TV

So I made the mistake of telling the kids to go check out the teepee and then remembered that this thing was called a wigwam.  Oops.  Well, when Anne got over there and in it to take a look she kept saying, "Momma, there's no TV in here.  Where's the TV?  I don't see a TV."

Grandpa Reifenberger and his videos

Lobster Boat Tour

I really wanted to take Jeff whale watching while we were in Bar Harbor.  However, the tours were 3 hours long and left at noon.  So, with children requiring naps, we figured the lobster and seal boat would be more fun and appropriate for our little family.

It was great, because the naturalist told us all about how they fish for lobsters.  They showed us live traps and everything.    Jeff and I enjoyed it just as much as the kids if not more.

We love to hike!

There's a good story for this picture.  When we first got to Acadia, we stopped by the visitor's center to get some information on hiking trails.  I talked with one of the park rangers while my little cherubs were running around to see if there might be a hike she would recommend to do with small children.  Again, this small children we with us.  Granted, we had packs and could carry them part way.  Little did we know that The Bubble Trail that she sent us on involved scaling up a couple of rock faces! Jeff amazed me with his scrambling abilities with a 30+ pound sleeping toddler strapped to his back.  I was nervous just climbing this deal myself, without a kid!  Thankfully there were some kind folks at the top that I was able to pass Anne off to.  Then, once we got up there, I started to get nervous thinking about how we were going to get down, because if the trail down the other side was anything like it, we were in trouble.  Thankfully, the down trail was much more gradual.  Somebody should really give that ranger a clue.  I actually did see her in another visitor center later in the trip, but didn't have the heart to say anything, but I guess for the safety of others in the future, I really should have.

Nonetheless, the view from the top was beautiful. 

Maine

With Jeff accepting a job in San Diego, we decided we had better make a trip up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park before we leave.

The inn we stayed at had this great tire swing.  It was enjoyed by the entire Reifenberger family.  Sorry, we don't have any pictures of Jeff or I on the swing.  And I so hate to disappoint.

Sleeping Positions

Jeff found Owen asleep one night in the pack in play like this.  It was pretty funny.  He is actually quite strong and likes to pull up the floor of his bed.  Those velcro patches to hold it down, don't quite cut it for this little guy.

May in the Midwest

The kids and I flew out to Michigan to stay with my sister and her family for a few days.  It was really fun.  Owen just loved this John Deere Tractor Jaime had in her basement.  It was nice to just hang out fora  while.  I walked Reagan to school one day and she showed me her classroom and introduced me to her teacher.  We also went to the Grand Rapids Zoo which was really nice.

 I love this picture of Owen.  He was so cute carrying around these little chairs.  Made him look like a big strong baby.  Oh wait...he is a big, strong baby!  I keep telling people my prayer is that he'll be a gentle and loving giant.  Jeff and I definitely have a feeling he's going to be giant.

After Michigan, I drove back withe my parents to IL to stay at their house for a few days.  My cousin Alicia, made a trip down from Wisconsin to visit with her 2 girls, Lyla and Hayden.  Anne and Lyla are only 3 months apart in age.

Anne and Nana

Easter Sunday

 We hosted Easter dinner at our house after church.  I kept inviting people as the day drew near, so we had a full house, which was wonderful and made it a special day to be surrounded by family and friends.

It was a beautiful day outside on Easter Sunday.  Here is Owen and cousin Ellie, itching to get outside with the big kids.

Suze's Wedding

Our nanny, Suze, got married in March in New Hampshire.  Anne was so excited to go.  Of course, Suze had been talking to her about it for months.  The kids had a great time on the dance floor.  Owen would just cruze right through the crowds of dancers, busting his own moves.  He loved it.

Fashionistas

After my Grandma Knox passed away, all the granddaughters kept some of her fashion jewelry for our  daughters to play with.  Here's Anne sporting the family jewels.

I took a trip in March to Austin, Texas to visit my friend, Jen.  Seems this is the only picture I took while in a boot store.  Too bad, I didn't get any of Jen and I.  Guess I was too busy, enjoying my freedom for a few days.  I had a wonderful time.  Seemed almost like back in our college/grad school days.  No husband, no kids.  I wouldn't trade them for anything, but did enjoy some uninterrupted time with Jen.  This was also my first visit to the Lone Star State.

See how they've grown.

In March, our dear friends, the Yu's came to visit.  We got to meet Evie's new brother Peter and had a lovely day visiting together.  

I think this second picture was taken sometime in the spring of 2011 after Owen was born.

Well, we're finally back.  I had some encouragement from Jeff's mom and Aunt who both recall that the last time I posted was February, so prepare yourself for some updates.  Thank you for continuing to read!

Here are some pics from Owen's 1st Birthday.  We all went out for breakfast at a local favorite, Classic Cafe,  before Jeff headed into work.  

Here's the happy birthday boy.  Owen is a pretty jolly little fellow.  In most cases, happy to go along with the flow.  Owen started walking just after his first birthday as well.