Compared with this time last year...and on the heels of a rather nerve-wracking yet mostly uneventful year, this month has sparkled!
School is wrapping up and the kids have had some fun projects lately. Brie's class has dug into some cool science experiments...like dissecting an owl pellet! She was gleeful!
We finally ate out! Despite having a reservation, getting a patio table was an epic journey...but nothing beats time with good friends! π
Then cake! If you like Boston Cream donuts, this cake is a winner!
A dozen donuts go on the bottom of the pan!! Then you cover them with lots of ooey, gooey goodness...
Gammy and Granddaddy Rob took the kids to Sammy's...
for burgers and shakes. Yum! 
While Tony, Beth and I went to Taste of Belgium...mmmm! (I thought about cropping this picture since it's so "scenic," but I didn't because a) it's still a pandemic b) which is why we're eating outside c) and, though this restaurant's outdoor seating is by the parking lot d) it was lovely to sit outside and e) I'm keeping it real.)
We started with the charcuterie...
And then enjoyed everything from chicken and waffles to mussels in pesto sauce. I also had my first aperol spritz and loved it!
On Sunday morning, we made a delicious breakfast that included this tiny omelet. π
Brunch al fresco!
Then we walked to Pioneer Park and saw a rainbow!
More fun? UVA sent us some pretty cool swag to celebrate virtual reunion with. We REALLY wish we could celebrate with friends in person instead! 
Brie and Paige had a fun playdate for Paige's birthday!
These two guys followed Tony home after a jog one hot afternoon. They drank up some hose water and hit the road. Luckily, they did make it back to their home.
May means sprinkler weather!
For kids of all ages!
We had a hunch that Donnie Wahlberg was making a surprise appearance on "The Masked Singer" this season...and we were right! We also correctly guessed the winner of the entire season...OF COURSE it was Cincinnati's own Nick Lachey in the Piglet (wearing a whirly beanie) costume...he was obviously a flying pig!
Samuel and I wrapped up a year of watching "CNN10" each day at lunchtime. We learned a lot and had some great discussions about current events and politics!
And Sebastian got the ultimate surprise! His teacher came to visit!! (He had a substitute that afternoon and she stopped by while running errands.) So special!
And then capping off our great month of May...eating out at Stone Creek with friends (I can't recommend highly enough the Squash Wellington, by the way)... 
and having friends over for Memorial Day grilling out. The kids had a blast playing and picnicking in the backyard.
P.S. My friend Rebecca made this for me. It made my birthday even better!
While we were out to dinner, Brie and Samuel went to a painting birthday party!
Love what they created!
A birthday treat to myself? New sandals!
May has brought more than just celebrating and gathering... We're loving the sunshine and warmer temps!
And when we're happy, we write happy things, right? This is Sebastian's essay about the merits of egg toast. Really makes me smile!
And...they approved ages 12 and up for the vaccine, so we signed Samuel up right away.
He was ready! π
And we're still going strong with Zoom get-togethers, like this virtual ice cream tasting recently. Spoiler alert: they were ALL good...
We had PERFECT weather during their whole visit...day and night. On Night 1, the sky was very clear and we were able to spot the Space Station easily!
Gammy is a big fan of whole wheat bread, so Tony tried a new recipe. It was really yummy!
This was the grandparents' first experience with the kids and virtual school. They were very impressed with how they've been learning this year. And eager to help with STEAM projects and math problems! π
Annie came over for lunch one day. Yay, for a nearly over virtual school year!
And teachers, too, like Ms. Walters his social studies teacher...
And Ms. Allred his science teacher.
His first math teacher Ms. Corich went on maternity leave a few months ago. She brought her adorable baby Calvin to the picnic. Can you tell that Samuel was VERY excited??
Then it was time to bake Tony's birthday cake! Gammy's friend gave her a really fun, easy recipe for the kids to make.
Birthday cinnamon rolls! π
And a delicious birthday dinner from Korea House!
Reuniting with friends has meant outdoor picnics and playdates with old buddies!
And then...Gammy, Auntie AND Granddaddy Rob (he surprised us!) came to visit from Virginia Beach!! It had been 10 months since we last saw them and we were long overdue on hugs and catching up.
And Samuel got to enjoy an awesome virtual 6th grade picnic--thanks Granddaddy Rob for taking him! He saw friends in person for the first time all year...here are Lily and Chloe, Samuel's math partners.
Our celebration included sushi and prosecco out on the deck!
And then diving into that yummy vanilla cake!
The timing of the trip was great; both Brie and Samuel had their last soccer games of the season!
Opening cards and gifts...
We also took the time to visit the Holocaust and Humanity Center for the first time. The museum has been beautifully curated and we learned a lot about survivors who came to Cincinnati after the war.
And then on Saturday night...we all hit the town!! (After all, May IS our wedding anniversary month, too!) But first...here's to saying, "Cheers!" in person after nearly a year!
I really see how much the kids have grown here!
The end to a perfect week!
Family card game!
We also watched the live action version of "The Lion King" on the big screen (in our driveway). Yeah!
May, you never disappoint! We're ready for you, June!
And it took me back to 7th grade...when my friends Jill and Lani and I had our favorite New Kids on our lockers! Good times!
P.P.S. Speaking of good eats, beware if you buy the new chocolate-stuffed marshmallows that you popular right now. They're pretty tasty and someone who will remain nameless might have eaten the whole bag in a day. π
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