Longwood Gardens Evening

The last time I went to Longwood Gardens I was 9 months pregnant and drug my body through the gorgeous and humid surroundings.  This trip was much different.  Audrey was a 16 month old little sprite toddling around in her winter coat, ski hat, and frog mittens.  We walked into the center with a renewed garden pass and were rewarded with our little lady ooohing at all of the lighted trees.  She wanted to walk everywhere.  

We quickly found the hot chocolate stand and Audrey was amazed by the beautifully decorated gingerbread treats.  Next, we walked to the outdoor train display and watched the trains chug along the display.  The weather wasn't too cold but we didn't want Audrey to get too chilly, so we warmed up in the conservatory.  

We found the children's garden and the place was fabulous.  Audrey laughed her head off at the water fountains and giggled at the water wall.  Josh and I had a blast watching Audrey discover the children's garden and play with other children her age.  One woman commented at Audrey's laughter, "she just made my night." We left with a very tired Audrey.  All three of us enjoyed our first trip to Longwood as a family.

Brandywine River Museum Visit

Audrey's Christmas Card

We visited the Brandywine River Museum at twilight in early December.  The facility is beautiful and we enjoyed the Christmas trees that are decorated with critters.  Audrey let us take about 150 pictures of her and here are a few of our favorite pictures of Audrey.  When we weren't chasing Audrey with our camera, we watched their amazing train display and the conductor even put a chocolate oil in the hot chocolate train for us to smell.  Audrey loved the Wyeth family doll collection and she didn't appreciate not being about to touch the life size dolls.  To be honest, they were a bit scary to us.  Audrey was a bit tired so we took her outside and let her run around the path that follows the Brandywine. 

Flower girl audition

Dada does hair!

Seriously fun hairstyle by Dada!!! Super cute.

Halloween #2

Trick o treat night was spent at the Ropers. Lauri hosted the Halloween block party. Audrey played w Jenna's babies and ate Aunt Lauri's meatballs and Mac & cheese. Audrey trick or treated at 2 houses and tried to eat her candy from the outside. We went to Mitchells for a psu photo op w Liam the Nittany lion.

Me me me

Audrey's new favorite word! This weekend we recovered from our Boston adventure and Halloween. Audrey and Dada build Mama's dresser, and Mama bought a few things to fill it.

New England Weekend

This weekend we traveled to New England to attend Josh's college bud's wedding. It turned out to be a wonderful excuse to spend the weekend with Audrey's cousin once removed Ms. Allison Karchner and family. We had a ball hanging out with John, Jan, Kaitlin, and Ally. Jan's brother Chris treated us to amazing food and company. The trip into Boston was too short but Josh and I spent a bit of time in the Copley Oak Room and watched PSU win. The wedding was sweet and unique. The ceremony concluded with a surprise glee style singing of Everyday by DMB. On out journey back we treated Audrey to her first happy meal.

Late October beach time.

Last weekend we decided it had been too long since we had seen the beach. We took advantage of a beautiful weekend to take audrey and the doggies to Lewes and Rehoboth. It was such a gorgeous day to walk around the neighborhood and downtown. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch under the hops vines at Dogfishhead brewery. The pups got a ton of attention in Rehoboth.

Linvilla Adventure

This Sunday we spent the afternoon at the Linvilla Orchard for our family's first visit.  Let's just say that this version of Halloween on the farm was quite a departure from the Selinsgrove pumpkin patches and hayrides.  For those of you not familiar, Linvilla is the suburbs answer to a Halloween farm experience.  We went with the Ropers and Caspers, our friends from our old neighborhood. Audrey had a blast playing in the big boxes of pumpkins and watching Jenna get lost in the hay maze and sling shot apples, A pet the white tail deer, and ran around on the playground with Dada.  We had crazy snacks - frozen chocolate dipped bananas with sprinkles. 

New Stuff!

Cowmooflague Carseat.

She's a blur...and so happy running around.

Yes Josh does dress himself to compliment our Little Lady

Laughing at Dada in the mornings.

Dancing her way into Tutor Time!

September FLEW By!

Audrey's been doing so much walking this month and she is super on the go.  She's transitioned into her back to school routine well and is enjoying her days at school and evenings with us.  In the mornings she is walking herself into her class to go dance with her infant teacher Ms. Phillis.  She started sleeping really well...until this last week - thanks teeth. 

Swimming lessons are back every Thursday night and Audrey gets her "swim swim" on - she's really doing well with the kick board and relaxing on her back.  We take her swimming for family swim and she is getting more comfortable with the puddle jumper.

We had a quick visit from Aunt Jenny mid month and have been to two birthday parties and a picnic. 

This weekend Audrey had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa - since Mom seems to have her hands full with school - pics aren't flowing as freely as they used to - thanks to my mom for the pics.  Audrey and our house are ready for fall.

First Birthday Party

August - The Dog Days are Over

Audrey's August had so many wonderful events and we really enjoyed the last month of her first year.  She is such a fabulous little gabunga and so full of energy, and has started walking.  I'm so grateful that we had a chance to have such a marvelous summer.

Beach beauty

Rehoboth Beach Day

Audrey is vacationing this week and today was awesome! A and Mama went to the Rehoboth Library and learned all about LIONS...roar and we played the Lion Pokey...silly.  Audrey was a bit distracted by the library's collection of American Girl dolls.  We then met Dada - he was running around town - and hit the beach all day.  Audrey was interested in the waves but the sand and seagulls were her faves.

Beach baby nap time!

Who need french fries when there is a beach chair to chomp on?