My Birthday Trip

For my birthday Doug decided to take me to Washington D.C. for an overnight getaway. Mom was nice enough to take the baby for us so we were able to really relax. We had a wonderful time, here are some of the highlights.

First stop: the Library of Congress.

Next we walked by the Supreme Court which was next door. It was a nice day except extremely hot.

Here we are in front of the Capitol Building.

After that we stopped by the Botanical Gardens, The Natural History Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, and the Freer Gallery of Art.

Later, after we checked into our hotel and freshened up we stepped out to eat a delicious dinner at a Peruvian restaurant nearby and then took an evening walk to look at the White House. The next morning we went to the National Geographic Museum and topped of the trip with a visit to the D.C. Temple. We had so much fun, the break was really nice, and the best part was that all the museums were free!

Pickles, Peaches, and Preserves

On Monday my sisters Shana, Abby, and Bekah came over and I canned for the first time. Although I don't feel confident to do it on my own yet I did learn a lot from Shana who is amazing and can do almost anything. We won't be able to taste the pickles for a couple of weeks but I made up for that by eating half a jar of the blueberry and appricot preserves by myself. Delish!

We Love the Beach!!

Last week when our dear Ryan, Ann, Isaac and Emmanuel were visiting we took a trip to the beach. It was perfect beach weather. We went to a beach on the Deleware Bay which was perfect for the babies since the water was shallow and there were no waves to speak of.

Jacob's first beach trip!!

Emmanuel being his adorable self.

The cousins with Aunt Bekah.

Jaco couldn't have had more fun. He especially enjoyed eating the sand whenever Mommy wasn't looking, which made for some interesting diapers a couple of days later.

Chillin'.

Uncle Jacob trying to start a new trend.

Ryan and Emmanuel.

Isaac I love you and miss you!

Aunt Abby.

Isn't Daddy the best?

Fat, fat, fat.

And of course no beach trip would be complete without burying someone in the sand.

Morris Arboretum

Last weekend we visited Morris Arboretum with Doug's brother Josh, his wife Jeanne-Michelle, and their kids Joshie and Millie. It's a place I've always wanted to visit but never have. Boy am I glad that Jeanne-Michelle suggested it as a place to go. It was awesome!!! Here are some of the highlights.


A sweet miniature train garden

Lawn sculptures.

Awesomer lawn sculpture/maze.

Tree house.

Beautiful flowers.

And, of course, cute babies.

A Big Day (and a night and a day)

We are proud to report that Jacob went on his very first camping trip this week. We went with friends from church and we had a blast. In fact we had so much fun Doug is considering taking Jakey on the father and son campout next week. After a semester of city and stress it was nice to get out into a more rural area and relax.

It was an absolutely beautiful day for camping. This is our campsite when we arrived.


Jacob was relieved to be out of his carseat and enjoy the outdoors with Daddy.

He loved playing in/with the tent.

Jacob and his new buddy Camilla.

Settling down for a long sleep...

...Or not. Jacob thought it would be a nice idea to wake up at 5:30 am. Doug was nice enough to get up with him and let me sleep longer. I have to say that this was one of the worse night's sleeps I have experienced. Camping with a baby has it's challenges.

After a delicious breakfast we went to Ringing Rocks Park. There was enormous boulder field there. I guess some of the rocks have a really high metal content and when you hit them they ring like a bell. It was pretty cool.

Doug trying his luck on the boulders.

Next we took a short hike to a nearby waterfall.

Jakey hanging out in his pack.

Here we are at the top of the waterfall. We are looking forward to more great camping trips this summer!

Look at Me, I've Got Teeth!!

Jacob's two bottom teeth have emerged, and as a consequence he is cuter than ever :)

Ridley Creek State Park

A couple of weeks ago we went to the park with Erin, Micah, and baby Charles. The cousins love each other!