Memory Lane

One morning when we were in Ohio, Andrew decided to take Tate, Toby and I to his old stomping grounds in Napoleon, Ohio and show/tell us some of his childhood memories. It was one of those days that I won't soon forget for these are some of the things that make Andrew who he is today and I loved learning about his past.

This was the house he grew up in on Washington Street. They were doing construction so I had to take this picture standing in someone's yard.

Andrew's Elementary School.

Only in Ohio :)

As we were driving down a side street, he pointed out a house where the Knepley's lived. (family friends who Andrew said were always so nice to him.) Just as we were looking at their house, a minivan pulled in the driveway and we were able to meet them! The daughter is alittle older than Andrew and was closer to Andrew's older sister Marsha. They couldn't believe that Andrew was the same boy who would ask to borrow tools and never give them back. They told me that once Andrew asked to borrow a hammer, nails and wood. He then made a shelf and tried to sell it back to them. Mrs. Knepley said she still had the shelf. We told her that WE now have a little next door neighbor named Andrew who borrows OUR tools and never gives them back. Full circle, I guess.

The playground that Andrew used to play on with his friends.

Andrew's little league baseball field.

The bridge that Andrew jumped off of when he was about 11 years old. I am not surprised at this adventure.

My favorite stop of the day was showing Toby where his uncle Toby was buried. Our Toby was amazed that HIS name was on the stone and liked to spell it out with his fingers. He has a picture of his uncle (his namesake) in his bedroom so he kind of understood. I think it might take a few years for a complete comprehension.

Thanks for showing us some of your history, Andrew. We love you and are proud to be your family!