So here we go an attempt at a catch-up blog post. There is no way I’m going to fit all the fun and interesting details into one post. But here is a shot at the highlights.
MAY
Camping for Kevin’s Birthday- We were joined by some good friends for a rainy weekend of early season camping in southern New York. Despite the rain we had a great time. Kevin’s parents joined for a ladderball tournament and dinner.
In Late May Kevin and I loaded our daughter in the car for a fun day of meandering Vermont for our anniversary (3 years May 25, 2011). We took the “Sunday Drive” route and it was well worth the extra time. We visited dozens of waterfalls- everything was running full to do snow melts and had a mid day stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory- some of you may remember our failed attempt at doing that for our one year anniversary.
Late May and early June were dotted with many trips to PA including one for Kevin’s Uncle Phil’s ‘Over The Hill’ birthday party where we got to spend some much overdue time with cousins and extended family. Another trip home included Rayleigh’s first trip to Knoebel’s (only PA locals will understand the significance of this event).
JUNE
In Early June we had a wonderful visit from Kevin’s Aunt Mary. We met her, her sisters and mother for a picnic at a park just over the border into PA. A great time was had by all. The park had a wide variety of playground equipment, which I am sure will provide years of fun – but this time it included Rayleigh’s first swing and slide ride!
In Mid June we went on a mountain vacation with the Fodness Clan. We stayed at a beautiful house overlooking Schroon Lake and enjoyed amazing morning views from the balcony. Rayleigh rode her first motor boat, LOVED playing at the lake’s beach, took a nap on a kayak ride and enjoyed playing ‘cat and mouse’ with Mimi & PopPop for a whole week. We all thoroughly enjoyed the house’s industrial kitchen and cooked many delicious meals.
JULY
Greyfox – July 14th-17th This was our family’s first visit to Greyfox- we joined the families Adams, Shilliday and Vollizari for a long (hot) weekend of kid corralling, jamming and concerts. This was also the first place Kevin and I shared our exciting news of our expanding brood- we are due with our second child in mid February!
In late July we met Kevin’s parents for a day trip to Lake Minnewaska State Park. The trip turned out a little different than we had originally planned but was a wonderful day just the same. Rayleigh was a good sport on what was supposed to be ‘a three hour tour’ – which turned into some unknown distance and time hike around Robin Hood’s Barn, past the rattle snake, along the lake’s edge until we found a VERY isolated beach. Unfortunately the camera stayed in the car that trip so there are no photos-oops!
AUGUST
It seems August is always a busy month for everyone and as our little darling turned ONE, this year was no exception. We celebrated in New York with friends and family. Rayleigh had ‘mom and dad’ fruit shortcake with whipped cream- which she loved! Later in the month she spent her first night away from me as she traveled to PA with Kevin and MiMi while I worked and joined them the following day.
A few weeks later we were pleased to attend the wedding of Sean and Laura, our trip to PA got extended by Tropical Storm Irene (and the damage that she caused in Capital District). The end of August also began our navigation of having a kid and both working. We were so fortunate to have Kevin’s mom provide amazing childcare for Rayleigh in our home during the week when I was at work and Kevin was in school. We couldn’t have asked for a better situation for the fall semester.
SEPTEMBER
Well it wouldn’t have been September without I2K – A Saratoga Irish Festival where the crew from GreyFox reunited for another weekend of fun, food and shenanigans. A good time was had by all with another year of great weather for the outdoor festival. By this point Rayleigh was taking steps but didn’t have the confidence of her balance to go very far and was still convinced crawling was faster.
Later in the month we attending the Adirondack Balloon Festival (we had a failed attempt at the SunKissed Balloon festival- flights were delayed and cancelled due to weather). Rayleigh loved seeing the balloons and enjoyed joining in on the clapping as they launched.
OCTOBER
Friends Matt and Colleen and Kevin’s parents joined us in early October for market shopping and apple picking- pies, crisps and sauce filled our kitchen for days! Yum!
Another trip to Pennsylvania to visit with my extended family rounded out our October- my sister Lennae got to meet Rayleigh and we all enjoyed a fun filled weekend in Danville. Kevin was thrilled to get to shoot his bow once again. Rayleigh had mastered walking and was now a proficient runner.
NOVEMBER
Kevin presented at the 2011 4S Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio the first week of November. Marking his first long time trip away from Rayleigh. He reports his sessions went well and had lots to talk about in the following weeks. He is currently working on publishing the paper he submitted for that conference. Speaking of publishing, he was asked by a colleague to help co-author a chapter in a book and spent much of the month researching and writing for that publication.
November would not be complete without a recounting of THE MEAL- we traveled back to PA for Turkey Day with Kevin’s parents. The weekend kicked off the winter holidays with the semi-annual gingerbread house decorating. Kevin and I decided we would theme our creation around Mario- which we have been playing much of recently (seems to be our pregnancy activity…) with a Boo House. We are both very proud of our creation.
And now it is…
DECEMBER
We had Christmas V. 1 in Pennsylvania the weekend of the 10th, held early this year as Kevin and I will not be doing much long distance January travel due to our impending arrival. We were joined by most of the family (those living in the Eastern Time Zone) at my parents’ house. Where gifts, cookies and food were all plentiful. The weekend was highlighted by hunting and paintball wars (and several last minute shopping trips). We had a great time visiting with everyone.
Thanks for sticking around- hopefully I haven’t left out any major milestones. My 2012 New Year’s Resolution will be to stay on top of the blog…
Loved the whole blog, thanks for all the updates and wonderful pictures. Hoping you are all well and that baby #2 is treating it’s mommy nicely and Kelsey is feeling well. love you all. Hugs to all. Merry Christmas.