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.
This past weekend, we traveled to Dad and Pat's for some "rest and relaxation." At least as much as you can get with two small kids! Grampy and Grammy (Rich and Carol) joined us for the weekend, as well as Aunt Audra and Uncle Colin. We had a wonderful time!! While the men ventured out for golf Saturday afternoon, the women headed into downtown Roanoke for lunch and an arts festival. Kate enjoyed watching the ballerinas dance on stage and commented on their colorful costumes.
On Sunday, we headed to VT with Rich and Carol for a few hours. While there, we visited the local donut shop, observed the Memorial, showed Carol the campus, and had a picnic lunch by the duck pond. The weather was absolutely beautiful all weekend!
Thanks to Dad and Pat for their hospitality and a terrific weekend!!
This past week, the girls and I traveled to Hilton Head with Dad and Pat for some "fun in the sun" and a "break" from the daily routine. Ryan, Kim, and the kids were also in Hilton Head for their annual vacation, so we got to spend some QT with them as well. (Kate was thrilled to see her cousins!) We had a wonderful time playing in the pool, building sand castles on the beach (quickly destroyed by Lauren), taking walks in the morning, riding bikes on the beach, enjoying delicious meals, and relaxing in the hot tub! Enjoy the pictures...thanks for a great trip!!!
For Kate's second birthday, we gave her a Radio Flyer tricycle with adult steering capabilities.
However, our little girl is quickly growing up! We bought her a "big girl's" Dora bike a little over a month ago, equipped with training wheels, a backpack, "Map" and a bell. With the weather getting nicer, we hope many bike rides are in the near future!
Believe it or not, it was actually warm enough to drag out the pool last Thursday for some fun in the sun! The temperatures have been in the 70s and 80s the past few days...a preview of what lies ahead. The girls had a blast splashing and sliding into the pool with Daddy on his day off. I provided the lemonade and posed as the photographer during their "Wet 'n Wild" time. I have a feeling this is only the beginning to many more days "poolside" in the months to come!
Yesterday was a special day at Kate's preschool...it was Father/Child Day! So, Mark took the day off and spent a fun-filled morning with Kate at school. Lauren and I heard all about the different activities they participated in at lunch. After a light breakfast and some classroom interactions (stories, introductions, etc), the two began their first activity which was to create a picture frame (pirate themed) to display their picture. Then it was off to the "Pirate Show" where a pirate performed magic tricks and let the kids touch his parrot. From the videos Mark took, it looked quite amusing! The fathers had the opportunity to attend music class and be serenaded by their children. Then it was time to say goodbye, and the kids headed back to class to finish the day. The pictures highlight their wonderful day together!
Here's a preview as to what Lauren would look like if she became a SUPERSTAR!! This is her disguise to avoid the paparazzi! Too cute! (She actually requested that we put the shades on.)
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.
