Gillespie Treehouse

Canfield Fair 2015

The Canfield Fair, the largest county fair in Ohio, is a serious Gillespie tradition. Josh grew up going all 6 days of the fair, and although we aren't that hardcore, I am glad it's a tradition we have kept.

I first went with Josh in 2006 as friends and we got engaged the day following the fair in 2008. 2013 was Ella's first fair experience and this year was Evelyn's first.

The day before we got engaged.

2010.

2011.

Ella's first year. 2013

2013

2014.

Evie was such a trooper on her first visit in the extreme heat!

There is an "Old MacDonald" petting zoo area with baby animals. Ella loved it.

The always have a cow out that you can milk, and get a pin stating "I milked a cow at the Canfield Fair". Ella had been talking about the cows all day, so we thought she would be excited. Josh was unable to get her to touch the cow. Afterwards, Ella came back to the stroller and proudly told me "Momma, I did not just pull down on cow's bum."

Oh goodness, so adorable. I guess it is a strange request to make of a child.

Yes, I realized after the fact that I could have died by cow kick to the head getting this picture.

This man stole my heart 10 years ago. Love him.

lunch of champions.

Random Summer Events 2015

My two girlies are so fun right now, I've loved this summer with them. Getting to know them more and seeing them blossom. Here are a few random highlights that didn't get posted on their own.

This captures one of my favorite daily moments with Evie. In the quite of the morning, with coffee in hand, and big sister still in bed, V has the whole living room to herself and she digs in to her toy bin with gusto.

Ella loves hearing Evie's hands slapping on the wood floor as she rounds the corner to find us in the kitchen. Then a whole bunch of "parrot talk" flows forth from her mouth providing me great reflection on the phrases I use. "Coming on Evie. You're ok Evie. Big girls don't whine Evie."

More of Evie crawling to her sister - this could be why she discovered the stairs so young. Humpth.

My awesome yardsale buddy.

Hysterical fits of laughter are always a hit.

"Touch a Truck" event put on by our library.

Movie night with Josh & Ella. This little girl loves popcorn like her daddy.

Ella is on a serious acorn kick right now; I know why strollers come with two cup holders now.

Saturdays with Dad

We are generally "do-only-what-you-have-to" on the weekends kind of people. So we usually stick to home or church. But a few weekends ago, Daddy went with us to Living Treasures - and oh my - everything in life really is so much better with my man!

We had so much fun together, and it was a joy to see him with the girls. He hasn't been yet this year, so wanting him see Ella recognize the animals, which is new since he last went, was so fun.

On our way: (sorry Evie, impossible to get us all in it)

Ella was terrified of the peacock, which is one of my favorite animals, so the following ridiculousness to place

chasing around the peacock to get a picture. He was fast.

AMAZING!

The Lions were actually awake and moving because we went in the evening. It was so cool.

Right after feeding this Bongo, Ellie the Eland pooped (like bum to the fence right in front of us pooping) -- every at least 3 times a day Ella relives the clearly life-changing experience.

The mini deer - one of Ella's favorites.

Sadly, it kinda seemed like she knew we expected her to smile. Every time we would hold up the phone she would look at it and coo and smile. Kids these days.

Ella is terrified of the giraffe, but if you ask her what her favorite animal is she says giraffe without a pause.

Ella loves feeding the goats. They get a little bossy but I think she likes that.

On the way home we stopped at "The Snowman", very aptly named, for a shaved ice. It was really good, and reasonably prices ($1.75 for 8 ounces) and we recommend it. It's right off exit 96 in Portersville for your local friends.