Ballpark Day & Backyard Play

 

The Welches took Emerson to a Columbus Clippers game, and it was such a fun outing! Nora, Quinn, and Emerson have packed in plenty of good times this summer—whether heading out on adventures or just hanging out together at each other’s houses.

Kit Honored as NHS Candidate

 

Congratulations to Kit on being selected as a candidate for the National Honor Society at OBHS! We’re so proud of her hard work, dedication, and the example she sets both in and out of the classroom.

Soccer Saturdays With Coach Dad

 

Emerson is playing i9 soccer this fall. The season is even more fun because Dad is the coach. He’s leading a team of kids ages 8–10, with all different skill levels. 

Back to School

Kit kicked off her (second) first day at Berlin High School—she's a junior. Winnie joined her there as a brand-new freshman. Emerson started second grade at Shale Meadows and heads to Y-Club in the mornings.

Simple Joys Before School Starts

 

In the days leading up to school starting, it was nice to slow down a little—running errands together and even treating Tego to a pup cup from Whit’s (Emerson’s idea, of course!). One highlight was going with Emerson to Shale’s open house, where we met Mr. Rogers, E's second grade teacher.

Bestie Summer Vibes

 

These two besties have packed in so much fun this summer! Sarah and Winnie definitely have that special friend chemistry—you can often find them belting out songs at the top of their lungs, perfectly harmonizing and laughing along the way. They just had to squeeze in one more sleepover before summer ended. They baked cookies together, and Sarah’s dad Johnny surprised them with a pizza order.

Emerson's Summer Adventures at Kids-R-Kids

 

Emerson had such a great time at Kids-R-Kids this summer! This week was his last, and while he’s sad to leave behind the friends and fun, he wrapped it all up with a trip ice skating at the Chiller. After all the memories he made, he’s already decided—next summer, he definitely wants to go back!

Winnie's Freshman Orientation

 

Winnie went to freshman orientation with Brianna on Thursday, where they were welcomed by the cheerleaders and the Claw student leadership team—of which Kit is a member. On Friday, they headed back to school to get their student ID photos taken. Now they’re all set and ready for the fun to begin next week!

Kit's Healthcare Schooling Begins

 

Kit began the healthcare program at DACC today! She’ll be attending each morning from about 8 to 11, and next week she’ll also start classes at Berlin High School. Her friends Regan and Julia are in the program with her, and we wish them all a great year!

Emerson & Tego: Superhero Pals

 

Emerson has been really into all kinds of dogs lately, and his love for Tego has only grown stronger. Here he is, turning Tego into a superhero and spending time with him at the dog park.

Puzzle Night

 

Emerson and Winnie spent the night with Grandma Jo and Bon Bon. Without Kit there to play euchre, they switched things up and completed a puzzle instead!

A Daring Leap

 

Kit, Winnie, and I picked up Emerson on Friday after running a few back-to-school errands. We were thrilled to stumble upon the Kids-R-Kids talent show, enjoying the girls’ singing performances before watching Emerson wow the crowd with a daring stunt — jumping over friends lying on benches. When he added a chair to the challenge, his teacher wisely had the kids exit the "stage!"

Ohio State Fair 2025

 

Seth and Emerson joined me for the final day of the Ohio State Fair while I worked at the OOD mobile unit. Emerson was interested in helping with the American Sign Language stamping activity, but once he returned with his face painted as Minecraft Creeper, that idea was out! He had a blast riding the rides, enjoying tasty fair food, and watching an incredible trick horse-riding show.

Ninja Playground

 

Emerson's Summer Days

 

Emerson has been having a great summer with his friends in the neighborhood and at Kids-R-Kids. Even rainy days don’t slow them down — they’re still out in the yard, making the most of summer fun. He has also been practicing his reading every day and proudly earning stickers for his chart.