Clap Clap and Kiss

Baby Bear in the Woods

Everyone talks about how beautiful the fall is on the East coast and I must admit that even though it means winter is looming around the corner, it is really quite spectacular to see the leaves turn from a vibrant green to vivid reds and oranges.A friend of our was celebrating her birthday at a cabin in the Shenandoah mountains and invited us to come. We loaded the baby and the dog into the car and set out on the two hour drive up to the mountains. It was a really pretty drive and the leaves were just starting to change. We go there quickly and were welcomed with open arms and a warm meal. We ate good food and soaked in the hot tub on the back deck while the rain poured down. Inside was a cozy fire place and lots of fun games to play.

The next morning we got up, ate a hearty breakfast and went for a walk down to the river. Both Miles and Beckett love playing outside and they were thrilled be out in the woods taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Miles went about his business of "claiming" trees, always careful to spread the love to as many trees as possible.

Beckett got to wear his cool winter coat that Uncle M and Aunt E got for him (thanks guys!). He looks so cute dressed up as a little bear. I couldn't stop taking pictures.

We both had fun playing on the swing out front. It was a super fun weekend and I'm so glad we got to spend a little time in the woods playing with good friends.

Beckett "Talking"

Comando Crawl

This is Beckett's strategy for crawling:

Pull with bent right arm.

Reach with outstretched left arm.

Push continuously with feet.

Mission accomplished.

New York Weekend

Ryan had a work trip in New York and we decided it would be fun to tag along. I've been to New York a few times before, but never in the summer and never with a baby. It was an entirely new experience and I had a great time.

We rode the train from DC to NYC, a first for both Beckett and I. We had a lot of space to spread out and enjoy the ride although the scenery was not as picturesque as I imagined it might be. Beckett had a lot of fun smiling at all the people sitting around us. He is a very social little boy.

Ryan had to work for most of the first day so Beck and I went out on our own. We strolled all around the town and through Central Park. I was impressed with all of the fun activities there were on a Saturday afternoon in the park. We stopped to listen to a swing band play, watched people canoe on the little lake and played games on the lawn while people around us picnicked and flew kites. The weather was beautiful and I enjoyed every second of our time there. I can totally understand why people love New York so much now.

The next day Ryan was available to play so we decided to go out to Ellis Island. Neither of us had ever been there before so we hopped in a cab (after walking about 20 blocks) and made our way out to the port. The sun was shining as we boarded a boat full of tourists wearing foam Statue of Liberty crowns. It was perfect! We had great views of the city from the water. It's crazy to see of of those buildings smashed onto such a tiny island! It really give you a different perspective of the city.

The Statue of Liberty was really quite impressive. We walked all the way around her and took pictures from every angle.
I'd never seen a picture of the back of the Statue of Liberty....

Ain't she beautiful!

Three Babies

Sweetwater

I've been looking forward to this trip for months! Sweetwater, Bear Lake!!!! We used to go there with my cousins every year over Labor Day weekend. We'd swim till we were water logged and then run wild on the lawn chasing after water balloons. Every evening we'd get together and eat something delicious and beg to sleep over at each other's condos. It was the BEST! We hadn't been back to Bear Lake in 15 years and I'm happy to say that the place was mostly the same....although they call it Ideal Beach now. We're all a lot more grown up that we used to be. The last time I went to Bear lake was 15 years ago...I was in middle school and I remember hunting for boys with my cousin J. Now both J and I have kids and our experience was totally different but somehow just as fun. It was cool to see our kids playing the same games that we used to play.

I was surprised at how much Bex enjoyed the water. The lake is a bit chilly, but he didn't seem to mind. He loved slapping his little hands at every wave that lapped up on his feet.

Auntie M and cousin Bren even took Bex for a "ride" on the wave runner. That thing was WAY fun. I couldn't stop myself from screaming with glee as we zipped across the water.

Cool boys with their shades. I don't know how to make it strait on this thing....help??

Here are Dan and Meg looking hot at the pool. It was so fun to play with the whole family!

Playing at the beach. I've found that it is much easier to carry a 20+ lb baby on your shoulders!

Here we are with baby L, one of Bex's little cousins.