Labor Day Fun!

Christie had Labor Day off so we decided to go have a picnic at Granny White Park in nearby Brentwood.  There is a playground and a big field and lots of trees with great shade, so off we went to have some quality family time!

Soccer anyone?

Daddy and the kiddies

After the picnic, Christie and the kids were hard at work making some delicious banana bread.  We brought it with us when we went to visit our friends, the Marches, on the weekend.  It was a smash!  

Sweet girl doling out the sugar!

mixing up the mush...

Judging by Elijah's face,  it was out of this world!!!

Caeley's Tribute

Caeley started singing these songs today without any prompting from me.  I think it is a fitting tribute for today. 

Taking A Hike..

Anyone who knew us in Boston knew how much we loved the arboretum we lived near.  We are happy to say that we have been blessed with yet another amazing nature getaway just miles from our house: Radnor Lake.  Christie first found this place while we were in CT and she was so excited to show it to us.  On Saturday we all went to check it out.  Tons of trails in the woods, a bike and running path, and of course a lake with otters and other wildlife surrounding it.  It really is a beautiful place.  On Monday, Christie and Caeley decided to go for a hike. Check it out!

The girls: ready for an adventure!

Caeley, as usual, leading the way.  Check out the cool walking stick she has.  This was given to Christie on one of the days she visited the lake while we were in CT.  There was a man at the lake who was carving the stick, and when Christie told him she had 2 kids, he gave her the stick to give to Cales.  She loves it!!

Just like mom, loving the woods

Is she trying out for the EMS catalog here?

One thing I love about all these pictures is how genuinely happy Caeley is in them.  She really loved the experience, and the one on one with her mom!

No otters, but we got turtles!!

I'm not even a real outdoorsy guy and I think this place rocks!

Time for a snack, want some??

NO???  REALLY???  THEN IT'S ALL MINE!!

Caeley ended hiking all the way up and down the mountain, A TWO MILE HIKE!!  Our little girl is growing up to be a hard core hiker!!

Props to Grandpa

Before I start with this blog, I want to make it clear that my dad never made any comments to me that he felt dissed by not getting enough face time on this blog.  But see, that's the cool thing about my dad, he doesn't get too caught up in things like that.  He doesn't want to make things complicated and will often be willing to sacrifice his time to make our schedule easier when we come up north.  I often almost have to argue with him and tell him, "No Dad!  We are coming to see you!"  "We will make it work!".  He doesn't need the big occasion, in fact he would rather just spend a little time just being around us.  He appreciates the short time we have together and makes things super easy and we always have a great visit.  Now on the last trip, my dad came up to see us at Margaret's house for a visit.  It was a wonderful afternoon, and unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures.  Most of the video and pics you see on here are times when Christie and I are both around.  This frees someone up to be the paparazzi!  But I did not get a chance to take any pictures. So I wanted to post up this pic of my dad AKA Grandpa.  Thank you for being so supportive of me and my family.  We love you and thank you for all you have done for us.   

NORTHEAST TOUR PART 6: ELIJAH'S BIRTHDAY!!!

The day before we left for home, it was time to celebrate Elijah's 2nd birthday!  It was a really fun day.  We opened presents in the morning, and then went to the beach where Elijah tried his hand at surfing.  After a much needed nap, Boo Boo was ready to party again!  Oma, Uncle Brian, Uncle Robby and Brookie all came.  It was also Brookie's birthday weekend, so Elijah shared his cake with her.  I can't believe our little man is 2.  Elijah, you are turning into such a wonderful, caring person.  We thank God for you everyday!!  Here are all the highlights!!

NORTHEAST TOUR PART 5: VISIT WITH THE OWENS CLAN!!

One of our best days of the whole trip came when our good friends and former Boston neighbors, The Owens, came down to visit us.  Mike, Davina and their cute son Noah arrived late Thursday night.  After the kids were down, the adults (at least age-wise), had time to catch up.  The next morning was what we were all waiting for.  Noah and Elijah are best friends.  Now that term is thrown around quite loosely with parents.  That usually means "We are good friends, and our children play in their own little worlds while we hang out".  But not these guys.  I have never seen two kids this young bond like they do.  Their welcome after not seeing each other in 2 months says it all!  We also had a wonderful trip out on Christie's parents boat (thank you Elaine and Peter!)  The kids were jumping off the side of the boat (even Elijah!) Here are the highlights!  

Boy Time

With Caeley going to preschool 3 days a week for a full day, Elijah and I have enough time to really have days planned just for me and him.  This is something I have looked very much forward to.  Caeley used to get a massive amount of one on one time with me and Christie because she was the only one back then.  Though we do special things with Elijah on his own, he still kind of got dragged around through Caeley's schedule.  So now, when we drop Caeley off, we give a high five and say "BOY TIME!!"

One of the benefits of moving to a new city is you get gift certificates in the mail for free things.  By far the coolest thing we got so far was a gift certificate for a ten dollar free meal at a cool place called "Noshville".  Though I would have been excited to eat for free anywhere,  this place has special significance. This is where we went to eat the morning after Christie's interview with our new friends Karen and Jonathan Rogers.  For all you up north, these two are very cool people!  Karen is also in Emergency Medicine and has been a great support to Christie.

SO ANYWAY!!  I went today to with Elijah, who was sporting a rockin' new shirt from his friend Noah, to Noshville to have a great breakfast on the house!  Check it out!

Let's Eat!

Elijah ready to draw his heart out as he waits for his manly breakfast!

This picture is crazy.  This is the first time I have looked at a picture of Elijah and think I have a good idea how he will look when he grows up.  NOT SO FAST BOO BOO!!!

"Oh Father!  You're such a card!"

Just the boys.

WOW!! Elijah is not kidding around with that breakfast!! (He ate most of it!)

I will get back to coverage of the Northeast tour in the next few posts.  Just too much cuteness to wait on here!  Until next time....