Thanksgiving Trip to Wisconsin 2010

We made the trip over to Wisconsin to see my side of the family for Thanksgiving as well as attend my cousin's wedding. My Aunt Cindy and Uncle Keith hosted our family along with a slew of other people! We hadn't been over in four years, so it was the first time with the kids. We had a good time seeing everyone again.

Caedmon and Karissa(My cousin Ellen's little girl)

Only a few of the many in this house:)

Carys playing with Karissa
(there were way too many names with the "k" sound:
Caedmon, Carys, Carson, Kiera, and Karissa)

Carys took Joey's seat and so he sat down behind her
and she was quite oblivious.

My aunt had just cut Gabe's hair

and I selfishly asked if she would cut Caedmon's.
Like she didn't have anything better to do,
being mother of the bride!
(I haven't cut it since!:) )

Caedmon and Kiera - he loves the babies!

Carys and Kiera - she's a popular lady!

We "snuck" out of the full house
with Joey and his family
for lunch at a local coffee shop.
Thankfully this place was child friendly!:)

Caedmon and Gabe playing together.
I think Caedmon could have stayed here forever.
I didn't get enough pictures to do our stay here justice,
but there were so many playmates and so many toys,
and even an indoor slide! He was in heaven!:)

Couldn't resist posting this pic!
Miss Kiera with her Aunt Priscilla
right before Dana's wedding.

Trip to Detroit

We took our "anniversary" trip the middle of June and, with kids in tow, headed to Detroit for a Tiger's game and the zoo. I wish I had tempered my excitement, 'cause making trips with kids is not at all relaxing! But we did get out of town for a few days.:)

This is at the hotel restaurant the first night and it didn't go so well. This picture cracked me up! Quick story: A few weeks later this couple came up to us at our coffee shop in Bellaire and said they recognized us from somewhere and we all racked our brains and couldn't figure it out....until we got to talking about kids and "vacations" and they then figured out that they had seen us at this restaurant (above pic). Why were we memorable? 'Cause my daughter was a handful that night and I looked like a "tired mom." Awesome.

Lounging during lunch before the game Sunday

Must be something fascinating on TV

At the game: I got to see the first inning and the last inning and
in between hung out with my kids in lines for rides.
And we only rode two rides once each!

Enjoying way too much ice cream
while mama enjoys the last of the game

Caedmon couldn't wait to ride in the "train,"
otherwise known as a people mover.

We were pretty high up;
the view was just a parking lot,
but it doesn't take much!:)

Probably a highlight for Caedmon was swimming;
he even got to the point he didn't need dada to hold him!

We opted for supper IN the hotel room; it's just easier to stay in.

Riding the train at the zoo; another highlight for Caedmon!

Caedmon was in heaven!

Observing a little crocodile.

Down State - Day 3...The ZOO!!!

We went to the zoo Thursday morning. By the time we got there it was nearing Caedmon's nap time, so although he did quite well, he was somewhat of a zombie. I was so excited to take him because he's obsessed with animals, but his response to everything was kind of ho hum. The most enthusiastic he got was when he found the bongo drums! Oh well. We all had a good time!:)

His expression most of the day:)
The first thing we saw were ducks.
You know, it's a zoo and
there are so many cooler things to look at,
but he probably would have been happy there all day!:)

Of course the fish were a huge hit!

Matt was a great help!

Kathy and Caedmon...
not sure what they're looking at but love the profile pic!:)

Mary Beth and Caedmon - he loved her!

ah, alas the bongo drums

makin' music!:)

Mr. Independent

Exhausted! He didn't even need his pak 'n play -

I laid him right on the bed and he passed out!


* Most photographs taken by Mary Beth Gould*

Thanks Mary Beth!!!:)

Down State - Day 2

After leaving Aunt Lois' house Tuesday evening, we arrived at Kathy's house, a dear friend from our former church, and set up camp.:) Wednesday morning we just hung out and then late morning decided to hop in the van and go in search of blueberries. Can you believe with all the fruit I'm surrounded with up here, there aren't any blueberries!

That afternoon, Kathy kept my children (thank you!) and I went blueberry picking with some friends! I came home with about 15 pounds, which I had help picking (one in our group could get a job picking! She was fast and said it was relaxing!:) I pick 'cause it's cheaper than buying...not sure I'd call it relaxing, although it can be a lot of fun with friends).

Got to go to Barnes and Nobles with another friend for old times sake and had a great time! It was so nice being able to leave my children with someone I trust and get away for a little while!

Matt with Carys

Scott keeping an eye on Caedmon

my little man:)
I'm biased, but I think he's pretty cute!:)

Trip Down State - Day 1

Last week we took a trip down to where we formerly lived. We got to see some of Corey's family as well as friends. We drove down Tuesday and went straight to Aunt Lois' house. Caedmon warmed up so quickly - I was totally surprised, but when there are toys sitting out just waiting to be played with and a little nine year old girl who's quite willing to play with you, well hey, life is good!:) Janna kept Caedmon entertained while Aunt Lois and I visited. It was so nice. And Aunt Lois spent quite a bit of time with Carys ( I regret we did not get a picture of this:/). She spoiled me with sweet treats:) and even cooked supper for us! We had a lovely visit!

Caedmon got up from his nap and
held his arms out to Janna - he was definitely in love!:)

Always enjoys a piano!