Fall Pics

Pumpkin patch with our buddy Gage, enjoying a warm day on the patio with Grandma S, and our new favorite thing - the slide.

Home safe and sound

Asleep at last...little guy has a serious Naples hangover and it took him an hour to fall asleep in his crib this afternoon. After having no real naps to speak of today, he was so over tired.

Our first family trip, and a wonderful one at that. It really went remarkably smoothly given all that goes into getting Ben on the road. Man, there is so much STUFF! But the long weekend provided a much needed vacation for all and a perfect visit with the grandparents.

A little Ben loves from sunny Florida...

birds, oh the birds. we wave at them, squeal at them, smile and laugh,
walking with grandma Marsha,
eating breakfast every morning with grandpa Joe (and ice cream for the first time! - not for bfast though),
wind in our hair, even when on the beach,
fish from the safe distance of the pier,
walking, more walking and more walking,
his new tractor from dad,
the farmers market, even though he was half asleep,
Mary Ann, Jennifer and Mary Ellen,
waving, waving, waving,
SWIMMING in the pool (even though the water was freezing!),
sleeping in the closet,
and getting more attention than one kid knows what to do with.

Hubby and I were able to steal a date night at Campiello's - a fantastic, much needed evening out alone. It was glorious on a million levels. I ran every day, a treat for me. We ate fresh fish, had too many cocktails, and it was all wrapped up in a warm blanket of sunshine.

I am counting the days until we return again in March. Double the fun with BOTH sets of grandparents, Ben's b-day, my sis, I can hardly wait!

Thanksgiving pics

Since Thanksgiving was all about food, I thought I'd send a couple pictures of Ben enjoying his food (and water). Culminating with Ben sitting on Grandma Marsha's old fashion scale, weighing in at 20 lbs. Enjoy the pics!

Family and Friends

I'm sitting upstairs listening to the poor little guy cough, sniffle and sneeze while he tries to get some sleep, hoping he feels better when he wakes up tomorrow. 

A few pictures from last weekend for you to enjoy. From the bottom, Ben's new best girl friend Tracy, sticking their tongues out at each other; hubby and mini me; hubby's cheering squad; laughing with grandma Marsha; and hanging with grandpa Joe. 

Look at all the hair that has come in over the last week, amazing. Good news too because for a couple days it was all standing on end and I was concerned he was going to be cursed with a horrible cowlick. I think now that it is getting longer it's weighing down. 

Cleveland Rocks #2

A couple more pictures from the Cleveland trip, including hitching a ride with grandma Es, hanging with cousin Jen and uncle John, and snuggling with grandma Marsha.

As promised...

A few good pictures from Cleveland...grandma Marsha to be added tomorrow, different camera and still having some difficulty getting myself organized. More great pics of cousins too.

PS - I'm home!!!

Meeting Joe and Marsha!

Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Joe came to visit baby Ben this week! Here they are working their magic on the little smiler. We had a great time and packed a ton of activities in - including getting the garden started.

It was great to have them here! They come back on Tuesday on their way back through to Cleveland (it's cousin Joey's communion this weekend). And then my parents arrive on Wed!

Nanny interviews start in earnest today. Stay tuned for details...