Tag, You're It!

Somehow we over schedule trips away in the fall, my favorite season to enjoy at home.  We have been on the go the past three weekends as a family.  We loved all our trips, but after traveling here and there most of August and September as well, I am ready to not pack a bag (except a hospital one) until 2013.

We got to see most of our family, a bunch of our beloved college friends, vacation, and attend a wedding.  So, tag, you're it if you want to see us.  We are not traveling again until after H2 is here. 

Weekend away #1- Vacation to Williamsburg. 

If you didn't notice my post, scroll down.  Remember that I backdate things so even if you are checking 80 times a day, I might not post until after the event, but still date it the day the event occurred. 

Weekend away #2- Lancaster

My childhood best friend, Michelle, tied the knot on September 29th. 

Such a handsome couple!

While we attended the wedding....


Trying to entertain ourselves between the ceremony and reception


 ... Evie (and Parker) had a blast at G and Poppop's house



Evie loved my Cabbage Patch doll as much as I did back in the day


Even though we were only in Lancaster for 26 hours, it was such a heart warming trip.

Michelle and I were inseparable most of our childhood.  When I think back on my childhood, I think of 4 main things:  Going to Nana & Poppop's house, trips to OCNJ every summer, swinging with my sister singing to Belinda Carlise, and creatively playing with Michelle for HOURS every day.  I am rather shocked neither of us became authors, veterinarians, cyclist, or professional croquet players by the amount of time we spent writing books, playing vet, riding bikes (with detailed neighborhood maps), and playing croquet.  I still love this girl to pieces and wish we lived closer to continue our special friendship. 

"M & M"

Michelle's family is an inspiration to me.  With four kids, the Christoffel house was always bumping.  I have very fond memories of taco dinners with her family and playing with her siblings.  The 4 of them have grown up to be such beautiful people and remain a close knit family.  Michelle's family is the reason I want a bigger family.  Her sisters' toast was right on with my thoughts- they had such a happy childhood thanks to their parents.  Thank you Christoffel's for making my childhood a memorable one!  I'm excited to get to know Joe, even though he cheers for the wrong green team

Another big part of my childhood was visiting Nana & Poppop's house.   Everything seems more fun at grandparents' houses.  Maybe because they devote all of their time to playing and loving grandkids :)  I see my parents creating a similar environment for their grandkids.  I think they might have more toys than we do at home!  The newest addition is the "little house"

The proud first renter

Whatcha cookin'?  Excuse the nasty looking bruise on her forehead-
Evie wants to go down the stairs standing up and hit the end table.  Ouch

Even though Evie can't tell us how much she loves time with G and Poppop, I know she does.  She was all smiles during her visit and went to bed easily for them.  She had fun doing the loop with Poppop and watching the coo-coo clock.  She happily played with all G's garage sale "steals". 

A huge thanks to my parents for keeping Parker while we traveled!

Weekend away #3- Martin's

It was Jason's turn to see his childhood best friend, Todd.  We traveled to West Grove, PA to their new house.  The Martin's have a lovely house with plenty of room for 2 toddlers to play and 2 dogs to roam.  Evie warmed up immediately to Luke, Todd, Lisa, and Shamrock. 

Besides the kids not sleeping at night and the foul smell of nearby mushroom farms, we had a relaxing visit. 

Everyone wins in this shot. 

I was impressed how well Luke shared his toys with Evie.  We had
very few tantrums over toys!

A wagon ride with a cute boy

Shamrock & Parker with slightly different approaches to snatching
dropped goldfish

Rough housing with Jason

We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends that have remained our best buds over many years.  It's so much fun to raise our kids together now.  Here's to growing old together too :)