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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Happy Autumn Equinox!

I've missed Mama and Alden time. Alex still very much needs my full attention, so Alden has had to share me a lot. This isn't bad, but he still needs time with me alone. When my Mom asked if I would like to go with her to a Welcome Fall Celebration, I knew this would be a great opportunity to have some bonding time with my little guy. We helped make some apple cider, ate caramel apples, hiked the nature preserve, sang songs and danced, and climbed a tree. A wonderful start to the new season!

Alden was very excited to see exactly what happened to all those apples in the press!

Watching the cider poor out.

There's nothing like fresh cider!

We made caramel apples!

Alden discovered the Climbing Tree...

My little monkey was in that tree for a LONG time.

"I love this tree!"

Alden, my love...

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Summer

Yes, I know I haven't posted anything all summer. We've been super busy and, frankly, I was a little burnt-out on blogging. However, I also remembered that this is the only way that I am documenting my boys' childhood. To save on cost and space and the environment, we don't print out pictures or keep massive amounts of photo albums. I print out these blog posts (in color!), and place them in a binder - which my mother so lovingly started for me - THANKS MOM!!! I print these posts because I don't believe that Blogger will always exist and the Internet could crash, implode, and so on... So, ahem, I will continue with my motherly duty...

Back to our cruise in June! It was a week long, fabulous get-a-way. Grandma Sandy retired and Grandpa Denny had a birthday - both lovely reasons for them to take their entire family on a cruise to Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands! Now, whenever Alden tells us that he wants to go on "vacation" again, he means he wants a cruise.. haha.



Daily ritual...


On the boat, Alex learned how to: crawl, sit up from lying down, pull up, and refuse baby food in preference for fresh, juicy, hot off the grill REAL FOOD. Before the trip, he was a beached whale eating baby slop. Amazing what some sun and sand can do!


He also learned how to make a touchdown.



One or two nights, fancy dress was required!




All the cousins in the boy pile wore the cutest sailboat outfits!



Alden was all politeness and manners at dinner.



Daddy enjoyed visiting Old San Juan!



And Alden enjoyed all 4 hours of the rainforest! We plan to go back someday.



Margaritaville in Grand Turk...jealous yet?




Fast forward to Alex's First Birthday/Family Blessing



Both sets of grandparents and all the cousins were present in our home. Everyone stood in a circle around the table and shared their blessing for Alex. Then, there was cake!





A couple more summer pics...




At our block party last weekend, Alex tried out his pushcart for the first time - and was hooked on walking! He can now "toddle." He takes about 2 steps before sitting down - exciting and scary!



This was taken yesterday at the Willy St. Festival. Alden was completely taken with the skateboarders. And loved that he could act out what he saw on practice boards.



Also from yesterday: Madison has an annual BIG RIG event, with trucks, cars, boats, and more trucks. Alden's heaven on Earth.




OK. Do you feel caught up? Please say you feel caught up. Phew! I will REALLY TRY to not let months go by again. Good night.