Unforgettable Summer Fun: Chloe’s Visit to Ohio

Having Chloe, my husband’s cousin, in town this summer was an absolute blast! All the way from Denmark, she brought her vibrant energy, infectious laughter, and a whole lot of fun. From trying many new things to late-night hangouts filled with stories and jokes, every moment was unforgettable. We packed in adventures, indulged in amazing food, learned more about her country (keep reading to see the Danish recipe she taught us), and made memories that will keep us smiling for months to come. Her visit turned our summer into something truly special, and we’re already counting down until her next trip!

We decided to take a trip to Cedar Point and it was nothing short of exhilarating, especially since it was her first time ever riding big roller coasters! Known for its heart-pounding coasters, Cedar Point didn’t disappoint. Chloe, a bit nervous at first, braved the towering steel giants and ended up loving every second of the adrenaline rush. From the intimidating heights of Millennium Force to the twists and turns of The Gate Keeper, she faced each one with wide-eyed excitement, conquering her fears with each drop and loop. Her favorite was the Mineride and honestly it was my favorite too because I could actually keep my lunch down! I also really loved hearing her laughter each time the car sped up. By the end of the day, she was hooked and couldn’t stop talking about how much fun it was and how happy she was to conquer her fear. She came off of the Gatekeeper and said “It was lifechanging”! We all cracked up but she was totally serious. The freedom she felt and the adrenaline pumping through her body had her smiling for the rest of the night.

While we were at Cedar Point, Chloe had a caricature drawn of her. It inspired all of us to draw caricature pictures of each other when we got home. We all sat around the patio table and drew the person across from us. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life! It was so fun! I love the way Chloe brings out a side of me that is honestly oftentimes oppressed. Not that I oppress it on purpose, but with the way my life is so full, it’s hard to even remember to let that side out once in a while. P.s. the pictures where it looks like someone is laying in a coffin…yeah that’s supposed to be me! Ha!!!!

Chloe was super nervous to swing on our neighbors rope swing that goes over the creek, but she did it! Yet again, she faced another fear! It took a lot of convincing that she wouldn’t fall to her death on the rocks from the close-to-bare creek line, but she eventually did it-giggling the entire time!

By the time she arrived in the States, my garden was overflowing with delicate and delicious morsels of every vegetable you can think of. We spent a lot of time walking up and down the aisles smelling the tomatoes, plucking fresh snap peas and snacking on them while we admired the herbs and gorgeous edible flowers. I have never been as successful at growing peppers as I was this year. They were growing out of my ears! I couldn’t keep up! Chloe, and her creative brain thought of making up a recipe for stuffed sweet banana peppers so we could use up 50ish peppers. They were crazy good!

Much of our time together was spent around my in-law’s (Chloe’s Aunt and Uncle) pool. Playing with the kids, whipping up treats and watching them do trick shots with the basketball in the pool, and indulging in s’mores are just a few memories that I will cherish from our pool nights.

Chloe has this amazing knack for connecting with our kids and creating the sweetest memories. Whether it’s putting together Christmas gifts that haven’t been taken out of the boxes, baking messy batches of cookies, or turning a simple walk into an adventure, she knows just how to make every moment feel special. The kids adore her, and it’s no wonder—her playful spirit and genuine love for spending time with them shine through in everything she does. She has this way of turning everyday activities into unforgettable experiences, and watching her bond with them has been such a heartwarming joy. It’s like she’s leaving a little piece of magic with them every time!

Chloe has a unique story. She was born in Ohio but moved to Denmark when she was little. Her mom is American and her dad is Danish. She is fluent in both languages and cultures so it’s always fun when she visits because she tries to teach us Danish words (even though we’re terrible at it! Ha!) and enlighten us on her culture from back home. This time she taught us how to make snobrød, a Danish bonfire bread. We all loved it! If you ever want something fun and different to do around a campfire, try this! Click here for the recipe that we used. We did, however, wrap the bread around a hot dog that was stabbed onto the stick, so it basically was a whole meal. Ha! Try it! You’ll love it!

Our summer with Chloe was nothing short of magical—packed with laughter, adventures, and moments we’ll cherish forever. From her roller coaster bravery to the way she made every day feel special with the kids, she truly brought a sparkle to our summer that we’ll never forget. As we settle back into our routines, there’s already a Chloe-shaped gap in our lives, and we’re counting down the days until her next visit. Hopefully the rest of her family can join her! They are all so fun and sweet! Whether it’s another summer adventure or just hanging out together, we know her next trip will be just as unforgettable. Until then, we’ll be holding onto the memories and looking forward to making even more!