaac a ice cream bar and Olivia a dip of vanilla and myself a dip of coconut ice cream in a cone. O.M.G. Do you see the size of these beauties? That ice cream bar is the size of his head! And Olivia could barely hold that ice cream cone. The sizes of ice cream was crazy. But when I say it was good- well that is an understatement. It was amazingly delicious.

I ordered a dole whip strawberry. It was the most amazing thing I've had in awhile. Somehow I ate all of that, then all the rest of ice cream cone. Isaac only could eat about half of the ice cream bar. We laughed the entire way home of the ridiculousness of the size of everything.  Now I want to go back. I have been dreaming of that strawberry dole every since we left. It was that good. I'm sure I won't blog about it again, but just know we're going to be back at least once a week until the deliciousness wears off!

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

56 Days of Summer- Lightening Bugs

Lighting Up The Night


Who doesn't love catching lightening bugs on a warm summer night? I remember running around in our backyard that was wooded when I was little catching lightening bugs and putting them in glass jars only to find them dead the next morning. So the only rule I have when catching them is that we have to to let them go.

I think the funniest thing of the entire night was when Isaac caught his third lightening bug and Olivia was becoming frustrated. When he put down his bug to release him back into the night, Olivia ran up and picked the lightening bug off the cement and said, "Hey I got one!"  LOL.  Isaac proceed to tell her she was cheating and I was dying laughing. That a way baby girl. Work smarter not harder!

I know they have lightening bug jars for kids and you can keep them, but it's just fun to run around in your bare feet and enjoy the thrill of the chase after they light up the sky. Why keep them for them to suffocate in the jar? Hope you enjoy the video of Olivia's defeat and Isaac's delight in catching lightening bugs!

Monday, June 26, 2017

57 Days of Summer- Safety City


Did you attend Safety City when you were little? Me too! Isaac got to go with his class at school this year too. So when one of Olivia's friends mom told me that Lima has a entire week dedicated to safety city, we couldn't wait to sign up. Lima Police/Optimist Safety City Summer Academy 2017 rocked! For two hours each morning I would drop the kiddos off to learn valuable lessons that they couldn't wait to show me by the time I would return to pick them up. 

Luckily I was able to sign up the kids the first day it went live. Last year Isaac was old enough to go, but I missed the sign up day and it filled up in 24 hours! Holy Moly! So while I was out of town, Jessica was able to sign up her child and both of mine so they could all attend together. On the last day they had a graduation for the kids. Officer Matt hosted a great ceremony and shared things the kids had learned each day. It was all really great stuff and good to know so I could reinforce at home. Isaac won a $30 bike helmet for answering some trivia questions correctly from the week. Olivia came home with a police badge and has wore it everyday since. 

If you've never been by safety city, it's the little town on Collett Street. I love how it has building replica's of LimaLands favorites (St. Rita's, Husky, Kewpee, Superior Credit Union, etc.). The one picture above is Olivia and her friend putting gas in their bikes. They also have a pretend jail that you'll see Isaac in as well. LOL. Of course his favorite was the working train signal. Olivia liked riding her bike up to the working traffic light. 

What a great program. Thank you to the Lima Police department and Optimist program for putting on such an amazing and worthwhile program for our children. 

Sunday, June 25, 2017

58 Days of Summer- Making Time for Family


It's a Family Affair!

Well if you haven't read my blog posts before and you don't know about Isaac's obsession with trains, I'll catch you up. Isaac is 6 and has loved trains since he's been old enough to have a train table. Luckily for him, his great-grandpa (Paw-Paw) also has a love for trains. Oh, and we also happen to live in town known for it's locomotives.

Paw Paw has always loved model trains. He has an outdoor shed where he has a city set up and runs his trains. It's the highlight of going to Paw's Paw's for Isaac. Lately he has been letting Isaac operate the train and letting it run. Isaac is in heaven. He could do it for hours. I think Paw Paw loves it too. It's a special love that he can bond with "jumping jack" (AKA Isaac). This picture is precious to them both.  Olivia is cut out, but she likes to watch too :)

So don't discount the summer adventure that is simply making time to visit those who we love most! Creating and maintaining those special bonds, even when there is 50+ years between you are totally worth every minute!

Saturday, June 24, 2017

59 Days of Summer- Columbus Zoo

Super Zooper

For the past five years we have a had a family zoo past. We have varied between Ft. Wayne and Columbus, but for the first time we let it expire. As the kids get more active it became harder and harder to get away, and when we do, they're old enough to do so many more things. The thing I loved about it was we always got the pass that we could bring two guests with us and we loved finding friends to bring along. It's never hard to find friends to join you at the zoo!

Going to ONU, my favorite exhibit is always the polar bears. Olivia has a obsession with elephants, so that's a must see too.  Isaac- well he likes trains. LOL. Sad news, the train at the Columbus Zoo is down for the summer. We had one disappointed little boy. But everyone has a favorite and we always try to hit every part of the zoo.  Even go through the reptile exhibit for Jeremy- YIKES!

A new addition a few years back was the African part of the zoo. Giraffes were a great add to this portion of the zoo. For a few bucks you can buy a few pieces of lettuce and feed them. Camels were also added and for a little extra you can ride on one of these beautiful beasts (even if it's not Wednesday!). We never have even looked into doing it, but maw and paw were in charge and you know how grandparents are with their grandkids. A few bats of the eyes and begging to ride turned into (according to Olivia) the most amazing thing ever.

So if you are looking for something to do and want to fill your day with animals and adventure, check out the Columbus Zoo.

Friday, June 23, 2017

60 Days of Summer- Kaleidoscope Park: Bellefontaine, Ohio

Releasing Our Inner Child

Mary Rutan Park in Bellefontaine, Ohio is a wooden playground masterpiece. Located on 28 acres of wooded area, it hard to believe this park is in town. I have been here before with a friend who met Isaac and I for lunch when she worked in Bellefontaine. I remember him being so young but absolutely loving ever minute. There is a shelter right next to the playground so you could pack your lunch and watch the kids play while catching up with friends- a win-win! Now that both kids are older, it is a perfect spot to let them run freely and explore the wooden castles and great hiding places.  
It didn't take long for them to squeal with excitement when approaching the park. Between the rock wall and the tall peaked castles, both kiddos were running towards the play area with bursting anticipation. Typically I wear workout clothes to chase them around the thing if there aren't any other kids to knock over. The city pool is next door to the playground so if you really want to make a day out of it, bring along your swimsuit. Indian Lake isn't far away either and the beach there is free! 


Thursday, June 22, 2017

61 Days of Summer- The Outdoor Obstacle Course

I'll make a hurdler out of you yet! 

For those of you who may not of have known my athletic background, I love sports. I played volleyball, basketball and track in high school and volleyball and track (indoor and outdoor) in college. If you are dying to know more about my athletic career, this is a good summary. Save yourself some time and just know I was best at hurdling. So what better way to get the kids to practice hurdling than to set up a homemade obstacle course?

So what did we use to make the obstacles? Coat hangers and pool noodles. You can make different colors and different heights. Be as creative as you want. Add chairs, outdoor furniture, blankets hanging over the clothes line for the tunnel of terror (does anyone even have a clothes line anymore?!). Have them pick up so many things halfway through the course before heading back through. The possibilities are endless. But know that if you come to the Agozzino household to play, there will be hurdles!

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

62 Days of Summer- Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve


Indians Still Live Here?


Remember me telling you that Jeremy and I were on vacation and gave my parents and Jeremy's parents instructions to A. Keep our kids alive B. Do something each day to put on the blog and C. take pictures for me to put with the post. Well I'm happy to report both grandparents nailed it!

I grew up in Seneca county. Yet when I got these pictures I was like, "where the heck is this?!" So naturally I Googled it.  Here is what I found from the website:

Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve was created in 1997 when Dolly and Alma Garlo initiated the gifting of 256 acres of their family farm to the park district. The park is a living legacy in memory of doctors Olgier and Maria Garlo and their son Alex. 

Well the good news is that I graduated high school in 1997, so I left for college that year and haven't lived full-time in Seneca County since, so that is my excuse for never seeing this amazing spot. 

Because I wasn't there and mom and dad took them, I asked Olivia what she thought of it.  She carefully explained the beehive-looking wood structure and how you could climb around the outside of it or in the middle of it. Then she pointed to the swing picture and said it was just nice to swing and look at the water. But then she said, "I'm pretty sure some Indians still live there because I saw their teepees!" So apparently there are some teepees and if there are any of those set up, someone MUST live there. LOL. I don't have any pictures of the teepee's so I have NO idea if she made it up or if there are some actually on the property. That one you'll have to go to find out for yourself!

From the pictures and the stories, this is a must stop place the next time I head up to my parents house. Might dress the kids up and try to get some new pictures. The scenery from the pictures that mom shared look beautiful and the kids said they would go back. Win-win for all! 




Tuesday, June 20, 2017

63 Days of Summer- Learning our Primary Colors


Color Crazy

Sometimes it's the simplest of projects that the kids remember and learn the most. Summer is not the time to take off from learning. That's probably why Isaac came home with a summer learning packet and we've been playing school since school was out. Every morning we have 45 minutes of pretend school. They enjoy working on projects where you can sneak in the learning verses the worksheets I make them do daily. 

This was one of the projects that you can sneak in the learning skills instead of forcing them. All you need is some clear classes and food coloring. Not every color mixed will be a success and that's ok. It's all part of the learning process. After a couple of times they begin to get it. Have them guess what colors it will make before just mixing two colors. Or say a color out loud and have them guess what two colors mixed would make that color. I highly suggest using clear jars or glasses because it's way easier for the kids to visualize with clear verses looking down into colored plastic kids glasses. 

So let them mix away.  Let them put the food coloring in and make sure to cover your countertops with plenty of newspaper. Oh and don't worry if they get their hands a little colored in the process.  It washes off their skin. Now their clothes....well, don't put them in your favorite outfit you don't want ruined. They are children after all! 


Monday, June 19, 2017

64 Days of Summer- Rockets


Rocket Man and Woman! 


Well I've been on vacation for a week with my wonderful husband so the grandparents on both sides had to step in with my crazy ideas! I thought I'd have internet access in the middle of the trip, but it turns out Verizon doesn't work in the US Virgin Islands. So these posts will be spotty throughout the next week.

Today's "out of this world" project included some straws and paper and a great imagination. First the kids painted a printed out pre-lined rocket. After they painted them, we cut them out and found some straws.  You will need two different sized straws. One needs to be just a tad smaller so when you blow into it you have lift off! You simply tape the larger straw securely to the back of the rocket. Make sure there are no air pockets so you don't get grounded too quickly!

After making the rockets, it was time to test them out. with a line in the driveway to stand behind, the competition began with who could shoot their rocket the farthest. Don't be fooled into thinking they're going 30 feet. But the fact that it worked is usually enough to impress the kiddos. So get out the art kit and get busy creating your rocket to soar to the moon!


Sunday, June 18, 2017

65 Days of Summer- Paper Fish

Something Fishy is Happening Around Here

Kids love fishing with Grandpa Ron. So when we head North to see them this weekend, it's no surprise that they wanted to make fish for him to put on his refrigerator. After reading the Dr. Suess book today, we went to do an art project. Isaac suggested we make fish for Grandpa. Sounds like a plan to me. I told them to go grab their art boxes and we'd get started. 

No the fish are not perfect, but that's what I love about them. We took paper plates that were plain white on the back to decorate the fish. Funny thing is on the other side is snowman designs from winter. Needed to use up these plates anyhow! I cut out the fins and the kids got busy on decorating their fish. I let them put whatever they wanted. All that was required was the fins and tail and a googly eye. 

I was cracking up when I saw Olivia put a fish sticker on her fish's body. LOL. I guess that means her fish is pregnant?! But she also put a worm on him too, complete with a crown. Isaac's fish has a whole bunch of circles all around him. I asked him what was the circles. Duh, "scales mom." Why yes, of course. What was I thinking? I didn't bother asking what the balls of fur where because I'm sure in his mind, they were much needed and just perfect. 

So here is to you Dr. Seuss and your infamous One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.  The Agozzino children have added their own title... Queen fish, Crab fish, green fish, purple fish ;)

Saturday, June 17, 2017

66 Days of Summer- Homemade Popsicles

Freezing up Fun

Have you ever tried to make your own popsicles? I saw this cool pin on Pinterest about putting gummy bears in Sprite and freezing your own popsicles. My kids and I could live off of snow cones and popsicles in the summer, so this activity seemed like a no-brainer.

I had the popsicle containers, so fished to the back of the cupboards to find them. Each kiddo chose their favorite color lid and grabbed our Swedish fish. We tried to make this into a learning activity by counting out the fish so we each had a equal amount. There were 12 in the package so we split them evenly among the three of us. Placed our 4 fish in our containers. Grabbed a can of Sprite.

Olivia decided she wanted to add food coloring to her Sprite to give it a new color- she picked blue as you can see from pictures. Isaac picked red. Smart because the fish was red so they were the hidden surprise when you ate the popsicle.

After waiting overnight, our popsicles were ready. They tasted really good. Surprisingly the Swedish fish were still in tact. If you are looking for a pretty simple snack to prepare with the kids while having fun, try this one out. I wouldn't recommend adding the food coloring if you have somewhere to be within a few hours of eating the popsicles. Olivia's mouth was blue well after eating her creation!




Friday, June 16, 2017

67 Days of Summer- Snowcones


Shaved Ice at Home? Yes Please!


What is your favorite fair/festival treat? Cotton candy? Elephant Ears? Funnel Cakes? Well my kiddos and I LOVE shaved ice. But I'm not paying $10 for the treat when I can buy the machine and the syrup and get $10 back out of it in two uses! Now yes, there are way more sophisticated versions of the machines. I found you can actually get a way better version of the machine now that does the shaving for you (yes I have the crank one that you have to literally crank down the ice!) but what's the fun in that? lol.


So tonights treat revolves around the shaved ice treat. I've had the machine for at least 10 years. Yes, prior to kids. I like ice treats that well. Now they sell ever type of syrup that you can imagine and it's easy.  Isaac is strong enough to crank, but Olivia is not. I think she gets the best deal- she only has to squirt the syrup!

The crank machine that I have does take some pre-thinking. It comes with bowl/cups that you put the water in to freeze and then you dump the ice chunk into the top and crank away. So as long as you remember to fill it up every time and put the freezer, you should be good to go. I find that one of those ice chunks actually words for both kids to get one bowl of shaved ice.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

68 Days of Summer- Library Movie Night


Batman Lego Movie


This week at the library they have their monthly Thursday night movie night for the kids. Tonight they showed the lego movie. It's not like we don't own the movie (Isaac LOVES it), but there is something about watching it on the big screen on a big blanket with a whole bunch of kiddos and their families. The library allows you to bring in your own snacks so popcorn or McDonald's is encouraged.

I think the bonus for this momma was that it allowed me to write this blog posts and all my other work on my computer. An hour and twenty minutes of uninterrupted time. Something I know all you momma's long for! Here is calendar of all the cool events that our library has. If your not from Lima, no worries, I'm sure your local library has something cool going on throughout the summer. You've already read about our story hour in our children's garden. Soon I'll post about just visiting your library and letting your kiddos check out some books to keep their summer reading skills sharp.


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

69 Days of Summer- Camping...In the Living Room

Happy Camper


I LOATH camping. No seriously. Not cut out for it. Let's review some of the necessities of camping.

  • Being well-prepared/ non procrastinator
  • No stove or large kitchen
  • Sleeping in the outdoors on the hard ground with unpredictable weather
  • Bathrooms/showers are more than a room away

So indoor camping gives my kiddos the illusion of camping with the opportunity to sleep in a tent for the night. After moving houses, I wasn't sure where our tent was. It took a good 20 minutes to hunt the thing down. After it was discovered I heard the biggest cheer ever from some overly excited campers. After setting it up in the living room (yes, it took the entire space) we drug up the mattress we use for the pull out couch in the basement to put in the bottom. Sleeping bags were pulled out and the kids packed snacks and books and jumped in. I got out a couple strands of Christmas lights and outlined the tent with lights. Check out the video below of two kids who were outdone.

So let's review the points above and why I think indoor camping is WAY better.

I decided to do this at about 8:45 p.m. By 9:15 we were set up and ready to go.  No advance thought needed. If your better organized than I, you could cut out 20 minutes of the half hour by knowing where to locate the tent.

I could cook anything we wanted. Now I will argue that real smores are ten times better than microwaved, but on the fly they're both delicious. We also could also store everything in its normal place and just grab and go and we didn't forget to pack a thing!

Like I said we drug the mattress upstairs to put in the bottom of the tent. If I'm sleeping in this thing, we're going to be comfortable. We got a little warm under the sleeping bags so Olivia got up and turned on the fan. Double bonus because we like to sleep with the fan on anyways.

When the kids had to go to the bathroom 100 times before bed, they got out of the tent and walked the 25 steps to the bathroom.

So if you are looking for a camping experience but not interested in going outdoors to do it, try out the indoor campout. God bless all you true campers who enjoy it- it's just not for me and this is the closest thing my kiddos will get with me involved.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

70 Days of Summer- Community Block Party

Ice Cream Social


Ok, so maybe I'm a sucker for ice cream. No, those who know me well KNOW I'm a sucker for the deliciousness. So when the fancy invite came in the mail that Lima Community Church in our backyard was hosting a block party ice cream social, you can bet that I'll be there.

No rain was going to keep us away. It hasn't rained in a week and half, but about 30 minutes before the event, it pours. Luckily they have a auxiliary building for back up.  Large enough for tables and bounce houses and games galore, it still took place.

Yes, our neighbors were there. Check. Yes, our church family was there.  (this is where we attend church- double bonus!). Check. Yes, there we amazing bounce houses and games for the kiddos to go nuts.  Check. But let's get real.  Let's talk about the AMAZING ice cream. I'm not 100% who they had, but they hired people who made homemade ice cream. To say it was good was an understatement.  Never mind that I haven't had anything but Halo ice cream for the last month, watching my calories. That all went out the window. I wish I would have taken a picture of the deliciousness!

The kiddos had fun bouncing and sprinting through the bounce house obstacle course. In fact, I don't believe Isaac even had ice cream because he was too busy with his friends. We literally shut the place down. They kicked us out at 8:45 p.m. or our kiddos would have bounced until midnight!

Thank you Lima Community Church for hosting a great evening. Last year it was a hula, this year a ice cream social. Can't wait to see what the theme is next year!