Sept Favs

H's Best Of:

Q's Best Of:

Gigi Time

Of course, the kids have gotten heaps of time with their Gigi while we've been here and I did a little photo shoot over at the Cathedral last week:

Ooo, aren't they all so sweet?

Poppi Vince Time

We've had a few visits with Poppi Vince while we've been here and tonight he came by for dinner smoked salmon alfredo, zucchini fritters, salad, roasted carrots, and bread, yum. Quin is in the habit of asking people to tell a story now as we've had a lot of storytelling this last few weeks, and Poppi was asked over and over as well. So, after dinner Poppi obliged telling Quin a story about a snake, a crocodile, a monkey and an elephant, which involved some blood and guts and goofy gesturing.

Quin loved it! ;)

Thanks for the fancy new jewels you passed on from your mom too Vince, what fun I'll have playing dress up!

"Water Bottle"

Hazel has been working on her skills while here in Bryn Athyn. She's been really getting that second top chomper, getting down steps, tottering around like crazy of course, feeding herself with her own spoon and fork, and chattering up a storm. She's huge into saying "water bottle", "me me me", "Papa" (as we are getting so much more time with him!), "Gigi", and various other words and even some phrases. But tonight it was all about her "water bottle" which she likes to repeat over and over until she has it in her hands. Some little ones have stuffed animals or blankets, but apparently Hazel would prefer her water bottles, which are really sippy cups with water in them. As I was putting her down, she woke and murmured "water bottle" and I had to put it back in her hand and soothe her back to sleep. Hmm, cuddly....

Hazel Basil, Cowgirl

To market, to market, wowza!

We went to Rice's Market today with Gigi. It is one GINORMOUS market, mostly a lot of the same stuff over and over again, but Gigi did get us some fun stuff, like an Ecuadorian hat for me and sweater for H and finger puppets, tasty pretzels and produce, and some cheap crocs and clothes for Papa.

We played at the playground across the street this afternoon,

until (and the above dare devil stunts shall be your clue...) Q got a nasty scrape doing some climbing on the big bars. Ouch, he was so hurt he only wanted my attention for a good hour, wowza to that too.

We had a delicious dinner from the All Ways as Craig (owner friend) spoiled us with gift certificates!

Franklin Time

We ventured into Philly today to have some serious Franklin time at the Franklin Institute. This is an amazing and REALLY BIG science center, which we enjoyed all morning. Quin had a ball (as did his Papa) running all around.
H thought it was pretty awesome too, gee we all did!

H, crawling falling through a vein

The highlight for me was the planetarium show on cosmic collisions, wow that made me feel tiny, and so much more curious about space. Being the former science teacher she is, Gigi loved getting into it all with Quin.
What a day!

Cuz Time

We got the chance to visit Todd's stepbrother's family, Lori, Jeff, Gloria and Zack on this trip as well. It was a nice drive through Valley Forge to their home and a wild weather fall day. We enjoyed Lori's tasty cookies, the best pizza around, and of course some wild and fun cousin time!
Gloria played school with the boys, here she is as teacher reading to them:They had a fun time at a nearby park and performed on stage for us:
H thought Gloria was pretty cool:
After a big rain storm the kids and I went on a leaf hunt:
It was nice to get to see Pop Zack and Grandma Trish again too, thanks for having us all over Jeff and Lori! You can see more pics at this: album Lori posted.

Good Ole' John Chapman

In case you weren't aware today is Johnny Appleseed's birthday! Well here in Bryn Athyn good ole' John was a particularly noteworthy fellow. So, we went on down to the little festival in his honor, the Johnny Appleseed Festival. We helped make some cider and of course tasted it,

ate some apples and apple baked goods, got a little hand painting, enjoyed the artwork in the gallery, and even helped "Johnny" plant a new apple tree.
eating an apple goody
helping "Johnny" while singing his song
There was also an exciting cyclocross bike race happening, so that was amazing to watch as well (and quite a contrast!).
From there we went on over to Glencarin, which is now officially in the Bryh Athyn Historic District, now a National Historic Landmark.
We were lucky enough get a special trip up the tower as Todd's 3rd grade teacher was there having just led some tours, and asked another guide to take us on up. It's a beautiful view from up there, you can see all around the surrounding castles and all the way to Philly.

zackeys

Beachy Fun in Cape May

We're out at Cape May for a few days to visit, and we couldn't have picked a better time to come! It's beautiful in the 80's, off season calm, and so different from beaches at home. Here's Quin with a whole new type of crab:A horseshoe crab.

And Hazel loving her little shady, soft sandy spot:And Quin loves castle making, being buried and jumping the big waves. "Look at my big fat belly!"
Of course we are also enjoing the company of Pop Zack
Another "Little Buddy" for Pop Zack.
and Grandma Trish, and last night Aunt Carol as well! We've been catching up, eating great food together and enjoying their adorable town.

Beach Beauty and Big Waves in Cape May

Washington Crossing

We could't very well take Quin out of preschool for 2 weeks and not go on any educational field trips, right? So, we went on up to Washington Crossing today, which is on the way to Gigi's barn. We had a little visit with her horse January when we dropped her off at the incredible barn she rides at:

What a sweet horse!

Reading historical info with Papa.

Checking out the turtles, geese, and fish in the Delaware.

H on a historical bench

McConkey's Ferry Inn, where Washington and aides ate before crossing the Delaware on Christmas day 1776

"Near this spot Washington crossed the Delaware"
An old ferry

We didn't go into detail about the attacks that followed this crossing by the Continental Army, but perhaps someday we'll come back when the kids are a little older. For now it sure was a lovely spot for a peaceful picnic lunch on a beautiful fall day.