We hike a lot as a family because:

1.  It's free.

2.  The Cleveland Metropark is in our 'hood.

3.  Our children rarely ever bicker on hikes.

The third reason is why, when we have a free moment, we head for the forest. It's the one place on this great green earth that my children get along famously.

On Saturday we spent six hours hiking. Six hours. We hiked up east on the Sulphur Springs river trail and discovered a new-to-us waterfall. (Right under the Miles Road bridge on Chagrin River road). The kiddos were crazy happy to discover an area that was un-touched by humans, for some time. In their eyes.

The only argument that was heard was, "Why do we have to go home?"

There are times in motherhood when you give in and listen to your children. "We don't have to go home." And all of the sudden you find yourself dinning al fresco with a cooler filled with left-overs, per your middle child's request.

"Hot dogs on a stick? This is the best day ever!" the kiddos carved their own sticks and roasted their own dogs. The hungry hikers couldn't believe we actually allowed them to use the fire pit we have passed by so many times before.

It's the little things. No? That makes one simple day, an extraordinary one.

It's hard to believe that a year ago Grandma was with us to help celebrate Jay's First Communion.

A year later, on the same day, her presence was greatly missed. A candle was lit in her honor.

Lola was the first to remind us that Grandma did see her dress. "Remember when I twirled around for her, when we got it?" How fortunate it was that Grandma did see Lola in her First Communion dress after we found it marked down fourteen times at Nordstrom Rack back in July, but fell in love with the layers and simplicity and purchased it on impulse. (Note to self: impulse bargain shopping, Grandma's style, pays off.) Lola looked like an angel.

Since her passing we've tried to reach out to Grandma's side of the family. Luckily for us they were as giving as Grandma and dropped all their plans to roadtrip to Cleveland for the special occasion. The kiddos left off where they started last and reconnected immediately. Although distant cousins twice or three times removed, we decided that "cousins" and "aunt" and "uncle" were the most loving titles for our relationship.

With family relationships solidified we took it out on the field for an intense game of kickball. (Note to self: label Facebook photos because someone might mistaken a congratulatory post-game line as a folk dance.)

Our entire family from Chicago had plans to leave immediately following Lola's party but stuck around for an extra day to read all the love notes left in her photo booth album and reminisce about the past. And the future. "Feenie can totally borrow my dress for her First Communion so that Grandma knows what dress we both wore."

Deal.

Grandma loved a good deal but more importantly she loved family. I hope Lola's First Communion dress is passed down for generations to come in one fashion or another just like the baptismal gown Grandma gave us that was worn by her, her brother, my husband and all three of my children. Family and memories. Is there anything more important?

Last month I saw a groupon from "Cleveland Photo Booth Rental" and I thought to myself. "Self? That would make for one awesome First Communion party favor." After emailing the owner he wasn't able to accept the groupon for a Saturday party and I forgot about it until Amelia and I attended a benefit where Clear Choice Photo Booth was at and I literally begged the owner to make it happen.

On Saturday morning a huge photo booth was set up in my living room and one little girl was about to get a touching keepsake that will makes us smile for years to come. Family and friends gathered to watch as the camera snapped away.

There were props involved.

They made for extra funny photos.

The photo booth printed out two columns - one for the guest and one for the scrapbook.

The assistant was one hand to glue photos onto paper so that guests could leave a special message.

The final product was an entire album filled with love notes and photos.

Can you imagine how much fun my little girl is going to have when she looks over this album years from now? I keep thumbing through the pages filled with so much love and realize how blessed we all are.  A photobooth captured our amazing friends and loving family coming together to celebrate her First Communion. This album will be a treasured keepsake forever. So cute, no?

"Mama, I just saw a road sign for a 'Rummage Sale'. Is that the same thing as a garage sale?"

That's how we found ourselves pulling over at the Presbyterian church on Route 87 in Middlefield, Ohio. The sign read: "All proceeds go to..."  My son, who never leaves the house without his fanny pack full of hard worked cash (in case opportunity arises and he needs the dollars) asked me to slam on the breaks.

"I feel like there's a good deal there!" he yelled. Please remind me to stop recording Storage Wars and Auction Hunters. He is all about a good deal.

We stopped.

The kiddo was right.

He hit gold when he found a foot-bath-massage-thingy that was priced at three dollars.

He will sell it to you for thirty dollars. To pay for new jeggings for his sister, yo!