Christmas take 1

There was an abnormally early Christmas parade and Nevlin enjoyed seeing Santa from this distance. Can't say that he felt the same way in person. 

Nevlin gets so excited when we get a package, he MUST open it as soon as it arrives. A package came from Cioci and Papa and Jess with lots of Christmas presents showed up on our door. Here was the first of several gifts. Nevlin named it "Lilly" with such an exclamation that it was as if he had finally seen his long lost friend.

We headed to Sydney and began relaxing for a whole two weeks. There is a little beach right next to where Cam's parents live. 

Nothing like having an entire beach-ful of pebbles to toss into the harbor. 

Smiles and giggles would abound when his Michelle was around!

Aviation Museum visit

Cam and Nev and I went to an aviation museum late last year. Considering Nevlin's obsession with airplanes and airports it was an instant hit.

He got to go aboard one fighter plane and check out a dozen others. There was even some live music where we got to see different instruments being played. 

Peak-a-boo!

Nev climbs aboard anything he can, especially if it has a steering wheel. This one is an auxiliary piece used in the airfield.

I found a cut out & had to get a shot.

Next to the aviation museum is the train museum. We were almost museumed out, but had enough energy to hop aboard Bub for a short stroll around the track. Nevlin loved the ride.

Thanksgiving

I'm a bit behind...but better late than never. Have lots of Christmas photos and thought I would post a few on the next one. For now, here is a recap of Thanksgiving & November.

Nevlin helped Cam to grow veggies. We harvested one cucumber and a heap of tomatoes and so much spinach that we haven't bought any lettuce for about 4 months. It's been awesome!

Cameron baked the bird this year up-side down (breasts on the bottom). All the juices settled in the breasts and it was absolutely delicious. Check out his perfection!

 We had over some folks from the mother's group. Ava couldn't make it because she wasn't feeling well, but the feast went on.

The two toddlers ate so much corn, it was amazing how quiet and peaceful dinner was for a whole 10 minutes. I highly recommend grilling your corn when you get the chance.

Last post about the good ol USA

Lots of family was visited during our trip to the US. Here we are with Marzena & Paul, cousins, at their house. We saw them at the anniversary party, but wanted to say goodbye too.

Gran Tat helped Nev to navigate the treacherous tiles of their kitchen.

Every night was story night...it just differed in which were read and by whom. Since we generally read the books at home, Gran Tat & Busha were frequently called upon.

Nev got a series on the blue engine that could and included the clown falling off his new birthday bike. He was "sad" and Nevlin was perplexed about it. Everyone was described as "sad" in the next few months. 

 

After Nev fell asleep, some of us played cards well into the night. With snacks on hand, the ladies were able to redeem earlier games and came out victors on the night before we left. Another trip wrapped up, hard to go home, but the visit was extra special with Nevlin.

Stripes and Splashes in WVA

Luck and time permitted us to get together with Nic, Augie & Ben in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. This place was famous long before 2104 claiming George Washington not only slept there, but frequented the small resort. 

Lucky for Nevlin, Augie brought with him a few trucks, balls, and blankets to share a picnic lunch.

The rest of us hung out on a nearby picnic table with fresh water streams gurgling in the background.

The boys even got wet with each other & tried to splash as much of the fresh water out of the baths as possible. Finishing off the day with an ice cream and pinwheels was a treat in & of itself. We will miss Augie and hope to keep in touch on skype.

Ggpa at the Lake

The fridge got a little more rearranged and it was time for Cam's family to arrive. Again, we ran out of letters by the end.

Ggpa was greeted by the Nevlin in full fashion. Little did he know that Ggpa had been walking through that door for many, many years.

There were a few quiet moments spent outside, connecting or reconnecting with nature. Nev and his dad picked through rocks and sticks and dirt.

On the trip was also Nevlin's cousin and Aunt Nan. This beach ball was the best $1.50 investment I've made in a really long time.

Quiet walks through the surrounding streets are just one of the many benefits of the Lake house. Things are just a bit slower here than in your usual life, which is always welcome.

Here's a group shot of the family gathered, except this time E's taking the photo. Cam's uncle is on the far left and Drew was just a few months different from Nev.

Again, happiness and peace when the table was full of food. A beautiful weekend spent with fantastic family members.

Lake House with my fam part 2/2

We celebrated both Liam's 2nd birthday and also the anniversary of my parents with my brother and his family at the Lake. Here was the anniversary cake.

And the birthday cake.

The two little guys donned some Polish t-shirts about perogi. Taste and good for shirt slogans.

Here's the family portrait, taken of course by Cameron. It would be better with him in it, but all parties were not cooperating for a long photo shoot.

Generally there was peace in the house, especially when food and drink were involved. A short but nice trip.