Just Us: Cleveland Rocks!

We are back from Cleveland and getting ready to host the Lakeland Swegle's for Labor Day. I'm guessing ribs and potato salad--at least I hope so!

The Cleveland trip was fantastic. We had so many things to do and people to see that I had to create an Excel spreadsheet to keep dates and times straight. It's not that we are that popular, we are old and need help remembering.

We started our visit with a group birthday dinner. Bob's birthday is August 11, Donna's birthday is August 13, and mine is August 20. We went to Glenn Willow Grill, which is a favorite of ours. Tony got me a new camera, which I just love and can't wait to capture more memories with it.

What a great looking group...Donna, me, Tony, Rose

Chris, Shannon, Emma and Bob

Emma will be making her first communion next year so this group will have another event to celebrate.

Next up was sister lunch, or as we are calling it now, "Sista" lunch. If you've been following the blog, that will make sense to you. It's always good to get together and harass Lynn. Fritz took us to AJ's Urban Grill in Westlake. Since Fritz was on crutches, they gave us a nice table where she could stretch out her "bad" foot (bye, bye bunion!) As usual, we talked about growing up and things going on in our lives now. Fritz and I lost contact a while ago. Life was just too busy and we drifted away. Recently, we have reconnected and I'm so glad we did. We have picked up right where we left off and text/talk almost everyday now. Sometimes goofy stuff, sometimes just talking in general. Like I've always said, Fritz is a hoot!

This is not from our most recent lunch, it's from several years ago,

but I couldn't resist the "Sista's" tag!

Old or young, we always seem to end up in the same order!

And then, finally, the main event. Seeing the grandkids. I couldn't get over how much they have changed and grown. As I said in an earlier blog, Ben was in Seattle, celebrating his birthday, but we got his phone number from Jon and actually got to talk to him for a few minutes. The reception was really bad, but it was so good to hear his voice. We have exchanged a few texts and that makes me happy. He will be 13 on August 29. We should include him in our August group birthday celebration!!

We met Jon, Sam, Ellie and Zach for pizza and in general goofyness. It was so much fun to see them laugh and mess around. The Purdum's got me a beautiful wind chime for my birthday. It has a bird on top and makes a really pretty sound.

Sam and Zach play war while we wait for pizza

Ellie being pretty

Sam showing off his bangin' hair moves

Future Rock Star

Zach finally wins at war!

Ellie take on Papa at arm wrestling!

Ellie showing off her fierce, girl power after she takes down Papa!

Sam isn't as powerful...Papa wins this round!

But, they both work together to win! Papa gives up!

My beautiful wind chime, hanging outside of the lanai

The next day, I met Gordon for drinks at Eddie's Creekside Restaurant. One thing you have to say about going to Cleveland, we sure eat and drink alot! Tony spent time with Rose and Donna. I'm guessing they busted on each other just like we did at "Sista" lunch.

After that, our niece, Shannon and I met a friend of mine from Key (where Shannon also works.) Krysten was able to give Shannon some Key career advice and we had a nice time comparing "kid" photos, experiences and memories.

And then, the next day, I turned 67. Boy does that number look old! Fritz, Steve and Joe had us over for dinner and a surprise birthday cake and presents. I must say, I made out like a bandit for my birthday!! After that, Fritz, Joe and I washed the kitchen floor! (Inside joke!!)

I haven't had a birthday cake since Jenna got me one

way back when we lived in Strongsville. This was so nice!

Yes, they are!

This was an unexpected gift from Joe to Tony and I for his

visit with Fritz in July. So not necessary, but so very nice!

I also fit in shopping time with Donna while Tony spent some time with Rose and Joe. Bob and I shared some quiet reading time while everyone was at church--that was probably the most relaxing time of the visit.

We went to see Sarah and Steven's house very quickly and hope to spend more time with them next year.

All too soon, it was time to go home. My birthday continued as I got a coffee cup decorated with Coleton, Anthony, Owen and Alex as well as some new pictures of Alex and some nice cards.