Difference among Ages

At my age, I often dread the summer months and having to put on a bathing suit! Lauren, on the other hand, loves to wear them (typically Kate's suits) at any time of the day. Here she is in the latest fashion, wearing a 'Finding Nemo' swimsuit, complete with skirt and sea embellishments!

Northern Exposure - Final Destination(s)

We concluded our trip with an overnight at our friends house in Wayne, PA. Wendy and Russ were kind enough to host a small college reunion at their place, allowing a group of us to catch up on each other's lives and see all of the kids. We had a wonderful meal, great conversion, and a small amount of relaxation once the kids went to bed!

Kate and Lauren had a blast playing with Wendy and Russ' kids that night and the next morning. Kate particularly enjoyed Julie's photo album of the princesses from Disney World, while also remembering all of the cool toys she played with during last year's visit! Russ treated us to homemade pancakes Saturday morning before we made our final trek to DC for the night.

We made a couple of stops on our way to VA. First, Mark (as well as the rest of us) satisfied one of his food cravings and stopped off for a water ice in Delaware. Then it was on to a park he played at when he was the girls' ages. From there, we visited Mark's grandparents, stopping in for a nice lunch and visit. (It's so great that the girls get to spend time with their great-grandparents as well.) By that point, we were pretty tired and returned to VA in time for dinner.

We spent a beautiful Father's Day morning with Grampy and Grammy before returning to NC. We had a wonderful time with everyone, but after 11 days of traveling, "there's no place like home." We hope to see all of you soon!!

Thanks for the memories!

Northern Exposure - Invasion of the Black Flies

Our fourth destination took us to beautiful South Lake, a peaceful getaway in the Adirondack Park owned by my aunt and uncle. The views are spectacular, the wildlife abundant, and this year...the black flies were in full force!!! As a result, we spent little time outside for fear of getting eaten alive!!

While there, we did manage to take a couple of boat rides, stroll along the lake, and take a dip in the chilly waters. I, also, found time to work in a couple of games of cribbage with my grandfather. I won't disclose who actually won!

As always, the food was delicious and the company was terrific! Thanks for a relaxing visit!

Northern Exposure - Destination #3

Our next journey took us to Saratoga Springs to visit my aunt and uncle and grandparents. We had a nice visit with my grandparents (both 91 years old) at their place in the morning, and then enjoyed a picnic lunch in Congress Park. The girls both rode the carousel and took a "dip" in the small pond/creek in the middle of the park with their Dad.

In the afternoons we cooled off in my aunt and uncle's pool. Kate's becoming quite a little swimmer and loves to jump in. Not to mention, she spent a good part of her time retrieving the toy ducks that were floating around the pool.

Kate "tickled the ivories" several times, often composing her own tunes. Looks like we may have a musician on our hands! My cousin, Sara, came home to visit us as well, which was a nice surprise! Thanks for a fun-filled time!!!

Northern Exposure - Destination #2

Upon leaving NJ, we crossed the George Washington bridge and headed to Rye, NY, home of the Girards (my cousin Sara's family). The Merrills joined us for an afternoon of "fun in the sun" at Playland, the ever famous boardwalk seen in the beginning of the movie "Big." The kids had a blast riding rides, cooling off in the misters, and taking an ice cream break. I do apologize however, I have no pictures from the event due to our camera being left at the house.

We did manage to capture a shot of all the cousins together for a meal and various activities taking place at the house (puzzles, card houses).

Thanks again to Sara and Peter for a delicious meal under the stars!

Northern Exposure

We returned from our annual trek to the north a week ago today. Despite the hot temperatures, a stolen bike (sorry, Rob), the black flies, and a throttle malfunction on the van resulting in 1 1/2 hours at a Honda dealership in Scranton, we had a wonderful trip! Thanks to everyone for their great hospitality and memorable moments...they are ones we will never forget!

To begin our journey...

After spending the night in DC, we ventured to our first destination, the Merrills household (my cousin and his family), in South Orange, NJ. Kate had a blast playing dress-up, swimming in the backyard, flying kites, making pizzas, and playing at playgrounds with her cousin, Greta. Lauren made several attempts at getting to know her cousin, Lincoln, while swinging side-by-side and going for strolls in the double-stroller. We also ventured out to the zoo for a "hot" yet very enjoyable afternoon, complete with a carousel and train ride. Thanks Merrills for a great visit!! Hopefully we can have you down our way soon!!!

All Aboard!!!

A few weeks ago, we took a train ride with Mom-Mom, Pop-Pop, Aunt Maureen, Uncle Patrick, and cousin, Peter, on the New Hope Valley Railway. The ride is about 45 minutes round-trip through beautiful woods full of lush green trees and small creeks below, in an open-air car. The weather was perfect for our ride and the girls loved feeling the breeze as they stuck their heads out the windows. It was nice to relax and enjoy nature even if for a short period of time.