This Oz Life

Did you know that you can visit your local fire station for a free tour any time? All it takes is a courtesy phone call to let them know you are coming and the knowledge that if there is a call, they will have to end the fun early. I got in touch with the fire chief of our local station ( Worthington ) and he was happy to let me know that for their station, early evening is the best time for visits. We were excited to pack up the kids after work and head out. Firefighting runs in the fa… Read more

It is finally here! SPRING in Columbus can run the gamut from flip flops to snow boot weather. But one thing is for sure; there are tons of things you and your family can do to keep busy during the last few months of school. A lot of them seem to be indoors, as many outdoor events are not scheduled for these unpredictable spring weekends. As always, I have organized these by date. Enjoy and as always, I will be adding to the list as local businesses adjust their spring calendars: Marc… Read more

I never know where to being with birthday posts. I feel like birthdays put the year in perspective; it's such a good time to look back at all the pictures and consequently cry your eyes out. Two years ago, I was holding my Rhys Christopher after a night of an unsuccessful induction. He just didn't want to come out and I had technically been in labor for two weeks ("unproductive labor", yayyyyy). Finally, FINALLY, I got to hold the baby who completed my life . That sou… Read more

Pretty soon, it's time to head to our yachts and rooftop bars in South Beach, right? Ha, me neither. If you are sticking around town for your kids' spring break (or if you don't have kids but feel like treating yourself to a little spring break), I devised a little itinerary with so much fun that you won't even notice there's no umbrella in your drink. Please make sure you check that these places are open on the day you choose. Some of them would be new to me as we… Read more

We didn't really go to parades as I was growing up, but I am making up for it now with my own kiddos because I LOVE them. Larkyn is a little more apprehensive than Rhys, who would be IN the parade if he could. Firetrucks, dogs (check out that Irish Wolfhound below!), and bubbles?! His dream come true. We had so much fun at the Dublin Saint Patrick's Day parade this morning. We set up a shady spot with my friend from school, met up with our friends at the Dublin CVB , and enjoy… Read more

This week was Read Across America Week , and in my classroom, I always take the week to read brand new books to my kids. "Brand new" meaning they are either newly published or published recently and I haven't tried them out yet. I sifted through lots of new books, seeing a common theme between the award-winners. Lots of social justice and acceptance, stories about tough topics and stories with hilariously dry humor. Last time I posted a book list during the holidays, you … Read more