Acadia National Park - Hikes

We did a couple hikes ourselves around Acadia National Park.

This first one was around Jordan Pond with the Bubble Mountains in the background.


We had lunch (Popovers and Soup) at the Jordan Pond House Cafe. Syd loved the picnic style tables we sat overlooking the w


It's not easy being green.




The water was a balmy 52 degrees. Syd's toes didn't stay in too long.

There were some other great hiking and carriage trails throughout the park.


Finally we walked up the Asticou Terraces which gave us some great views of the Northeast harbor.

Whale Watching

On our last day in Maine, we did a whale watching excursion. Actually it was officially a whale watching and puffin excursion. What is a puffin you may ask? See picture below, but its some sort of sea bird.


Out on the water, it was a balmy 40 degrees. Add the wind from the boat and you can see why we spent a majority of the trip in the enclosed upper deck.


Syd was playing it safe with her life-preserver. In fact she was the only person (other babies included) to wear one, but the relative peace of mind it gave mom was priceless.






Puffin (or some other sea bird) siting! Who actually pays $$$ to go on a boat to see birds?


And yes, we did actually see some whales. When they were not terminal diving, they were still very elusive from the cameras.

Bar Harbor - Maine

We just got back from our trip with the Grubbs family to Bar Harbor Maine. We had a great time exploring Maine...even though it was over 1,000 miles of driving each way. Overall Syd did great in the car. Here is a pic of the house we rented:



Kristi looking out of Frenchmen's Bay


Chris and Syd on the beach walk



Sydney is pretty much fearless in general, but she definitely had no trouble grabbing the lobster and playing with its antennae.


Of course lobster was the food theme of the trip...even down to the lobster ice cream.


All in all a great trip, with more pics of our island excursions to come.

Hanging with the Trips

We made a pit stop in PA on our way to Maine and Sydney got to spend some play time with her cousins!

Grove Park Inn - Asheville

Last week we stopped in Asheville NC at the Grove Park Inn. It was a great stop on our way over to see the Miller's in Charlotte. The weather wasn't great but we spent some time wandering around the resort.




Sydney's favorite part of the trip was definitely all the mirrors in our room; she spent all morning playing in front of them.


Dinner out on the terrace was beautiful.

So you think you can dance (VIDS)

Sydney is now pulling herself up on anything she can reach. Her favorite is still the musical piano toy which she not only pulls herself up on, but tries to climb over.

The first one is a little older and she is just playing...



Here she is dancing to the music...

Walking with Mom (VID)

Sydney now loves to walk all over the place...so much so, that she will rarely sit down and just play. Here she is with mom, practicing her walk...

9 Month Doctor Visit

Sydney had her 9 month doctor visit today. Luckily for her, this was the one without any shots.

Weight: 19 lbs 8oz (70th %)
Height: 27.75 in (60th %)
Head: 17.25 (35th %)

"I'm on a boat!" (Pics/Vid)

Captain Randolph takes us out on the Lake in a brand new pontoon boat.


The girls and the kids...



Jude is already out cold, 1 minute after leaving the dock.


Post hat-blowing-into the water, Aislin was a little upset.


Syd just wanted to walk up and down the main part of our boat.



"I'm on a boat"

http://www.hulu.com/watch/56632/saturday-night-live-digital-short-im-on-a-boat

Lake Anna - Virginia

So we had a little UVA Sigma Chi reunion this weekend at Lake Anna, Virginia. Little did we know when we booked it that the lake, which Mitch informed us numerous times, was built in 1972 to cool two nuclear reactors. It was a great weekend to catch up with everyone and their new families.

Here is our house, right on the lake.


Dad playing in the water with Sydney, until the crazy minnows started biting our toes.


Syd playing on her raft with Rex Rice.


Aislin Mitchell let Sydney borrow one of her tutus to play in.



Here is Rex again, Randolph has clearly taught him well.



Here is Syd playing with Jude Williams. She loved the bouncy seat that has been retired from our rotation.


Aislin loved being a big helper with Sydney all weekend.


Here Kerri and Kristi are obviously getting ready for a baby dance off. And the winner is...




Classic children shot...notice Rex pushing Walker over while Syd is losing it in the corner.


Um Mitch, we either need to get this boy some Air Jordans or at least a matching heel for his other foot.

After a long weekend of very little sleeping, Syd finally crashed on Mom's shoulder for a nap.