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!!!
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!
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!!!
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!
