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Covered Bridges in Fairfield County Apparently, Fairfield county has the most covered bridges in the entire state. The majority of of the bridges were build ca 1871-1906. Original construction began in 1949.

This is the Johnstown Covered Bridge which spans 92 feet over Clear Creek. Built in 1887, it is of Howe Truss style construction. Vertical metal rods were incorporated into the construction so bridge tension could be maintained.
It was restored in 1996 on it original location. This poor horse resides directly across the street from the Mink Hollow Covered Bridge (below) and his pathetic conditions are impossible to ignore. I have contacted the Humane Society in the past but nothing has been done. He is kept in an area no larger than a two-car garage and it is a complete mud pit...not a single blade of grass. During the spring, he has been knee-deep in feces and mud, with no hay or feed in sight. If this also angers you, PLEASE contact the Fairfield County Humane Society. He is such a friendly horse who deserves an owner who will take care of him, brush him and give him the exercise he needs to stay healthy!
The Mink Hollow Covered Bridge was also build in 1887, of multiple Kingpost style, and restored in 1996 in it's original location.
Who can deny the beauty and nostalgia of covered bridges in the fall?

To think of all the first kisses and near misses that took place on these bridges would amuse one's mind... Southeast Ohio is undeniably gorgeous in the fall...

A Different Perspective... Recently, I got a new dSLR camera and I am so excited about it's endless possibilities! I haven't felt this inspired and passionate about something in a long, long time! I have a lot to learn, but I have been treating my new hobby like a college course, immersing myself in information, taking excessive notes and highlighting away...
I have enjoyed our boating trips this fall (with a hoodie on, of course ;)

My little man is growing up so fast! I can't believe how big he is!! He is very excited about fall and the leaves changing. I can't wait to make our official visit the pumpkin patch now that I'm finally willing to admit summer is officially over!!

Loving all places with water within walking distance, I naturally fell in love with Vermilion when I went to visit Beth, Zac and their little baby girl, Cesia, a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if it was the beautiful scenery or the company of wonderful, old friends, but it felt so cozy...There is something about not being able to see the other side of the lake that makes me feel like I'm at the ocean...and I am more than okay with that!! This wind chime at Captain Woody's just evokes a feeling of BEACHY!!!There is Lazy Lighting in all of her glory :)

We docked for dinner and drinks and enjoyed a sherbet sky for dessert!!
Leaves collect on the forest floor, marking the inevitable passing of time...

and before winter's snow can first bestow itself upon the countryside,

another year has passed us by.

Boating at Buckeye Lake

Papa Boo'sMargaritas, Coconut Shrimp & my boys...what could be better?Me & my baby boy!!!Whoohoo!!! Yeah, Baby!!!On top of the world...

We've been out on the boat as much as possible the past week & absolutely LOVING IT!!! It may have taken the entire summer to get it fixed, but...

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!!

Focusing on the little details of summer...

There have been countless opportunities to teach... ...and to learnTo love......and to grow

I am truly grateful for all the little things and I've enjoyed the summer so far!!!

Caught up in summer...
There just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that I'd like to get done, but I try to focus on what's important and work from there! I have been majorly slacking on the blog!!! Time has really been flying in my world and I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I have a 3 year old son...He is getting so BIG!!! We've been having a great summer and Ben is loving his 4-wheeler! He looks like a little mini-Mike :)

Benny's 3rd Birthday Celebration(s)The actual night of Benny's birthday, we took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner He was quite thrilled about the brownie sundae. I can't lie, I was pretty thrilled about it as well, but there was not a camera pointed at me to capture the look on my face ;)I love my family!!! I am so blessed! My cousin Dan, who lives in Dayton, came with the majority of his girls and my nonna, aunt Anita and aunt Rosie drove all the way from Steubenville to celebrate the little guy's day!
Mikey's cousin Brian, a.k.a. Stoney and his fiance

Ben's best buddies, Cameron and Austyn
Dan with his fourth (and final?) girl

I did not have anything to do with the water guns showing up at the party...I have Mike to thank for that!Apparently, even a pile of wood chips can be fun!The last minute cake with far too much frosting...but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose!It was too windy to keep the candle lit long enough for him to blow it out but he made a wish anyways...out loud for cars, as usual!!Wow!!I wanted to do an eco-friendly gift bag for each kid, so I used these reusable lunch bags I found at Target and filled them with Fig Newtons, bubbles, sparkle pens and sugar free candy.As usual, Benny made out like a little bandit! This year, we asked for alternatives to toys as much as possible since we are filled to the brim with them as it is!! Ben's grandma Cathy & Grandpa TomBen's grandpa wanted to see him ride his four-wheeler, so the party (unexpectedly) caravaned on back to our house! Ben rode for all of five minutes before he wanted to go play in the sandbox with Ani, though. Later, he admitted that he was (just a little) scared he would get hurt! We had a great night celebrating with family and friends and Benny is already talking about how he's going to be four...
I just want to shake him and say,

"hang on to three while you have it, son!"