Whirlwind Weekend in Minnesota

We got home from Maine, unpacked, did several loads of laundry, repacked and headed up to Minnesota for a little dose of fall and and my cousin's wedding... My cousin's baby, Mia, was born about three weeks before B. It was so fun to see both babies together and to watch them experience the wedding reception...music...dancing...they seemed to love it, despite the fact that both babies were up quite a bit past their typical bed times!

B really enjoyed his dancing shoes...so much he decided to eat them!

Dancing with Uncle Jeff...not quite sure about all of the other guests dancing...

It wouldn't be a trip to Minnesota without a run around Lake Harriet...We bundled B up and he enjoyed a nap while we ran around the lake...notice that the true "Texan" is wearing shorts and the true "Minnesotan" is wearing pants, a long sleeved shirt and a down vest!

B showing off his synchilla, otherwise known as the "Cookie Monster" suit to Uncle Jamey

One morning, we walked to one of my favorite pancake houses for breakfast...I was able to enjoy my favorite item on the menu, delicious yogurt, fruit and granola!

B enjoyed being bundled up in the stroller sleeping bag on the walk to breakfast and on the runs...he looked so cute in his little hat...

We were even able to sneak in some quick time with our dear friend Mackenzie...our Caribou dates are few and far between!

On a quick visit to my grandparents house, B tried out a rocking chair that belonged to me when I was little...

My grandparents were taking care of Mia, so B got a little "cousin" time (I think technically it is second cousin once removed?)

B enjoyed a good bear hug while he visited..hugs and time in Minnesota is few and far between, but we will take what ever time we can get and are so grateful for the memories! Bri...thanks for giving us a chance to celebrate with you and Andy...and the rest of our family!

Enjoying rice cereal with Gram...one of my perks of visiting...it was a treat to hand of this daily ritual to my mom...she thought it to be quite novel...and I thought it to be a nice break!

We are looking forward to our next trip and hope that we are able to connect and catch up with more of our family and friends.

The Trip Continues...

Of course we had to make a stop at the compound... B's Clam Box and Bartley's Dockside Restaurant, all we were missing is Elizabeth's Something or Another

Couldn't be happier/warmer.

Some really sweet suspension bridge in southern Maine

Some really sweet river in Southern Maine

Acadia National Park. Technically at Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park.

Just doing some exploring, soon I will have B on my heels doing this...

No resembalance at all...

One of my favorite pics...

Acadia...

Acadia....

Cadillac Mountain, with Bar Harbor in the background.

Alright B, give us something over the shoulder. Perfect.

Just being cute... No idea how he got up there. We were turning to leave and then looked back and there he was.

Sunset at Pretty Marsh in Acadia.

Good looking family, if I say so myself...

I just can't help my self...

Happy as a clam (yeah, that is a northeast pun).

Anglers Platter = fried clams, fried haddock, fried scallops, fried shrimp, french fries. I was just diappointed that didnt fry the plate it came on.

Sara sad she didnt like her Maine lobster...

The Rest of the Trip...

Sara and B enjoying a nice morning on the porch of our cabin. (Belfast, ME) Breakfast time. The stories from breakfast were probably better than the breakfast, but no complaints from these two kids.

Camden, ME, a true little gem on the coast of ME.

Brackett Orchards. We did a little apple picking here and Chad almost had to go find the car keys in the apple orchard. almost.

B doesnt trust his dad's arm strength. So he takes the matter of not falling into his own hands. Literally.

Sara and B hamming it up while Chad gets the gorilla pod setup.

Those eyes are daggers.

I know I am biased, but cutest kid ever.

Representing Brackett Orchards.

Our pumpkin patch picture.

The beautiful state capitol of New Hampshire. (It's in Concord.)

Trying to kill some time in the airport. We were doing laps.

Rhode Island Locals

We were blessed with the opportunity to head out east last week...it was an incredible opportunity to visit family and see some incredible fall leaves.The days of traveling light have come and gone...we looked like we were hunkering down for quite a trip as we waited for our flight at the airport...

We flew to Boston, rented our first car (that was quite an experience and an exercise of patience) and then drove down to Rhode Island to visit my brother and sister-in-law. B was quite a trooper, we didn't arrive at their house until WAY after his bedtime...B decided that it was totally worth it because it meant that he was able to get some good sugar from his aunt Amanda and Uncle Jeff.

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at one of Jeff and Amanda's favorite local dives, The Handy Diner, it was everything that they had described it to be...it was delicious!

B enjoyed hanging out in his chair while we enjoyed our breakfast and coffee...

B needed to send a couple emails on his phone while we ate, he displayed some major multitasking abilities!

After breakfast, we got to take a tour of where Jeff is going to school. It was so neat to be able to get a glimpse of what he is doing at school...he seems to be totally in his element!

Later, we took a drive around the town that Jeff and Amanda live in, we got to see some beautiful old homes along the coast and really get a glimpse of Jeff and Amanda's life in Rhode Island. It was such a treat to be able to visit, though our time was brief. We can't wait to hopefully visit again...we truly treasure all the time that we can spend with family!