John Ahuia

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-03T17:00:00.003-05:00

January 3, 2009

Happy New Year Everyone!

We followed an annual tradition this year! My friend Max and his Mommy and Daddy came over to our house for a new year's party. Unfortunately no dancing was caught on video-tape this year but we did have a lot of fun. We played with my new trains, read some books, and wore some silly hats. Around 9:00 we did a count-down and said Happy New Year.

The next day all 6 of us went to the NY Botanical Gardens to see the train show. I liked getting to see it a second time. I assumed train-watching pose when I walked in.

I hope 2009 will be a good year!

Christmas with the Family

2009-01-03T16:43:00.005-05:00

December 2008

I had a terrific Christmas.

We spent Christmas Eve in Brooklyn with my Kanne Grandparents and my cousin Cali and her family. Mommy put me in pajamas because she thought I might fall asleep on the way home but I fooled her. I kept singing songs to GrandMom and Pops the whole way home! When we got home I wrote Santa a letter and left him some cookies and some carrots for the reindeer.

The next morning I woke up and Santa had come. He brought me some nice stuff including a train, a bus, and tractor trailer with two cars! I had a lot of fun with all of the new toys. (GrandMom and Pops got me a few things as well!)

The next day Aunt Martha and Uncle Chris came. They also brought presents, including 2 NEW lego trains for me. That was a LOT of fun. I had so much fun playing trains with Uncle Chris.

Sunday morning was really sad because everyone left, but I've been having a good time playing with all my toys. I'm sad again now because Mommy is talking about taking down the Christmas Tree soon!

I can't wait until next Christmas!

Christmas in New York City!

2008-12-27T22:07:00.009-05:00

December 27, 2008

This year GrandMom and Pops Riecks came to New York City to spend Christmas with me. It was a lot of fun showing them around the city and doing all sorts of special stuff with them. Of course we spent the most time outside on the coldest days, but that is how it works out.

On Monday we went into Manhattan and saw the trains at the CitigroupCenter. I loved this! Apparently this is the last year which makes me really sad. You should definitely check this out if you have time.

We then walked over to Rockefeller Center and looked at the Christmas tree. We also got to see the ice skaters. I had seen them before with my teachers at school but I was able to get so much closer this time. I liked seeing Santa Claus skate.

We then went to go look at the windows at Saks. I have seen these windows in the daytime, but I've gone from a side street. I've also seen the windows at night when the "snow show" is on and the windows light up. I was very confused to see the windows during the day from the front and to not see the snow show. I got very upset when the show didn't start. At that point we decided it was time to head home.

On Tuesday we went to the Bronx Zoo. Last year I went at night and saw lights. But this year there are no lights (reducing carbon emissions) but there are still plenty of animals. My favorite animals were the monkeys, but we also saw the sea lions, the reindeer, ducks, cranes (they were very loud), a snow leopard and the polar bear. We also got to watch someone make ice sculptures. While we were eating there were Christmas Carolers. It was a lot of fun.

On Wednesday we did some family stuff (I'll write about that later) and we did see some pretty Christmas lights. We also went to see a large menorah in Riverdale.

Thursday and Friday were also family days.

On Saturday we went to the New York Botanical Garden to see the Holiday Train Show. I had so much fun. Every time a train came by I assumed a"train-watching pose" so that I could better see the trains. Mommy really liked looking at all of the buildings that were made of natural materials. She made a pointing of showing me the ones that I see on a regular basis (Rockefeller Center, Van Courtlandt House) and some other ones. We then went to see a puppet show of the "Little Engine that Could". I really enjoyed that.

I hope GrandMom and Pops enjoyed their visit to New York City at Christmastime. I hope I didn't wear them out too much.

Balloons!

2008-11-26T21:54:00.007-05:00

November 26, 2008

Tonight was a lot of fun! For the second year, Mommy and I went with my friend Max and his Mommy and Daddy to see the balloons get blown up before the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I really liked the Dora balloon, the Kermit balloon, as well as the one in the shape of a pumpkin, and the one in the shape of a star. The balloons were big!

Spoiler alert for the parade! There are three new balloons this year, a Smurf, Buzz Lightyear, and Horton (from Horton Hears a Who). It was really crowded but we all made it through.

My favorite part was probably getting to ride in a taxi cab to the train station.

I can't wait to see the parade on television tomorrow. I'm also looking forward to seeing friends again!

Lunch with Friends

2008-11-26T21:46:00.003-05:00

November 23, 2008

Today we had lunch with some of Mommy's firends. Mommy was in shock when she realized she has been friends with some of them since 1995. She feels this is a long time. They all worked together at Trail Blazers.

We went to lucnh at a fun place called Dinosaur BBQ. I had macroni and cheese and french fries. Mommy had barbecued chicken and Daddy had some cat fish.

Mommy's friends also had children so there were 4 of us under the age of 3! (Somehow I was the oldest!) But we had a lot of fun.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-11-15T07:43:00.003-05:00

Nov. 15, 2008

My Daddy had a birthday this week! I sang him the happy birthday song several times and gave him a card. Hopefully this weekend Mommy and I will make a cake.

Here are some pictures of me hanging out with Daddy this week!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Children's Museum

2008-11-02T19:11:00.003-05:00

November 2, 2008

Yesterday I had a fun adventure. I went with Mommy and my friend Sam and his Mommy to the Children's Museum of Manhattan. This was my second time, but I was a lot bigger this time and a lot braver!

Sam and I first went to see the Dora and Diego exhibit. We had a lot of fun driving Tico's car.

We then went to the third floor. We both loved playing with the fire truck. We were able to dress up as fire man and take turns driving the truck. There was also a bus we could play with.

There was a really neat climbing thing in this room.

The best part of the museum was the sandbox. (Mommy didn't take pictures!) Sam and I played there for 45 minutes. We had so much fun. We also did a really fun painting.

After the museum we went to get something to eat at a restaurant.

I had a good time with Sam!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T16:43:00.007-05:00

November 1, 2008

I really like Halloween. What's not to like? I really like pumpkins, I like dressing up like a train, and I like candy!

Two weekends ago Mommy and I picked out my own pumpkin. Then last weekend we were at a mall where there was free pumpkin decorating so I now have two pumpkins. Daddy wouldn't let me take a bath with them the other night, I don't understand why. Mommy doesn't think I would react to well to permanently carving the pumpkins so she says we will wait until next year for that tradition.

I decided I wanted to be a train this year for Halloween. The only costume that was my size and still had the appropriate hat was the "James" costume from Thomas and Friends. However, I call all of the trains Thomas, so Mommy and Daddy decided I could be a "Red Thomas".

We had a "Fall Festival" at school. I had a lot of fun decorating a cookie (and eating it of course) and making a painting using an apple for a stamp. I also had fun decorating a pumpkin.

On Halloween I went trick or treating. Even though there are a lot of houses in our neighborhood Mommy decided to start small this year so we went trick or treating in our building. It was a lot of fun and I got some candy. (Somehow it has all disappeared though?) Who knows.

I like Halloween.

Birthday Party!

2008-11-02T16:28:00.005-05:00

October 2008

A few weeks ago I got to go to a really fun birthday party. My friend from school, Max B. was having a party at Appleseeds. Since we were going to go to Brooklyn after the party Daddy came with us. That means I have a lot of pictures to share! I think Max had a good time at his 2nd birthday party. I had a good time!

Columbus Day Weekend with GrandMom and Pops

2008-10-25T07:44:00.005-04:00

October 2008

OK..So my mommy has been very busy lately to keep up my blog. But I have been doing some fun things!

On Columbus Day Weekend GrandMom and Pops came to visit. I was really excited to see them. They read me several books, including two they had "written" themselves based on their recent trips. I really like the Train book and often sit and read it myself.

On Saturday of the weekend we decided to take a little road trip to see all of the fall leaves. We took the "scenic" way to Milford PA. We stopped several times to take pictures--but somehow Mommy didn't take any.

When we got to Milford we saw Aunt Carol, who is my Godmother. We had lunch at a nice restaurant, Apple Valley. Aunt Carol gave me a copy of Fox in Socks along with my own Fox in Socks. (I enjoyed it when GrandMom read it to me later!).

After lunch Mommy took us to Grey Towers. I had a lot of fun running around in the grass there and listening to the echos that were created in the amphitheatre. GrandMom and Pops seemed to enjoy the trees and flowers. I took a LONG nap on the way home.

On Sunday we we went to church and then grocery shopping at Stew Leonard's. Mommy and Daddy then went to a movie while I stayed with GrandMom and Pops. At first I wasn't too certain about this, but then they gave me a fire truck! That was a lot of fun.

On Monday we finally took GrandMom and Pops to Wave Hill near our house. I had a lot of fun running around on the grass there while GrandMom and Pops looked at the flowers.

It was then time to take GrandMom and Pops to the train station in Yonkers. We walked around the waterfront a little bit before dropping them off. I was sad to see them leave but I can't wait to see them again!

This is looking North from the Yonkers Pier, towards the Tappan Zee Bridge.

This is looking South from the Yonkers Pier at the George Washington Bridge.

A concert at Lincoln Center

2008-09-21T22:39:00.003-04:00

September 21, 2008

Today was an exciting day! I went with Mommy, my friend Max (and his Mommy and Daddy) and my friend Nicholas (and his Mommy and Daddy) to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. We saw the Laurie Berkner Band perform.

I had a lot of fun. Nicholas and Max were more into dancing than I was, but I still had a good time. I was fascinated by the seat and how it would move up and down. I attempted to figure it out before we left but I wasn't exactly successful.

I had a good time at the concert.

The Beach

2008-08-17T23:15:00.004-04:00

August 16, 2008

Even though I am almost 2 and half years old and live near the coast Mommy and Daddy have never taken me to the beach! I've seen the ocean before, but it was in the winter and from a board walk.

Because GrandMom and Pops were visiting us and they wanted to see the Atlantic Ocean before their trip to visit the Pacific Ocean we went to Orchard Beach. It was a whole 20 minutes from my house. I hope Mommy and Daddy feel guilty for not taking me before! (OK it actually is on the Long Island Sound and not the Atlantic Ocean but it does have waves and sand!)

As you can see in the pictures I had a lot of fun at the beach. I liked playing in the water with Mommy and Daddy. We did "jump, jump" and I also balanced on one leg while standing in the water.

The sand felt different than the sandbox at the pool, but I soon discovered how much fun it was. Daddy couldn't believe how much sand was in my diaper at the end of the day.

I had a lot of fun. I hope Mommy and Daddy take me back to the beach.

A weekend with GrandMom and Pops

2008-08-17T23:05:00.001-04:00

August 14- 17, 2008

I had a great weekend with GrandMom and Pops. They came on Thursday night before they began their trip out west!

On Friday we took it pretty easy but I did take them to Stew Leonard's. I showed them the animals there as well as my favorite part---the ice cream!

On Saturday we went to the Beach-see more in another posting. Saturday night I stayed with GrandMom and Pops while Mommy and Daddy went out for dinner.

I had a lot of fun this weekend. GrandMom and I read several books together, Pops and I built towers and other things. Pops and I also went on a bear hunt. I also showed off how good I have become at riding my bike. I'm glad my grandparents were able to come and visit.

A weekend in the country

2008-08-07T21:25:00.007-04:00

August 7, 2008

Last weekend I went to the Berkshires with my Mommy, my friend Max and his Mommy and Daddy. Max's GP has a house near Great Barrington, MA. The whole weekend was fun. I had been a year ago and it was neat to do all sorts of things that I could not do last year and to repeat some of last year's activities.

I was really excited when we got there Friday night and it took me a LONG time to fall asleep. On Saturday we got up and went to a free concert by David Grover and the Big Bear Band. They played one of my favorite songs, "The Shirt Song".

I was really tired by lunch on Saturday so I took a LONG nap. After my nap Max and I played outside for a while on his swing set. We then had dinner. We had some great corn on the cob. Mommy really enjoyed the pie for desert.

On Sunday morning we had yummy pancakes that Max's Mommy made for us. We also went swimming in the pool. After we went swimming we got to run in the sprinkler and then we got to run around naked! It was so much fun. Mommy even found the pictures from last year when we did the same thing. We've grown a lot!

(Here I am last year)

(Here I am in now)

(Here we are in 2007)

(Here we are in 2008)

After lunch we then came back home. Of course we went shopping at Stew Leonard's where Daddy met us.

I had a great time in the country. Thank you Max for inviting me!

Sesame Place!

2008-07-16T22:17:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, July 16, 2008

Today Mommy and Daddy took me to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. I had SO MUCH FUN!

Here I am on what was probably my favorite ride, Elmo Blast Off. We went up really high and then came down fast, WHEEE! See below for how high I went.

I also enjoyed the Flying Fish where I got to go up in the air with Daddy.

I also enjoyed the water places. There were neat wading pools and fountains to walk through.

I didn't like seeing Bert and Ernie so up close, but I did enjoy the parade and I liked playing on the big fire truck.

I want to go to Sesame Place again!

Concert in the Park

2008-07-15T20:34:00.003-04:00

Friday, July 11 2008

Today we went to hear the NY Philharmonic in Van Cortlandt Park. My friend Max came over with his parents and we walked together to the park.

We had a picnic with BBQ ribs and chicken. I liked the french fries the best. Then my Daddy came and met us and brought pizza! (That I liked a lot!)

Max and I had a good time playing and running. The concert started at 8:00 and I liked the music but I also liked running around. I also spent a lot of time sitting on Jodi's (Max's Mommy) lap.

It got dark but we got to stay outside and listen to the music. My Daddy brought back some neat toys for us to play with. They lit up!

After the concert there were fireworks. I enjoyed them a lot but they were too loud for Max.

We then walked home. I was so tired. The picnic and concert was so much fun. I can't wait until next year to do it again!

WV: Heading Home

2008-07-08T22:55:00.004-04:00

July 5th, 2008

Today we left WV. In the morning GrandMom and Pops took us to breakfast at Bob Evans. We then started driving. I watched a lot of Elmo and Wonder Pets DVDs in the car on the new DVD player Mommy and Daddy got. I also loved seeing all of the trucks that were carrying cars on them. I also got excited to see cars that had bikes on them.

We stayed again at the Hotel Carlisle in Carlisle, PA. Mommy and I went swimming in the pool. It was a lot of fun. There was a whole section that I could walk in.

Tomorrow we will head home!

WV: Happy Birthday America

2008-07-08T22:34:00.003-04:00

Friday, July 4, 2008

Today we sang Happy Birthday to the United States. I'm not really sure what all of that means but I did get to eat watermelon!

This morning we took it pretty easy. We did a little shopping in the area, though not as much as my Daddy had first planned to. I played with my toys with GrandMom and Pops. I woke up a little early from my nap so I went on a walk with Mommy, Daddy, and GrandMom. We then had a nice dinner. I had spaghetti while everyone else had steak. I then took another walk with Mommy and GrandMom and my stroller. Some of the time I rode in my stroller, other times I pushed the stroller.

For dessert Pops made a small fire in the grill and I got to roast a marshmallow. I didn't really like the marshmallow but I liked the graham cracker a lot. I also liked the watermelon that we ate.

All day the weather had been kind of yucky and I had been a little cranky due to my sleep schedule the day before so Mommy and Daddy decided that we would not go to the fireworks in Charleston. (Besides we were leaving early the next morning.) However, that night as we went back to the hotel we did some local fireworks in Cross Lanes. I liked them a lot. I kept wanting to see them so I said "again, again". I don't understand why Mommy and Daddy didn't make it happen immediately when I asked.

Tomorrow we are going to leave. I'll miss West Virginia.

WV-Spending time with GrandMom and Pops

2008-07-03T22:10:00.002-04:00

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

So apparantly I helped Pops with his blog tonight. You can check it out (and some pictures) at www.johncriecks.blogspot.com.

I had a good day today. Daddy wasn't feeling well so I went with Mommy to GrandMom and Pops house. I helped Mommy do laundry and I played with my trucks. Then we went to the local library where GrandMom used to work. There was a Lego table there and I had a lot of fun building a Lego train. I did not want to leave and I got very upset when Mommy told me it was time to go.

After lunch Mommy tried to have me take a nap but I did not cooperate. This is probably the first day EVER that I did not take a nap. As a result I almost fell asleep at dinner!

Anyways, I spent the afternoon with GrandMom and Pops when Mommy went out. I had fun going on a lion hunt with Pops, driving my truck under a tunnel created by GrandMom, and watching a video.

I didn't want to leave GrandMom and Pops's house tonight!

WV- Jumping over Cow Poopie!

2008-07-03T21:53:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Today we went to the the farm that GrandMom and Pops own in Greenbrier County WV. I got to see the hospital where Mommy was born.

We got to see a bunch of cows, but then they got scared of us and left. I got to hear them talking to each other. I took a walk with Mommy, Daddy, and GrandMom on the road on the farm. There were a lot of piles of cow poopie so Mommy and Daddy helped me jump over them.

I then took a nap while Daddy helped Pops mow the lawn. There was a lot of drama involved and all I know is when I woke up the lawnmower was back at the repair shop.

We left and took a little bit of a scenic tour back. We went through Alderson, WV (where Martha Stewart was in prison), through Talcott WV (home of the John Henry legend though now some people claim it was in Va.) and through Hinton, WV which is where part of GrandMom's family is originally from. The picture is of the Greenbrier River in Alderson WV.

We stopped at the Tamarack Rest Stop in Beckley WV and had a nice dinner. I had a lot of fun playing on the playground. I also enjoyed running around the craft store but Mommy and Daddy did not like that.

Daddy did a good job driving today. He had a lot of mountains to drive over.

I had a lot of fun at the farm.

WV-Going on a Picnic

2008-07-03T21:36:00.005-04:00

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Today we went on a picnic to Kanawha State Forest. I had a lot of fun! We went on a hike on the Salamander Trail. I got to go over a bridge, look at water, see different trees, see butterflies and see toadstools.

We then had a picnic lunch. I then got to play on the playground. There was a huge puddle at the bottom of the slide so I couldn't do that but I did get to go on the swings and on a big thing that I could climb through. However, I started getting annoyed by everyone taking out their cameras so I started announcing "No pictures please!". Some were taken but not a lot.

I fell asleep in the car on the ride home so Mommy drove the scenic way and showed Daddy some other parts of Charleston. When we got home I took a walk around the neighborhood with Mommy and GrandMom and Pops. Daddy took a nap. He is enjoying that part of the vacation!

Later on we all spent a lot of time playing outside. Mommy and Daddy played badminton. I helped Mommy serve some of the time.

I had a lot of fun on the picnic.

WV-Going to the Library

2008-07-03T21:20:00.007-04:00

Monday, June 30th

Today was a rainy day. Mommy and Daddy slept in late (Mommy had a cold)! But eventually we went to Pops and GrandMom's house. The weather was very yucky som we decided to go to a nearby library. We couldn't go to the one where GrandMom worked because it was closed for the day. Instead we went to St. Albans, which is actually where my mommy lived until she was in the 9th grade. We went to the St. Albans library. The toys that mommy remembered from when she was a child weren't there (all things considered probably a good thing), but there were plenty of other toys for me to play with. I decided to line all the chairs up and have Pops and Daddy sit in them.
Later we went home and I played a drum for GrandMom and Pops. It was a lot of fun. Pops sang "Old MacDonald" with me.

We had a really nice dinner with corn on the cob! I was happy to eat that.

WV- Day 3 Going to Church

2008-07-03T21:16:00.002-04:00

Sunday, June 29th

This morning we went to church with GrandMom and Pops. I went with Pops up for the children's service. Later I went with Mommy to go to the nursery during the sermon. I had a lot of fun with the trucks and buses in the nursery.

Later in the day, after my nap I played outside with my Mommy and GrandMom and Pops. I got to blow bubbles, kick the soccer ball, and climb on wall. I pretended it was a balance beam.

I like spending time with GrandMom and Pops.

WV-Road Trip-In the Car

2008-07-03T21:08:00.004-04:00

Saturday, June 28

We are taking another road trip! Yesterday I helped Mommy do laundry and pack my suitcase. I was excited because that meant we were going to see Grandmom and Pops in West Virginia.

Last night Daddy came home early and we packed the car and drove to Carlisle, PA. We've stayed at the same hotel several times but this time we were in a new section. After a dinner at Bob Evans we celebrated Mommy's birthday. She liked getting cards and gifts from Daddy and me.

We left early this morning to drive to WV. Mommy and Daddy surprised me by bringing a DVD player so that I could watch Elmo in the car. I also took a long nap.

We had planned to go to a street fair as part of Charleston's Festivall celebration but a sudden rain storm changed that plan. Instead we went straight to the hotel and checked in. GrandMom and Pops met us there.

We went to their house where I got to explore and see all of the toys they had found for me. I had a lot of fun with a puppy and a car that used to belong to my Mommy. Pops played his guitar for me.

After a yummy dinner of lasagna we went back to the hotel and I went to sleep. I'm looking forward to this road trip!

Happy Daddy's Day

2008-06-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

June 15th, 2008

Today was Father's Day.

Mommy and I made a surprise breakfast of pancakes for Daddy. I helped put the Bisquick and the milk in the bowl. I then stirred the batter up. I enjoy cooking!

We then took the pancakes to Daddy on a tray to Daddy so that he could have breakfast in bed. I thought it was pretty silly because now crumbs will get on the bed. Mommy said she would change the sheets later today.

Daddy then opened up his cards. He liked the one from me.

We went shopping later in the day for shoes for me. We couldn't' find any but Daddy got some instead.

I hope my Daddy enjoyed his special day.

The Next Houdini!

2008-05-31T22:15:00.003-04:00

May 31, 2008
Today I went shopping with Mommy, Daddy, and my friend Max and his Mommy and Daddy. While we were shopping at Costco Mommy picked up a neat box.

When we got home I decided that I would get into the box. Mommy and Daddy didn't think I would fit, but I showed them. I did this several times, sometimes with shoes, sometimes without.

Daddy thought I completely disappeared at one point, but he didn't capture it on film!

Aunt Martha Visits!

2008-05-25T21:32:00.005-04:00

May 25, 2008

Aunt Martha came to New York City for Memorial Day weekend to visit!

On Thursday Aunt Martha met us at Grand Central Terminal after school and we all took the Metro North Train to Riverdale.

On Friday Mommy, Aunt Martha and I went to the Bronx Zoo. We had a lot of fun. We saw the giraffes, gorillas, peacocks, lions, okapis, monkeys, tigers and leopards. We went on the Skyfari ride. Then we came home and I took a nap. We went to the playground in the afternoon.

On Saturday Mommy, Aunt Martha and I went to Jackson Heights in Queens to visit with friends of Aunt Martha. I met their baby, Vera, who was 4 months old. We went on a walk and I got to borrow one of Baby Vera's strollers. We went to an Indian buffet for lunch. I liked the nan a lot. When it was time I was very sad to leave the stroller, it was a nice stroller. I fell asleep in the car but we stopped and picked up Daddy. Then Mommy and Aunt Martha went grocery shopping at Stew Leonard's. Luckily I woke up when we were leaving so I got to have some ice cream! Because it was a nice day we went to the playground again!

On Sunday we got up and went to Wave Hill. Mommy and Daddy have been talking about that forever, but we finally went! It was very nice. I had a lot of fun running on the grass and going up and down the hills. We went for a walk in the woods. I want to go again! On our way home, we went to the playground again. (3 days in a row!). That afternoon, while I took a nap, Mommy and Daddy went out on a date without me. I guess they deserve it though!

Aunt Martha is leaving on Monday morning. I've enjoyed having her here and going to a bunch of fun places.

My Birthday Party!

2008-05-03T21:31:00.006-04:00

April 27, 2008

Today was my birthday party!

I had a lot of fun today. This morning was my birthday party at the Riverdale Neighborhood House. My friends Max, Sam, Elise and Maiya came. My cousin Cali also came.

We played with playdough, a play kitchen and bubbles. I had a lot of fun pushing a grocery cart around. Aunt Jackie thought it would be fun if I gave Elmo a piggyback ride.

My favorite part was probably when everyone sang the Happy Birthday song to me and I got to blow out the candles on my cake. I was NOT HAPPY when they took the cake away to cut, but I eventually got a piece.

Later in the day I got to open my presents. I got a lot of fun stuff. I got 2 sets of pajamas, that I insisted on wearing right then. (Elmo top and train bottoms!) My favorite toy was a Dodge Truck that Mommy's friend Minjung got for me. When I press a button on top it plays music!

I'm looking forward to playing with all my new toys and wearing my new clothing!

Fun with GrandMom and Pops

2008-05-03T21:21:00.004-04:00

Saturday, April 26, 2008

I'm having a lot of fun with GrandMom and Pops visiting me this week.

We went to the playground yesterday and today! It was a lot warmer yesterday than it was today.

We also went to the library and got some books to read.

Pops enjoys being silly with me and helping me stand on my head. GrandMom likes to read to me.

I'm so glad they came to visit!

Today I'm 2!

2008-05-03T20:32:00.004-04:00

April 23, 2008

Today I turned 2 years old! Mommy and Daddy hung a sign in our kitchen that said Happy Birthday. When I took the train I got several presents from some of my friends on the train. Lucy, the conductor, even punched "Happy" in my ticket! Max sang Happy Birthday to me. It was very exciting.

The highlight of the day was when I woke up from my nap and saw Mommy and GrandMom and Pops at school. They brought cupcakes for snack. I enjoyed it when my friends sang Happy Birthday to me.

Mommy and I then took GrandMom and Pops home on the train. GrandMom, Mommy and I went for a walk while Pops cooked dinner.

The whole day was a lot of fun!

My Bike!

2008-04-21T14:05:00.003-04:00

4/20/2008

I got my birthday present from Mommy and Daddy a little early. I got a bike! Mommy had bought it the day before when we were coming back from Meri's party but I was so tired I didn't really remember.

Today Mommy went to go see the Pope's mass at Yankee Stadium (pictures below) and I went grocery shopping with Daddy. I was helping him unload the car and I saw the bike. I also saw all the kids in the neighborhood playing with their bikes. Daddy took pity on me and went ahead and let me have the bike a few days early.

I have had a lot of fun pushing it around the apartment. Sometimes I sit on it and try to pedal. I almost have it, I still want to push both feet at the same time. I didn't want to put it away at the end of the day so I brought it to the bathroom while I was brushing my teeth. Then I rode it into the bedroom. Mommy says that I am lucky to live in a apartment. If we lived in a house then she would have me leave the bike outside at night. I wouldn't want it to get lonely!

I'm so excited to be almost 2!

And here are a few pictures Mommy took of Pope Benedict XVI in Yankee Stadium.

Happy Birthday Meri!

2008-04-21T13:49:00.003-04:00

4/19/2008

Today I went to the birthday party of my friend Meri. Meri is going to be 2 a few days after me but she was having her party early.

It was in an ice cream parlor called Little Scoops in Middletown NY. Mommy and I drove up there. Mommy wanted me to sleep in the car but I was too excited for the party and it was a little early. But of course at 1:00 I fell asleep. At 1:10 Mommy pulled into the parking lot for the party. I wasn't exactly in a party mood then but I eventually warmed up.

We played a lot of games that I enjoyed like Limbo and Hokie-Pokie. My favorite were the parachute games we played. My friend Sam was there. Parachute games were his favorite too! We had a lot of fun chasing each other underneath the parachute.

The pizza and ice-cream were yummy! I also enjoyed Mommy's cupcake. I hope Mommy got some good ideas for my party next week!

Dada is now Daddy!

2008-04-14T21:30:00.002-04:00

April 14, 2008

Dada was one of my first words over a year ago. However, yesterday I started saying Daddy instead. (I started saying Mommy in January.)

Mommy and Daddy both think it is great, but they are sad because they realize this means I am growing up!

I have a lot more words that I saw now, but Mommy and Daddy are still figuring out what they mean. But soon I will be unstoppable!

2008-04-01T18:39:00.001-04:00

Like the haircut...you look like real little boy now...about 5 yrs old tho.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T22:38:00.002-04:00

March 23, 2008

Today was Easter!

This morning when I got up Mommy said I could look for the eggs the Easter Bunny hid. I had a lot of fun. I also got a really neat book from the Easter Bunny. It has pictures of firetrucks (which I insist are ambulances), cars, trucks, airplanes, hot air balloons (my new phrase), and trains.

This afternoon I had fun with Mommy coloring Easter Eggs. Daddy helped out by taking pictures and standing by with towels when we had a few close calls. My hands are now green, but Mommy thinks it will wash off eventually.

I hope you had a nice Easter.

Happy Birthday Max!

2008-03-23T22:25:00.003-04:00

March 15, 2008

On Tuesday my friend Max turned 2! This weekend we went to the Children's Museum of Manhattan to celebrate. I had a lot of fun. It's hard to compare this to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum, they both are great.

At the museum I had a lot of fun playing with the fire truck and bus. I got to dress up and pretend to drive the truck. There were a lot of kids playing there which I didn't like but I got my turn.

I also enjoyed playing at the sand table with Max and Nicholas. The Dora and Diego exhibit was also a lot of fun.

The whole museum had a lot of things to explore and neat places to walk over and under.

After the museum we went and ate pizza. Then Max and I went and got new shoes. I was exhausted and slept the whole way home (and in the parking lot of the grocery store!).

I can't wait to go back to the museum.

Haircut #2

2008-03-09T22:52:00.005-04:00

March 9, 2008

Yesterday, Mommy and Daddy decided I needed a haircut. I guess the humidity was making my curls go out of control. So after a visit to Brooklyn, I fell asleep in the car. Next thing I knew we were at the hair shop.

We went to Someplace Special in Riverdale, they specialize in doing kids haircuts. I got to sit in a car and watch a video. Parts of the haircut were OK, but I hated when she was trying to trim and make it even.

Mommy and Daddy say my new haircut makes me look older. I enjoy it though. Here I am playing with my friend Sam. We had a play date at Playrobics. I had a lot of fun!

Pops and Grandmom!

2008-03-09T21:52:00.005-04:00

March 3, 2008

GrandMom and Pops (Riecks) left today! I had a good time with them.

They arrived on Thursday night by train at Yonkers. I had a lot of fun that night showing them around the house. Then on Friday I was feeling pretty miserable. GrandMom and Mommy took me to the doctor who said I had an ear infection. See! I knew I wasn't feeling well! However, after the medicine kicked in I started feeling a lot better! I had to make up for lost time.

On Saturday Mommy and I took GrandMom and Pops to the library. We got a lot of books to read. My favorite was a book about trains, All Aboard!, (that Pops made some great sound effects for) and Eating Colors (which has pictures of some of my favorite foods). I was excited to be at the library because they have a rug that has my favorite pictures from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See on it. I also enjoyed playing the with the puppet theater.

Saturday night I stayed with GrandMom and Pops while Mommy and Daddy went out for dinner. I missed them when they left but I had fun with Pops and GrandMom. They made me spaghetti for dinner! Yum!

Sunday morning I played a lot around the house and made a train out of my chairs. Later in the afternoon Mommy and I took GrandMom and Pops on a walk through Fieldston near our house.

Then this morning we took Daddy to the subway in the Bronx and GrandMom and Pops to the subway in Manhattan. I'll miss them! I can't wait until they come back!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

2008-02-23T22:28:00.003-05:00

February 22, 2008

This morning I woke up and there was snow outside! Everything was white and covered. This was the most snow I had ever seen.

It took Mommy a long time to get me dressed this morning, I didn't want to put on my socks and boots but eventually Mommy got me outside. I had so much fun playing in the snow. It was fun to walk in, I enjoyed climbing the little hills. It was still snowing while we were outside. While we were outside we walked around and then we played with my neighbor Tyler (he's 4 months younger than me) and two other kids that live in my building. Eventually we all came inside to get warm.

After my afternoon nap, Mommy and I went back outside. I got dressed much faster this time around. We walked down the street and went into the snowy woods. Mommy helped me build a snowman. I had fun putting snow in my bowls and touching the snow. I wanted to stay close to Mommy so it was hard for her to take a picture of me and my face!

I love the snow!

Happy Birthday Cali!

2008-02-11T21:03:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008

Thursday was my cousin Cali's first birthday. On Saturday, Mommy and I went to her party in Bayport, NY. It was on Long Island.

I had fun playing with Cali's animal train and cars. I enjoyed playing with Dylan who is a few weeks older than me. I even got Uncle Francois and Aunt Diane to read Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? to me.

I hope Cali had a good first birthday. The next year is even better!

A Table!

2008-01-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

January 26, 2007

Santa finally brought the second half of my Christmas present. I got my own table and two chairs. I like having chairs that are just my size.

Mommy moved my table to the Dining Room. I decided where I wanted to put the chairs. I was a little sad to see my high chair get taken down, until I realized that this meant I could eat the table!

As you can see the table is currently unfinished. Maybe Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher will visit at some point and help me out! (hint, hint!) :-)

The day was made even more special when we got the mail and opened a special DVD that my Pops made me. It was all about tables.

I'm going to enjoy my new table and chairs.

Bye-Bye

2008-01-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

January 7, 2008

One of my favorite activities to do lately is to take a bag or a box with a handle and go to the door and say "bye-bye" to Mommy and Daddy. Sometime I even hide behind the chair so that they think I went bye-bye.

On Sunday I took the game to a new level by opening the drawer and pulling out one of Daddy's hats and putting it on my head.

I also enjoy pushing my "car" around.

I'm a busy boy with places to go and places to be!

Bye-bye.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2008!

Last night for New Year's Eve we had my friend from school Max and his parents Jodi and Rich over. Max and I had a lot of fun playing with my trucks and blocks and reading my books.

We then ate a dinner of lamb.

We then took a bath together and put on our matching pajamas! We had fun dancing and singing together. We also made a lot of funny faces!

I was able to go to bed, but Max couldn't sleep. His parents had to take him home.

Mommy and Daddy did stay up to midnight to ring in the New Year.

Christmas 2007 Day 9

2007-12-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

December 29, 2007

Yesterday, Daddy complained about a strong smell in the air when he went out to get me milk. Mommy just said that it was probably a typical "Chemical Valley" smell. This morning the odor and the chemical leak that caused it was on the front page of the paper. Mommy admitted to Daddy that it had probably been a very strong smell. I guess that is what it is like to live near Charleston WV.

Anyways, today Mommy and Daddy packed the car. We went to GrandMom and Pops house again and packed up more things there and then we said good bye. I'll miss my grandparents!

We then drove to Carlisle, PA. Once again I fell asleep so I missed all of of I-79 in WV. Mommy had fun playing with the GPS system that Daddy got her for Christmas. When I was awake we did listen to some of my favorite music including the Car song by Justin Roberts and the Shirt Song by David Grover.

When we got to Carlisle Mommy had been named "Guest of the Day" again at the Hotel Carlisle! That is very lucky. Since there was still a little daylight left Mommy took me out to the yard to walk around and run in. I had fun since I had been in the car seat most of the day. We also used the webcam to call GrandMom and Pops to tell them we had arrived safely.

For dinner we went to Bob Evans restaurant. I was better behaved tonight than I had been last night. Then it was back to the hotel where I got to play some with Mommy, Daddy and my push toy.

Tomorrow we will be home!

Christmas Day 8

2007-12-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

December 28, 2007

Today was a really yucky, rainy day! I spent most of the day in somebody's lap at GrandMom and Pops's house because I was afraid of Sydney (Aunt Martha's dog). We also opened up the last of my Christmas presents. I got a neat rain slicker from GrandMom and Pops. Daddy also got a photo frame that had been made by my Uncle Christopher. You can read more about that in his blog. I also took a long nap. Mommy thinks my teeth might finally be coming in, but I've been working on them for a long time (several months) so she is not going to get excited yet.

We did go to downtown Charleston tonight to eat at the Whitewater Grill at the Marriot. I was very restless with dinner so Mommy and Daddy took turns walking outside with me.

After dinner Mommy, Daddy, Pops and I went across the street to the mall, Charleston Town Center. I got to walk around. My favorite part was the toy school bus that I got to drive. You will have to look at my Pops's blog for a picture.

We then went back to the hotel and went to bed.

Christmas 2007 Day 7

2007-12-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

December 27, 2007

I'm really liking this Christmas thing! I opened more gifts today and there are still more for me to open tomorrow.

Last night I didn't sleep well so I actually slept late this morning. After we got to GrandMom and Pops's house I played awhile with my new toys. I started getting restless so Mommy and Daddy went to our car and got my FAVORITE toy--my push toy. I enjoyed racing it around the house.

After my nap I helped Daddy for a little bit while he was making GrandMom's laptop work better. Then I went on a little walk with Mommy and GrandMom. The plan had been for me to meet some of the neighbors, but nobody was home. So instead I helped GrandMom sweep the front walk. Then my Aunt Martha and her dog Sydney drove in from Pittsburgh. I like Aunt Martha a lot, but I can't decide how I feel about Sydney. All five of us went on a walk around the neighborhood while I was able to warm up to Sydney. (at least tolerate being within 5 feet of him).

We went back to have Shepherd's Pie for dinner. I didn't like having Sydney so close to me so I sat on Daddy's lap. After dinner I did become more comfortable with Sydney and I actually touched him a few times.

Then we got to open more gifts. Aunt Martha made me a stuffed turtle. Uncle Chris got me a Thomas the Train Lego set. I also got a book from Aunt Martha and Uncle Chris about the animals in the Southwest that they got on their trip to New Mexico. When I opened it I said, "It's a book." Everyone was really excited about my first sentence.

I then opened presents from my Godmother, Chris's mommy and his daddy. They got me a savings bond. Aunt Melissa (Chris's sister) got me a BIG front loader truck. I was so excited to get another truck!

There were more presents for me but Mommy and Daddy said that I have to wait until tomorrow.

Christmas 2007 - Day 6

2007-12-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

December 26, 2007

I had another fun day today.

We went to GrandMom and Pops House and I got to play with my yellow truck again. Daddy then helped Pops move a big piece of furniture into the truck and they went to Goodwill. I stayed home and helped Mommy and GrandMom in the kitchen. Mommy put an apron on me and I helped GrandMom make sugar cookies. I enjoyed rolling the dough, cutting out shapes and of course shaking colored sprinkles on top.

During my nap my Pops set up his own blog since he was impressed with mine. After my nap and snack I went outside with Pops to feed the birds. Then GrandMom, Mommy and I went to the back yard where we played with bubbles. Because it was so cold the bubbles actually didn't pop right away when they landed. We then went on another walk around the neighborhood. I met one of GrandMom's neighbors who had never seen a stroller bubble before, so of course I demonstrated how the bubble works.

After dinner we opened some more of the packages under the tree. I got a construction puzzle and two books from GrandMom and Pops. My cousin Tiffany and her son Aiden got me a special bag!

Tomorrow we are going to see Aunt Martha.

Christmas 2007 - Day 5

2007-12-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

I had an exciting day! We went to GrandMom and Pop's house where we had some pancakes, then we got to look at the tree which had a lot of presents. Santa brought me a yellow truck to play with! I am having a lot of fun with it. He also brought me an Elmo to play and hug. I also got some nesting boxes for stacking. There are a bunch of other boxes under the tree that Mommy and Daddy say are for me but I was too excited today to open them up! Maybe tomorrow and the next day!

I took an early nap today because of all of the excitement of my new toys and then I went for a walk this afternoon with Mommy, Daddy, and GrandMom. A lot of the neighbors have big snowman, Santa Claus, and reindeer in their yards. Last night we drove around and looked at lights.

We then had a nice turkey dinner. I enjoyed the stuffing the most.

I like Christmas!

Christmas 2007 - Day 4

2007-12-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

Today is Christmas Eve. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but everyone seems pretty excited by it.

We took a trip today to Hawk's Nest in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was a really windy road to get there. Daddy thinks that they should test cars on that road.

When we got to the top of the mountain we were in the "Grand Canyon of the East", the New River Gorge. We had a really great view of a dam and of a bridge. We saw several vultures flying. There is a picture below explaining more about Hawk's Nest and of my family. (Mommy will fix the orientation of the other photo later!)

We then had a picnic lunch. After walking around the Hawk's Nest lodge we went and played on the playground. I had a lot of fun on the swings and on the slide.

We then drove home, but we stopped at two waterfalls on the way. I enjoyed looking at all of the water!

Tonight we are going to go to church for the Christmas Eve Service. I can't wait until tomorrow to play with all of the pretty paper and the boxes that are here!

Christmas 2007-Day 3

2007-12-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

December 23, 2007

I am 20 months old today! Today was a pretty quiet day. I had a big breakfast in the hotel (they have a waffle iron!). We then went to church with my GrandMom and Pops. I sat with my Pops for about 15 minutes, then with Mommy for another 10. I then wanted to walk around so Mommy took me to the nursery where I got to play with a lot of toys. Daddy stayed and listened to the adult and children's choirs who were performing a cantata.

We then went to GrandMom and Pops's house for lunch. There are a lot of pictures of me around! After my nap I went for a walk with GrandMom and Pops and Mommy around the neighborhood.

I then played for a while with the special broom they have for me. I had a yummy dinner of lasagna! We then went back to the hotel where I went to sleep. A pretty relaxing day!

Christmas 2007 - Day 2

2007-12-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

December 22, 2007

This morning I woke up in Carlisle, PA. After a small breakfast we got back in the car. We drove through the farmland in Pennsylvania. I told Mommy and Daddy that cows go "Mooo". We then went into Maryland. There was a lot of traffic on the road. We were able to see a lot of license plates. Some of the states/provinces we saw were:

Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Maryland
Washington DC
Ohio
North Carolina
Florida
Quebec, Canada

As we were driving through Maryland we saw less cows and more mountains. I enjoyed listening to music, reading books, and playing with my etch-a-sketch. We stopped for lunch in Cumberland, MD. After lunch Mommy drove. We went through some really bad fog. It was so hard to see outside the car. I decided to go to sleep.

I slept through it but my mommy insisted on singing "Country Roads" as we drove into West Virginia. She also made fun of the new slogan "Open for business". Mommy was able to drive 70 MPH on the roads and hills in West Virginia.

Even though it was foggy when I fell asleep I woke up as we were getting off the Interstate in Cross Lanes, WV. The sun was so bright. We checked into the hotel. I had a pack and play to sleep in here-it didn't roll as well as my crib in Carlisle. The room was a lot smaller than the room in Carlisle. After unpacking, we got back into the car.

Mommy got excited as we drove through Cross Lanes, through the second traffic light to get to GrandMom and Pops's house. I don't get the excitement over the traffic light but Mommy said that it was a big thing. I guess you have to be from here!

I was very excited to see GrandMom and Pops. They have several chairs that are just my size for me to sit in. They also have a pretty Christmas tree with lights. The best was a yellow broom they let me play with. After I ate dinner I swept the entire kitchen and dining area several times while they finished eating.

I was getting a little cranky last night, it's strange being in a new place. So we went back to the hotel and we all went to sleep early. I'll check out more of this West Virginia place tomorrow.

Christmas 2007 - December 21

2007-12-23T14:40:00.000-05:00

All day Mommy and I have been getting ready and packing bags. Mommy says I am going on another road trip to visit my GrandMom and Pops in West Virginia. I'm not sure what that means--but I do point to Pops's picture when she says his name. I'm having a lot of fun carrying bags around the house. We also have taken several trips to the trash chute, the recycle room and the laundry room.

After Daddy came home from work we ate a little bit of dinner and then we went to the car. I sat in the car with Mommy while Daddy brought all of the bags that Mommy had been packing all week to the car. He thought we were taking too much with us but Mommy assured him that everything was important. I enjoyed sitting in the car and looking at the Christmas lights.

We then started driving. When we went through New Jersey I looked at all of the lights and the smoke from the chemical plants. Mommy told me I would see a lot more of those in West Virginia. I finally fell asleep.

When I woke up we were in Carlisle, Pennslyvania. Mommy and Daddy said we had been there before. When we went to our hotel room. Instead of getting ready for bed I wanted to play with the giant push toy the hotel staff brought in. Mommy kept calling it my crib but I had so much fun wheeling it around the room.

Finally I went to bed. It had been a long day. I wonder when we will see GrandMom and Pops.

Road Trip Day 10

2007-09-11T21:43:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 9, 2007

We are home! Daddy promises that next time we will come home on a Saturday so that we have a day to recover before going back to school or work.

We packed everything this morning and went to have bagels with Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher. In honor of the season opener for the Steelers I wore my new jersey. (The Steelers won by the way!) Finally we left Pittsburgh.

We had a long drive across Pennsylvania. We hit some bad traffic on I-78 so Mommy and Daddy took a detour. My exciting news from the car trip was that I mastered drinking from a straw. Mommy wasn't exactly pleased to share her Oreo sundae with me but I enjoyed it!

There was also some bad traffic at the George Washington Bridge, but we listened to the radio and took the shorter way. When we got back to the city we stopped by my friend Max's house. His mommy and daddy had bought a fresh half-gallon of milk for me.

I was really excited to come home. I saw all the toys I hadn't seen for a week and I saw my own crib. It was good to sleep in that tonight.

All in all I enjoyed my road trip. I hope you've enjoyed reading about it!

Road Trip Day 9

2007-09-11T21:28:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Today was so much FUN!

After breakfast, nap and lunch Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher came to our hotel. I was going to take them to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. It was so much fun.

The first floor of the museum has a bunch of stuff from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood including some of the original puppets from the Neighborhood of Make Believe. Uncle Christopher and Aunt Martha spent some time with a lot of other exhibits on this floor. They made boxes, a horse and helped make a table and chairs. I'm not really certain because I wasn't there.

Instead I was on the second floor in the nursery. This is a exhibit designed for children under 2. There was so much in this room. I only tried a few things. I spent a lot of time with the pegboard table and the lighted pegs that go into the wall (think a giant light-bright). I also enjoyed the see-saw. As I went on the see-saw bubbles formed in the glass wall. I also played some with the sand table. I finally got a turn with a push toy and I enjoyed walking and pushing it on a variety of surfaces (carpet, bumps, tiles, a hill, etc.) I had so much fun!

Then we went upstairs to the Waterplay room. This was a giant room with a huge vat of water. I found a toy sail and splashed it in the water. Uncle Christopher showed me how he could put a bunch of pipes together to make a fountain. Despite his effort I was more impressed with the sail. Mommy had learned a couple of days ago to always have a spare dry outfit for me in the diaper bag.

I had so much fun at the museum. I will go every time I go to Pittsburgh.

After the museum we headed to Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher's house where I had a dinner of peaches and spinach balls. Then I sat with my Daddy in the hammock in the backyard. It was a lot of fun, a lot like a giant swing. Mommy then blew some bubbles for me. Aunt Martha played with me as well.

At this point I was exhausted with such an overstimulating day. So Mommy and Daddy took me back to the hotel when I went straight to bed.

Tomorrow we drive back to New York.

Road Trip Day 8

2007-09-08T21:44:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 7, 2007

Today was my first full day in Pittsburgh. After a breakfast in the hotel restaurant I took a nap. Aunt Martha then came over to our hotel. Aunt Martha was wearing a skirt Uncle Chris made. You can read more about that in his blog.

We got my stroller and took a walk into downtown Pittsburgh. I had a veggie dog at Franktuary. (It's a hot dog store in the basement of a church). One of Aunt Martha's college friends, Brad Yoder, was performing. I enjoyed watching him play the guitar.

We then walked to Uncle Christopher's office at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. His office is in the process of moving. The building we went to is one of the oldest office buildings in Pittsburgh. You can see a picture down below.

My favorite part of the day was when we went to the fountains in front of the PPG building. I had a lot of fun putting my hand in the fountain and splashing. This time it was Mommy's shoes that got wet. Uncle Christopher joined me in splashing.

Mommy then had a little adventure at the bank with her debit card---but I had fun watching the pigeons with Daddy. We then went to Macy's where Daddy bought some clothing. Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher went to a store and got me a Troy Polamalu jersey. (He's a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers.)

After all this I was pooped so Daddy and I went back to the hotel. Mommy went with Uncle Christopher and Aunt Martha to an event for the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. Aunt Martha serves on the board.

Tomorrow I am taking Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher to a children's museum. I can't wait!

Road Trip-Day 7

2007-09-08T21:06:00.001-04:00

Thursday, September 6

Today was another long day in the car. We left Ypsilanti, MI in the morning and drove to Ohio. See a picture of me saying goodbye to Uncle Max. We went through Bowling Green where Uncle Christopher and Aunt Martha lived a few years ago. Then we went to Kenyon College in Gambier where Mommy went to college. It was her first trip back since she graduated 12 years ago. We walked around campus and took several pictures. (see below). We also went to the bookstore where Daddy bought Mommy and me some Kenyon gear. We had lunch at the Gambier Deli.

We then drove through West Virginia to Pennsylvania. Mommy insisted on singing "Country Roads" as we crossed over the bridge to Wheeling, WV.

That afternoon we arrived in Pittsburgh. Uncle Christopher met us at the hotel and we drove to his house in Highland Park. Aunt Martha had cooked a nice pasta dish and corn on the cob for us. I fell asleep on the trip back to the hotel. I can't wait until tomorrow to see more of Pittsburgh.

Road Trip - Day 6

2007-09-08T21:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, September 5

Today was another quiet day. Mommy and Daddy did some laundry. We took a walk outside and I got to see my shadow. I also did my favorite activity, climbing the stairs.

In the afternoon we were going to go on a drive with Uncle Max so he could show us the sites. First I took a nap, then Daddy took a nap. By the time Daddy and I woke up Uncle Max was taking a nap. Eventually we left. Uncle Max took us to Detroit. We got to see Grosse Point. We also saw Wayne State University where Cousin Arvin and Cousin Leslie are going to school.

Then we went to Ann Arbor. Daddy and Mommy couldn't believe how big University of Michigan was. The hospital complex was huge. Aunt Jem works at the hospital in the pharmacy. We also saw Concordia College where Uncle Max is a student.

We got home late and I was very tired.

Tomorrow we leave for Pittsburgh but Mommy has a special detour planned.

Road Trip-Day 5

2007-09-04T22:16:00.000-04:00

September 4, 2007

Today was a pretty quiet day. My Daddy and I went on a long walk around the neighborhood and we met some neighbors. I also spent some time with Mommy watching the construction next door. The men were doing a lot of banging and digging. Then they mixed concrete and poured it.

I took a long nap this morning while Daddy worked on fixing Aunt Jem and Uncle Max's computers. Then in the afternoon we went out. Mommy and Daddy had talked about some more sight-seeing but then they decided to take advantage of some labor day sales so we went shopping. I'm not complaining because most of the clothing they bought is for me. My favorite store was the Carter's store at the Outlet Mall because there was a Lego table and Lego for me to play with.

All in all a quiet day, but different from normal.

Have a good night!

Road Trip - Day 4

2007-09-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

September 3, 2007

Today we went sight-seeing. In the morning we just went to the local grocery store (a Kroger's). It took Mommy and Daddy and Cousin Arvin a long time to find everything they needed (including my favorite yogurt) but several nice people helped them out.

After my afternoon nap we went to Detroit. On our way there we went through an interesting shaped bridge. Mommy tried to take a picture later in the day. We also passed a huge Uniroyal tire. Then we got to Detroit. Even though it was closed we got to see many of the cars on display at GM World in the Renaissance Center. Uncle Max works nearby so I got to see him and play high-five with him.

We wanted to see the Detroit Jazz Festival and the riverfront. We actually spent more time walking by the water than at the jazz festival. We walked along the riverfront where we could see Canada. You could get to Canada by taking a tunnel or a really long bridge. There were some cool sprinklers/fountains. A lot of boys and girls were in swimsuits and were really enjoying them. I was able to get my hands wet (and Daddy's shoes). We walked down the riverwalk to the carousel where I went on my first ride. I was a little nervous but I will want to go again. Then we went to get some ice cream. Both Mommy and Daddy shared their ice cream with me.

My favorite part of the walk was watching all of the boats and the jet skis on the river. They made cool noises. Some of the jet ski drivers were coming around and doing tricks for everybody on the pier. They were moving too fast and were too far away for us to get a picture.

We walked back to the jazz festival and heard some of the music. We also saw some other cool fountains. We then went back to visit Uncle Max at his job. Mommy and Daddy were convinced I would fall asleep in the car on the way back to Ypsilanti but I fooled them.

Tomorrow we will do some more sight-seeing.

Road Trip, Day 3

2007-09-02T21:44:00.000-04:00

September 2, 2007

I woke up at my normal time, 7:00 am this morning. I don't think Mommy and Daddy were ready to get up yet. After breakfast I played with my toys in Uncle Max and Aunt Jem's living room. Then Daddy and I went outside and practiced walking.

The rest of the day we just took it easy and relaxed. Mommy and I took a long nap. In the afternoon the three of us went on a long walk around the neighborhood. A lot of houses are being built right now. On our walk we went right next to a corn field.

I showed Aunt Jem a lot of my tricks today. Now she knows where my head is and where my nose is. Maybe tomorrow I will show her my knees. My favorite part of Aunt Jem and Uncle Max's house is the staircase. I like to climb the stairs. For some reason Mommy and Daddy insist on being behind me while I climb the stairs.

Tomorrow we are going sight-seeing.

Road Trip - Day 2

2007-09-02T21:30:00.000-04:00

September 1, 2007

Wow! We drove a long distance today! Everyone (including me) slept until 9:00 am. We ate a little breakfast and then got in the car. Check out the picture of me helping Mommy pack the cooler.

Last week my Daddy turned my car seat around. I can now look out the front window and see what he and Mommy see in the car. As we drove through Pennsylvania I looked at the farm land. I read some books and sang silly songs with Mommy. We also listened to some music. We stopped near Somerset, PA for lunch.

After lunch I took a 3 hour nap in the car seat. Mommy also took a nap. We then entered Ohio. Mommy had told Daddy it would be flat, he seemed to be surprised at how flat it was. We stopped in Ohio at a nice rest stop. You can see a picture of me walking with Daddy.

While we were driving Mommy and Daddy made a list of all of the license plates that we saw.

Pennsylvania

Missouri

New Jersey

Virginia

Maryland

New York

Ohio

Michigan

Wisconsin

West Virginia

Georgia

Colorado

South Dakota

Washington, DC

Arizona

Delaware

North Carolina

Connecticut

Maine

Iowa

Tennessee

Massachusetts

Florida

Illinois

Indiana

Alaska

Texas

Washington

Oklahoma

California

Oregon

and Ontario

We then went near Toledo Ohio and then into Michigan. Daddy couldn't believe that the speed limit was 70 miles an hour. It wasn't even an Interstate.

We then drove to Ypsilanti and to Aunt Jem and Uncle Max's house. They have a nice house with 4 bedrooms. Even though I was in a new place I was excited to see my booster seat/high chair and my pack and play to sleep in. I had a nice dinner of spinach balls (one of my favorite foods) and then I went to sleep.

I think I like this road trip.

My First Road Trip - Day 1

2007-09-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

August 31, 2007

Today my mommy, daddy and I started on my first big road trip. We are going to Ypsilanti, MI to visit my Uncle Max and Aunt Jem. I haven't seen them since December. On our way back we are going to Pittsburgh, PA to visit my Aunt Martha and Uncle Christopher.

Daddy worked today so we didn't leave until late. Actually Mommy took me to the car and I fell asleep while Daddy packed the car. We then drove to Carlisle, PA. When we got to Carlisle we checked into the Hotel Carlisle. We had a nice surprise because Mommy had been picked as "Guest of the Day". She got a special certificate. The men at the front desk then made a special certificate for me making me "Guest of the Day" too.

We went to our hotel room. I was a little confused as to where I was but since it was so late I was able to fall asleep quickly. So far I don't know what to make of this road trip.

More tomorrow.