Panama Rocks

We spent our morning on a beautiful family outing to this gorgeous trail in lower New York. It was meant as a reward trip for Evan for some recent great "big guy choices" he's been making. There were, of course, more stunning views than a camera can capture, but here are the favorites. (enlarge them if you are able)

What an adventure! Evan climbed rock walls and huge boulders with enthusiasm and went in and out of every "cave" and tunnel he could find! He has excellent balance and good judgment when it comes to trails and exploring. (He's no novice to this stuff, but never on such a grand scale!)

He did not want to leave!
This "cave" was called Devil's Den -- they all went in this side where they are standing...
...and came out this itty-bitty hole in the other side of the rocks... yes, Todd did it too ;-)
Chloe got really tired half way through, but once she got her second wind it was enjoyable. There wasn't as much for her to do since the rock walls are really steep (and slippery) and she wasn't so excited that her shoes were covered in mud. She did find some pretty cool sticks to collect.



In the end, we only ended up with one scraped knee (on Evan, from a slip in a cave). Kind of amazing considering the stunts this kid was doing :-)

Posted by Bree

The Morning Outside

I love days when we spend the entire morning outside.... hours.... and hours....
The weather was perfect today, and the kids were (mostly) getting along. There's a lot of running in and out of the house and garage for me to make it stay fun, but when it's over and we are all thoroughly exhausted, we are happy ;-)

Here's a brief glimpse of what we did (I am not taking nearly as many pics these days, especially when we are playing together).

Chloe spotted me with the camera lens pointed at her and darted away from me so fast!Evan was chasing his RC rock crawler all over, steering it like a pro (it moves FAST in high gear!) and laughing so hard!
Evan: "Want it to chase you, Chloe??"
Chloe: "Um, no... not wite now."
Then he ran squealing "It's chasing ME now!!!!!!" (I still have no idea how you steer something accurately while it is behind you, but maybe Evan could give me a few lessons.)
No morning outside would be complete without getting really dirty.



Looks like tonight I will finally have to give them that bath I keep putting off...

Posted by Bree

Don't Turn Your Back

... for even a second with this kid. He climbs everything!!

Posted by Bree

Keep scrolling down for a post from Todd today too :-)

Self-Portrait Age 5

We won this easel thing and a bunch of art-supplies from Toys-r-Us last week. (Like we need more huge toys in our overcrowded tiny house. At least it has inspired an otherwise 'non-artist' to draw!) The dry-erase side is really fun (Chloe likes to use the markers on her skin -- she has to be disrobed before she can play with them.)

My favorite thing about this one is the shoes. He was very specific about this being a picture of him wearing shoes. He added the "bushy hair" after Todd asked where the hair was.

Posted by Bree

Accesorize

* with sunglasses *

* with pretty "princess" shoes *
* with "funny finger" spools *

* with pretty purple paint *
(enlarge this one to see her arms)

Posted by Bree

Sprinkler

Posted by Bree

**For anyone who didn't notice there is a bonus post on Saturday from Todd... scroll down if you missed it.**

Mini-Me??

Chloe

Me

I don't usually think she looks like me,
but look at those lips!!

The Beginnings of the Fleet Revisited

So, when the truck got totaled last week because of being rear ended on Peach Street, it was time to go truck shopping.
(These pictures are from the online listing from the dealership)

Yesterday I picked up a 2001 Chevy Silverado Z71 4x4 half ton. It has all the bells and whistles. I got what I think is a great deal. Hopefully this one will last more that 2 1/2 months. The dealership had it listed on Craigslist, and here's all the info on it:

Year:	2001	VIN:	2GCEK19T311165243
Make:	Chevrolet	Stock Number:	J2931A
Model:	Silverado 1500 Z71	Mileage:	113325
Body Style:	Extended Pickup 4X4	Interior Color:	Graphite
Engine:	8 Cyl.	Exterior Color:	Woodland Green
Transmission:	Automatic
Warranty:	Call for Details

Options

4 Doors	Air Conditioning
Power Door Locks	Power Windows
Alloy Wheels	Clock
Tachometer	Tilt Steering Wheel
Cruise Control	Carpeting
Front Bucket Seats	Cloth Upholstery
Bed Liner	AM/FM Stereo Radio
Adjustable Head Rests	Daytime Running Lights
Auto Express Down Window	Door Pocket(s)
Adjustable Lumbar Seat(s)	4 Wheel Drive
Truck Cap	12V Power Source
Power Mirrors	Reading Light(s)
C.D. Player	Dual Air Bags
Cassette Player	Intermittent Wipers
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	Airbag On/Off Switch
Leather Wrap Steering Wheel	Beverage Holder (s)

2001 Used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale Erie PA -----This 4x4 1/2 ton Club Cab is in great condition -----very sharp-----runs great---equipped with the LS package ----many extras such as a Leer Cap , window guards , bug deflector , and factory splash guards

Posted by Todd

Yesterday

We went to the playground and the children's zoo yesterday morning. I didn't take many pictures, but now I actually have proof that, on occasion, I do push my kids on swings. (You all know by know my dislike of standing in one place and pushing repeatedly for hours on end. I don't do swings.) Evan likes the "underduck" push now without being too scared, so this is way more fun for me ;-)

Posted by Bree

At Granny's House

We visited with my mom a few days ago. Here are some snapshots.


A quick dip in the cold water of the pool...


...a little off-roading in the "Jeep"...

check out Evan's serious steering action!

...some yard clean-up (which I didn't get pictures of)...
(Evan and Chloe piled sticks in the back of the "Jeep" and drove them back to the "trailer" -- I mean wagon -- then hauled them to the "dump" -- I mean the garbage can.)


...checking out the big cars in the garage...

"Gwanny, is dis you wace-caw?"

(Granny, is this your race car?)

...and some pretending to be puppies.

Fetch!! Good doggie!!

Posted by Bree

Puppy Love

Ready For My Close-Up

Posted by Bree

Chloe's Birthday Party

"I be two on my buff-day!!!!"

Here's a quick re-cap of our afternoon on Sunday -- for all of you who couldn't join us this time around, we missed you!!

Chloe blew out two candles like a pro and devoured her cupcake (well, half of one) and moved right on to the presents.
Wrapping paper, bows and all clothing items were tossed in search of TOYS!!


Books? Books are good. She likes books. Had to take a quick reading break before diving back into opening.
These curly straws from Gramma Monde were a huge hit!
Tiny puppies from Granny & Grandpa got a lot of love!
Evan and the cousins were all over the playground and tire swing.
All tuckered out (no nap on party day will do that to a kid).
It was a really nice party ;-) Perfect weather and a great visit with family and friends!!

"Miss Kym" took 99% of the party pictures for me -- a HUGE thank you to her for so much help!

************

We did a Star Wars theme for most of Evan's invitations so we tried one for Chloe this year. Here's what we ended up with (enlarge for details):

Posted by Bree