columbus times

I had a wonderful 4th of july weekend! Friday started out with a walking tour of the osu campus (I led the tour and Ioulia translated it into Russian for her grandma). I was excited to see the big changes on campus since I graduated five years ago and I didn't see a whole lot! The library construction started while I was in grad school and is still not complete, but it says that it will open fall of 2009, so I guess it's almost finished. The union project looks like it's going to be a lot longer, but it looks like it will be very nice when it's all finished. I didn't realize they were completely rebuiklding not just remodeling.
After the tour I picked up my cousins and we went to chad and ioulia's place. We went to the pool and swam, although it was kind of cold outside, the pool was heated, so we were fine as long as we stayed in the water. Then Chad and Ioulia had a cookout.
Later, we headed down to Red, White, and Boom. We hung out in the arena district area and found perfect seats on the hill at the end of the grassy mall near the arches...definitely recommend the spot if you're looking for one next year! The fireworks were good, but a little short this year. I heard later there was a problem with some of them, which shortened the show.
Saturday, I did some shopping with my dad and my aunt. Then I met up with Chad and Ioulia for the Hilliard fireworks. They were awesome! Much better than Red, White, and Boom actually. Then we headed out for a midnight showing of the Hangover. It was very funny.
Sunday I baked brownies in the morning, went to the zoo with Chad, Ioulia, and Ioulia's grandma, and then my aunt had a cookout in the evening. At the zoo we got to see the baby elephant, he's still very tiny. I also enjoyed seeing the koalas and kangaroos, because they weren't out when I was at lowry park last time. And there was even a bonobo named Lola! Columbus zoo is also home to the oldest gorilla in captivity and the first gorilla ever born in a zoo, Colo, she's in her 50s now! She looks pretty good, but the sign said she has some arthritis! We had a great cookout at my aunt's (she's an awesome cook) and after we ate, we played some Mexican Train!
Monday I took my mom's car in to have her remote repaired, hit up half price books (my favorite!) And took some flowers to my grandparents' grave. That night Chad and I had Jersey Mike's (yum!) For dinner and then did some shopping.
Today, I was woken up to Lola gagging and she proceded to throw up several times. I rushed her outside where she peed and acted like everything was completely normal. Despite my extra doting, she has seemed completely normal all day since. I had lunch at Easton with Jauna, my little sis from Big brothers Big sisters. She's going to be a senior in high school this year, I can't believe it! Then I visited with Shannon while the kids napped. I checked in with Lola and took her on a long walk. Then, I had dinner at Rusty Bucket with my friend Jill (or Dr. Bower!). After that, I went shopping with my aunt. Now I'm relaxing on the couch. Lola is all curled up with my aunt and wants nothing to do with me, but if I go upstairs or outside she flips out. She's a trip!
Tomorrow I have another busy day scheduled and Ryan comes on Thursday!