A trip to Amish Country

A couple weeks ago our family took a wonderful trip. We met my sister, Megan, and her family half way between Indiana and New York which ended up being Amish Country in Ohio!!!

We rented a cabin and spent 3 nights all together. We had a blast; Grayer LOVED seeing his cousins and having constant playmates. Andy and I loved having another couple to be with and talk to. Oh, and I loved meeting my new nephew Beau and holding him and kissing him:)

As you can imagine there is not a ton to do as far as entertainment in Amish Country, but we knew that going into it and were excited to relax and enjoy our "slower paced" surroundings.

We loved seeing all the people with their horses and buggies and we actually took a buggy ride ourselves. We went to the park. We took a run/walk. We also took advantage of all the fun little shops that were in town, including a bulk food store, a cheese factory with amazing cheeses, a doll shop, and a toy store.

Of course the time went by too quickly as it always does when your having a great time, but we loved our trip and loved the time we had with family even more!!!!


Here we are on our buggy ride -- look at the cute little Amish man!

Because we couldn't all fit at once in the buggy we had to split up so Grayer was lucky and got to ride again with Aunt Megan

Petting Big Red



Grayer is playing on a Jungle Gym (aka broken arm gym) to keep myself from freaking out as Andy helped him climb I took pictures:)


Cute Miss Eva -- I wish I looked that cute in stretchy pants!

Grayer loved being Maggie's shadow for the week.


I had to post this picture for Grayer's face:)

Aunt Sue and baby Beau -- love him (love the girls too!)

Ginger Guys in March

This past Christmas Grayer had his first Gingerbread Man Cookie and I must add that it was love at first bite, he just couldn't get enough of them.
Well, ever since we ran out of our Gingerbread Men back in January Grayer has been asking for more"Ginger Guys" (that's what he calls them). This week I finally broke down and we made some yummy "Ginger Guys." This just might become a tradition in the Gilchrist household! Besides, who says Gingerbread Men are only for Christmas Time?!!!
(and no, he is not wearing a skirt, this was the smallest apron I had:))

Sleeping Arrangements

Quite frequently will Grayer ask to sleep with us in our bed. Most of the time I say "No" because I know from past experience that when he ends up in bed with us it never results in a peaceful night of sleep for any of us! But the other night when he asked me I gave him the option of sleeping on the floor in our room instead... and he took it!!!! So I made him a cozy little bed on the floor next to our bed. Grayer was thrilled to be in our room and the best part: We ALL slept great:)

Swim Lessons

To help pass the winter months of not really being able to get outside and play; we decided to start Grayer in swimming lessons at our local Recreation Center. He has LOVED it so far!!! And since this is his first time in lessons it is even better that Mommy or Daddy gets to swim with him:)


Grayer and Daddy after lessons -- Grayer was freezing, hence the "smile through the pain" face!!

Just Like Daddy!

My handsome boys on Sunday!!
Thanks Aunt Molli for Grayer's new tie!

BIRTHDAY BOY!!!!

Well, it happened our baby turned 3 years old!!!!
We had such a fun day celebrating Grayer's 3rd birthday!

First Grayer checked out his Birthday door.

Then he opened presents...

New Hot Wheels from Grandma and Grandpa Gilchrist


Giant bucket of Cheese Puffs

New Basket Ball Hoop

New Legos

Dad helped Grayer build his Lego set

Later that day we went bowling!! It was Grayer's first time and he had an absolute blast!




Last, we met some friends at McDonalds for a late lunch then headed home for cake and ice cream!

Grayer with his train cake that Andy decorated!

Happy Birthday Bud, we love you so much and are so grateful you are part of our family!! Thanks for being such an amazing little boy. We love you Grayer!!!