Put-In-Bay, Ohio

We took one of our days in Ohio to have a family outing to Put-In-Bay, a tiny island in Lake Erie. The weather had been so beautiful and warm in the day leading up to our trip...but the day we woke up to go to PIB it was rainy, overcast and chilly. But we had faith that the clouds would break and we would have a beautiful day..which is exactly what happened as pulled up on the ferry.

Our adventure stated out riding the ferry over to the island and it was raining.  We had to sit inside, missing some of the sights because of the rain.  It was a huge ferry, the kind you can drive your car on, but we opted to ride and rent a golf cart once on the island.  There is so much in/out, it was way easier to tour around in the golf cart than the mini van we had.  Not to mention the kids had more fun in the cart!

And it was just our luck, it happen to be Pirate Weekend on the island.  Lots of festivities in the main square with pirates everywhere.  But along with pirates came the firing of canons...something that Timo loved but Cameron couldn't handle.  So we only stayed a little while in the park and then headed off, out of ear shot, to explore the rest of the island.

Next up was the Crystal Cave with the world's largest Geode.  It was 47 steps down, very steep into a tiny little cave to see a bunch of crystals...wasn't as exciting as I thought...

The cave was also a winery and a glass of wine came with the tour.  I thought it was great that they gave kids grape juice too.

Then we headed over to the Butterfly house.  Cameron was very excited about this place and it did not disappoint!  There were butterflies everywhere!

Our tour guide told us to be still and butterfly might land on us...we were up for the challenge.  Cameron was so patient, waiting and waiting, trying to coax the butterflies until finally one landed on her finger.  Daddy had several butterflies on him, a few on me but unfortunately Timo didn't have any luck.  We waited and waited, all sweating buckets from the humidity and just couldn't hold out any longer waiting.  So the Butterfly House is first on our list to come back next year for him to try again.

We loved the golf cart!  Daddy even took us on some "off road" joy riding and Harmony thought it was comfy enough for a nap.  (She took a little break while we watched gem mining and rock climbing.)

A few other island activities...the fish hatchery/aquatic center and antique car museum.

Our last stop of the day was the Commodore Perry's Memorial.  Young and the kids rode the elevator to the top to see the view...Canada is just over the water!

It was great to have all day family time.  We all enjoyed the island and spending time together.  Young's parents have lived there over 30 years and never been, so it was fun seeing them enjoy the beauty of the island.

Our big seafood dinner before we left the island.  We were having so much fun we lost track of time and almost missed the last ferry!  We laterally had to race to return the golf card and get to the dock. 

And almost on que, the rain started again as the ferry was pulling away.  It was off and on for the ride and walk back to the car...the kiddos were so tired, but hanging in there!  Now that we know the lay of the land, I can't wait to head back next year.