Spring break 2025 has already come and gone. A much needed break from the monotony that is the post-Christmas, pre-summer stretch. The long winter finally thawed out just in time for us to hit some trails and soak up much needed sunshine. While we mostly stayed local, the kids enjoyed downtime, catching up with long-lost friends, a new inflatable park, eating out and exploring some trails that boasted recent bear sightings.

Up first was a quick overnight trip to my parents for a relative’s bridal shower. The kids had a blast playing with cousins while dominating every square inch of their grandparent’s house. Many toys and socks were lost in their conquest. Even though the air remained chilly, the sunshine and green winter wheat field behind my parents house beckoned. Following the fresh deer tracks, we walked the length of the field, marveling at the clear blue skies and expansive views that we miss at our own home, given the many woods that surround us.

Slow Start

The beginning of the week started slowly and quietly. We savored the leisurely mornings, woken up without alarm clocks or a mad dash to the school drop off line, and enjoyed downtime at home. Then on Wednesday, we traveled back to my parents, where we tried out the newly opened indoor inflatable park. Whoever thought of this concept is brilliant! Northern Ohio’s wintery weather can drag on and having an outlet for the kids to burn off their cabin fever suppressed energy is well worth every penny!

Hiking and The Hubby = Friday Funday!

After spending Thursday morning catching up with friends at a new (to us) park, the kids were thrilled to spend Friday with The Hubby, as he took the day off. Unfortunately, the weather was against us and we had to break up our planned day of hiking with other activities. Bowling, eating out and a movie didn’t seem to bum the kids out too much! We explored a few parks close to us that included a marshy wetland and gorge. We witnessed a massive flock of birds invade the woods across the marsh, in shear awe at the roar they brought with them, followed by a sharp silence as they abruptly took to flight again. Being a wet, chilly Friday, we seemed to have all the trails to ourselves, which is fine considering our brood spent most of the hikes playing games of, who-can-aggravate-their-sibling-the-most. Fun times.

We ended our family day by testing out The Hubby’s long-awaited new toy. While chicken on the grill is popular with many, it’s never been a favorite of mine. It’s almost always too dry. But with a helpful tip and a new Pit Boss smoker/grill later, I’m officially converted. Check out my recipe to see how we made some of the best Smoked Whole Chicken.