Summer, 2010

We've done a LOTof fun things this summer. Here are a few of the highlights (click on any album cover to see the pics):



(a.k.a. Three small children on a plane...)





More to come!!!

Ocean Grove

Now that the weather's nice, we are spending all our free time outside, so it seems that means NO BLOGGING. Oops - sorry ;)

Tuesday, we spent a lovely day in Ocean Grove with my mom ("Oma" to the kids), my Aunt Ilse ("Issa"), and my Aunt Elfriede ("Freea").



Click below to view the whole album.

Ocean Grove, 5-12-2009

Wordless Wednesday

Our Sweet Little Flower Girl

Practicing at the rehearsal:





Driving her potato around on the table at the rehearsal dinner ("vroooom"):



Luckily, she was seated by one of her best friends - Opa! (I love that sweet expression on her face below):



Getting ready for the big day:



Examining the bud she just picked off the bride's bouquet:





A hole in her stockings on the knee, chocolate on the other ankle, and missing one shoe:



Some quiet time with Elmo after a long, exciting day:

At the Zoo

Lily had such a great time on her first trip to the zoo! There were so many interactive things for her to do, such as feeding the birds in the aviary:



Feeding and petting the sheep:







Riding the carousel:





(Her hair flew up when the penguin flew down)



Riding the train:





(Three of the four Mamas with three of their five babies)



(Kirsten enjoying the ride)

And just exploring in general:



Here are Eowyn (yes, like Lord of the Rings!), Jacob, and his cousin Jeffrey:



She got pretty tired...



...and conked out the moment we got in the car:



(More photos to come, as taken by Marisol and Pam!)

Long Beach Island

Last month, we stayed with my folks for a few days at their house rental in Surf City, Long Beach Island. The kids had a blast.



I love this picture with my mom and the two of them. Lily being herself in her PJs (thanks for the rockin' homemade PJs, Brit - they are my favorite!) and Jacob just being so CHUBBY. Speaking of which...



Those cheeks are hard to resist PINCHING all day.



Clearly, all the excitement got to be too much for him. (He came out with his hands up on his head, and hasn't stopped putting them there since.)



Lily and my dad were having fun at Kelly's with his LBI hat.







Goofballs.



Lily's first time eating corn ON the cob. I went to cut it off for her, and she was having none of that. She wanted to do it like everyone else. Notice her little nibbles?



Down at the bay. I love the overalls (thanks, Wyatt!).



Lily had a wonderful time in the water with her basket and toys. This was her first time really not being afraid of a large body of water. It was still and warm and wonderful.

Ryan Has His Dowry List Ready

The morning we left Virginia Beach, we had a chance to catch up with Brent and Abigail, who we met a LIFETIME ago at Campus Crusade at Rutgers. And I was thrilled to have the chance for Lily to meet their son Colin, whose escapades I read about frequently on his blog.

Our two little climbers had a great time in the outdoor play area at Chik-fil-A (seriously? we did not know they served breakfast). Lily got so tuckered out, she fell asleep in the car not long after we left, making for a wonderful relaxing start to our long drive home that day.

It is nearly impossible to get to little kiddies under age 2 to simultaneously pose for a picture. Here's the best shot:

Williamsburg

One of our Virginia Beach daytrips was to Williamsburg. I don't know why I love that place, but I do. I am always ready to go back. And the weather was so nice the day we went, Lily was able to get out of her stroller and run around - jacket free - through the streets and the grass.



She had a ball.



Here's Ryan making shadow puppets that Lily was chasing.





In the stocks...I don't think she quite realized the severity of her situation.



Of course, her 2nd favorite way to travel (besides 2 pudgy little legs) was on Daddy's shoulders.



Puckered out after a long day of running around and exploring our nation's history (a.k.a. time for Mama to explore the gift shops!).

Here are a couple other favorite photos from the rest of our trip:



Peeking out onto the balcony early one morning, blanket in hand.



We've discovered Lily LOVES the slide!



But swimming...? Eh, still not too much.