Colorado in October

We loaded up the kids and headed out to Estes for some mountain air. We didn't go last year because I was too busy with work, but we made it out this year and also celebrated Mom's 70th birthday there! The drive through Big Thompson canyon made my heart swell. We hit it just right and the color that remained from autumn was surprising and stunning while the setting sun backlit the yellow aspen leaves while we marveled. We were following out Mom and Jon and they pulled over at the cherry cider shop. I ran to mom and we just held each other. We had tears because of the overwhelming beauty. How lucky we felt to be there-with each other. I love you so, my dear mother.
My brother came out for a few days with his family for the celebratory festivities. The weather was warm and sunny. Unseasonably so. The we got some unseasonably early snow, but it was gorgeous. We managed to get out to the park everyday. After the big snow (22inches) we went into the park and did some sledding on the old slopes. It was a perfect hill and we didn't have to share with anyone. We all pitched in to make a yummy meal that we took down to the dining room in the main lodge, again, this time of year it's like we own the entire place. We had a fire blazing and the kids could run around as we sat overlooking downtown Estes Park. Out for dinner to celebrate Mom's big 70, back to the lodge for cake and ice cream and some hot toddies. We did one long adventurous hike up into the mountains packing the kids through the snow. It was breathtaking. I left my cards at home and did not take one single photograph this trip. Sad. I hope I remember all of it.Oh! We also did a little sledding at the lodge where Beck and Marlowe loved seeing Mom and Dad pull their sleds through the parking lot all out of breath. I don't want to forget about that. Can't wait to see you next year Colorado! I miss the mountains already.

Door County-first trip with kids

We made it! I have dreamed of having a family and being able to take them to Door COunty. And, by golly, we squeezed in one more trip to bring the 2 of you to pace that daddy and i love to visit. We used to always go camping up there over the 4th of July, but we went to NY over the 4th, so we managed to steal away over Labor Day. We made it into an anniversary trip. Daddy and I celebrated our 6th with all of us up north. : ) We stayed at a resort called the Alpine Resort. We had scoped this place out long before I was ever pregnant as a place that would be fun to bring our very hoped for family. It felt like a dream to be there with the two of you in tow. We stayed in a little cottage that had you two thinking was your own little play house. You bounced off the walls and didn't want to leave for our daily adventures, but once we got you going, you both loved every minute of it.
One of our adventures had us renting bicycles with a pull behind for both of you on daddy's bike. We did a big loop right through Peninsula State Park. It was touch and go at first, but soon you both sat back and enjoyed the ride. We went all the way up by the look out tower and back again. Another fun first for the 4 of us. Second adventure: We took a tour of the Lighthouse. B you especially loved this and would for weeks after the trip talk about being a lighthouse keeper. At the park you would "turn on" the light and save all of the ships. Nothing gets by you. Third Adventure: We took our first ferry boat trip over to Washington Island. On our many trips to DC we had never made it out to Washington Island, so it was truly a first for all of us. The ferryboat ride was wonderful. M you got a little tired of just sitting and watching the world go by, so we let you run some circles around the ferry for a bit. Once we made to the island we hit an old farm museum. B you really thought all the old equipment was cool and you wanted to what everything did, of course. We did a lot of explaining about how the old equipment worked and what it did. The we went over the the beach. The weather was warm enough to swim, even though Lake Michigan was freezing cold. You both loved it. Marlowe you really started to enjoy being in the water n this trip. A fish was born right before of our eyes-because ever since then you LOVE to swim, even in the tub! The water was crystal clear and the beach was made up of big white smooth round rocks. It was breathtaking. People would comment on how both you two could somehow manage to walk around those small boulders. You never cease to amaze us, you two! We had a little picnic by a cove and then headed back on the ferry. Great trip. Fourth Adventure: Breakfast at the Alpine Resort-seriously!! This place was SLOOOOOOWWW as molasses. Good grief, we ate in because we thought it would be so much faster, but it turned out it could not have been any further from that. There amy have been one other table in the entire place and yet,we could not get our pancakes out to our hungry-mungry kids in any normal time frame. We survived this adventure, but just barely.
Fifth Adventure: We went to Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor. It's been around forever. The ice cream is dreamy and creamy. Unlike 4th of July today the crowds were gone. We still had to take a number and wait but a few minutes, but the ice cream tasted the same, and I actually liked how unbustly is was. ANother must do with the kids checked off the list. Sixth Adventure: Fish Boil, of course. We hit a place we hadn't been to yet, as the others were not having their boils that day. It turned out great. The kids were mesmerized by the boil and talked about it for days. Seventh Adventure:We took a fabulous hike into the woods. You guys were fantastic. Marlowe you found every cool leaf and blade of grass along the way. You especially like the nuts and acorns and the evergreen needled "tickle sticks". Beck you loved to pretend every was some kind of horn playing all of the sticks and branches like musical instruments. Occasionally you would conduct, too. SOmething you have been a lot this year. Any stick becomes a magical musical command.
Eighth Adventure: This was something that just happened to us, but it was magical. We had stopped along the way to pull over and sit by the lake away, tossing sticks and what-nots, when suddenly we heard music. It was a quiet lonely trumpet right out in the middle of nowhere. We followed the sound and to our surprise we came upon an older couple sitting in the woods together. The woman was knitting, while her husband sat in a chair with his music stand playing his trumpet to the captive audience of the forrest. We couldn't believe it. We danced and rocked to his music. Beckett did some conducting, of course. Then the man played a special song just for our ears. Rainbow connection. We spinned and twirled to this together. I think B was surprised I knew the words. What a sweet special gift for us all. Ninth Adventure: The best adventure was saved for last, and we didn't even know it. The kids had fallen asleep in the car, so instead of going back to the cottage for nap time I asked Sean to just keep driving around. Like the old days, I said, let's just explore. So we looked at the map and found a place we hadn't yet been to. When we arrived, the kids had had their nap and we were at a most beautiful and secluded beach. We walked along the shoreline, playing in the sand. It should have been colder than it was, but the big breeze was warm and enveloping. No on for as far as you could see. Just sand, shells, and our imagination. We made castles and decorated them with things we found on the shore, like feathers and rope and seashells. We danced in the rolling waves. We swam in the much warmer water. It was a time that I wanted to freeze and savor. I couldn't believe I was right there in that moment and that this was my family and somehow we had all found each other and made it to this special magical moment. I will cherish it forever. I saved lots of treasures from those hours of hunting and playing that day and put them in a glass jar. I hope I can remember those beautiful moments for may days to come. Cheers to you Door County. We shall return for more adventures!

Keuka Lake-our first cottage

Our next big adventure this summer was a trip out to NY to visit the family. This year we rented our own cottage on Keuka Lake! We stayed there for one glorious week and then moved over to Pop-pops place for the rest of the time. Our cottage could not have been better. The place was cute as could be with private grounds and and a great wade in beach for he kids and Gracie. Uncle Boo rented a place a stone's throw down the lake and we convinced Abuela to stay with us for a few days. Beckett you went out in the kayak a few times and never wanted to get out of the water. Sweet M you didn't love the water, you wanted to just be with mama the whole time. You would do OK if you couldn't see me, but if you knew I was there you didn't want anyone else but me. You and I got a lot of time together this week! : )Daddy spent much of his time in the water with B. Beck you really became quite a good swimmer this week, learning to kick and float and really gained a lot of confidence in the lake with daddy by your side. We had sun everyday. There was a Harrison family reunion on the other side of the lake that gave us time with family the kids had never met and family we hadn't seen in quite awhile. We had fun in the sun and watched the fireworks together that night. B, you would get all excited and tell people all about those fireworks and put your fingers by your eyes and flash them to explain it anyone who would listen. You weren't too crazy about how loud they were. You definitely don't like things too loud, however your silly "whistle" you do is probably louder than most things you cover your ears for. You have taught Lolo your"whistle" and the 2 of you will "whistle' to find each other all the time. That part is cute. Just like the way you nuzzle each other and hold hands when you go places together. You sure are a doting a great big brother. I try my best to keep her away from your favorite things, but you usually end up sharing anyway. Lolo will try to steal your stuff, but then always brings it back to you with a hug and a kiss. WHen she takes your things if we tell you she is just teasing, you think this is funny, and will always get rid of your grumpies to laugh about her then.
We did run out to see a 4th of July parade in Penn Yan. It was hot, but the tractors really kept your attention. You waved at everyone, so Lo did , too. When the fire engines blew their horns, you wished they were quieter.
The cottage had a bunk room downstairs where the beds were. You slept away from me for the first time here. You almost made it through the night, or should I say, I almost made it through the night without you.
It was a great trip. My first really relaxing trip with you two. I can't wait for next year.

Funny little things

One day while B and I were having lunch I was getting close to your face and rubbing noses in between bites. You, my dear sweet boy, gently grabbed my face in your hands and said to me, "Mamma, you are the only one for me." These moments bowl me over. I love you, B!

Filling in the gaps-first camping trip Devil's Lake

My little ones. You have changed the meaning of joy for me. Joy is now chock full of an unimaginable love. I thank you for all of it.

We have been so busy. I don't even know how to recap the last 6 months. We had our first camping trip to Wisconsin that I mentioned in the last post. What a great experience that was! Daddy and I had wanted to find a park somewhere close to a train so that we could all take a ride, but the only ones we could find were just too far for a long weekend. SO we headed up to Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI. On our way into the campgrounds we saw a big sign that said TRAIN 6 miles. What luck!! We set up our camp and had a fire and cooked dinner and the next day it was a little cloudy. After we cooked up some breakfast we headed to the train. IT was raining by the time we got there. They had a train museum that we wandered through while we waited for our train to arrive and while we waited the rain stopped and the sun came out. We hopped on and took our first diesel train ride together. What fun! We had to get off and watch the engineer couple up the engine to the passenger cars to go the other way and B- you LOVED IT! You soaked up all the hand commands and still are using them today to get things to move. "Come on back, come on back." You;ll say while you move your hands in circles and gesture slowly. You are funny. Marlowe, you loved looking out the window-actually you loved sticking your hands out the window, which made us nervous, as you usually do! ALways climbing and jumping and touching things that are way too dangerous for you!
We found a large cat museum that was filled with lions and tigers, but now bears. We went to the beach and swam in the lake, saw a little 4th of July parade go through town after eating at a small quaint little breakfast restaurant. THe best part, I think, was a long hike we took along the lake. Marlowe you rode in the backpack on Daddy's back, and B you were amazing! You rode your no pedals bike the whole way out and back. I kept waiting for you to tire out, but nope, you just kept on going until the end.
One day we drove over to THe Dells and we rode on a duck boat. This made a big impression on Beckett, too. Still to this day you pretend while we are driving in the car that we are in a dick boat. You surprise and remember the name of the Duck boat driver, Dustin, and make jokes like he did and we pretend to splash into the water. The whole time on the boat you were os quiet, but when we were done you talked all about it. M you were a little mover on the ride, wanting to get down and run around the whole time. You don't stop moving for very long! It was a great first camping trip and i look forward to going many, many more with you two!

June!

TIme keeps flying right on by us. It's June already and it feels like I just sat down the other the and wrote that last entry--it's been 4 months!

You tow keep us moving. Lolo, my little one, you will be turning one on Sunday. I can't believe it. You are now walking and running and talking since my last post. You took your fist steps in you r9th month, just like your brother. You are a real climber-even more so than B. You LOVE to climb inside anything, a box, a basket, a drawer. You love to make monkey sounds and eat bananas. Finally you are eating. Youwere such a slow starter with this and then you never seemed to cre for the baby food stuff, but you would gag, so I was terrified to feed you anything with substance, but then one day it was obvious you were ready and off you went. You want to try anything, but right now love love squash, avacados, anything made of bread(toast, pancakes, noodles),blueberries,, and as I mentioned bananas. I'm still trying to find new things for you to try. You are a super snuggly girl. You are always attacking daddy and I with hugs around our legs, and if I'm sitting down you just climb right in my lap and hug me tightly. You put your head on my shoulder and go MMmm and really squeeze. What a sweet girl you are. You put up with all of your brother's hugs, and pushes really well. You are a tough little girl.

Beckett, you are a talker! My oh my!! I can't believe the things you say and the stories you tell. You seem like a 4 or 5 year old most days. It's hard to remember you are only 2..not even 2.5 yet, but almost. I LOVE that you can communicate so well, because I get to know lal the things you love and are afraid of or find exciting and fun. You really are a charmer. You still are really attached to me and there are moments when I'm tired, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I know at any minute you could le that attachment to me go an dI will be so sad and miss it when its gone, so for now I will enjoy every time you ask for me, or cry out for me, and I will be ther eto hold you tight, my little bubsy. You are my little miracle in so many ways.

I'm glad you tow hav eeach other. I love to watch you dance and play togother and you are doing more and more of that. Chasing wach other around the table--it makes us very happy to see you tow happy together.

I'll be better and write more about our latest adventures--like our first camping trip!!

More soon.

So much love!
Mommy

24 months-7months

WHat a wonderful time of life, watching you two becoming friends right before my eyes. Beckett you are so dear with your sister. You bring her toys and grab her hands and swing her arms like you are dancing together. You kiss and hug on M all of the time. It's so sweet to watch.

M you started really crawling fast on Friday. Our world changed in that instant. We must watch all of the time now as you take off lickety-split to get into the kitchen. I never know if you are going for the dog dish or for the music on the refrigerator that you have learned oh so quickly plays songs if you hit the buttons. You do so and then bounce on your haunches to dance. You are pleased with yourself, as you should be. Now you are already moving on to pulling yourself up. You seem more content than last week before you could scoot around. You were becoming frustrated with your inability to get somewhere fast or to stand. Now you try to pull up all of the time anywhere you can. BEck will help you, but has a tendency to then let you go. You seem to get over the thumps and bangs pretty quickly, especially if he starts babbling at you to make you laugh. Last night you grabbed my hands and pulled up to a standing position and while I sat in front of you, you took 4 steps across the floor to me. Remember when I said you were determined?? Nothing has changed, except that maybe you are more so now, if that's possible. I love to watch you as you hit new accomplishments. You are nothing short of spectacular.

Last night Beck we were cuddling with your milk before we went upstairs for bed and you I kissed you ear. You said, "You hungry, Momma?" No, I said, we just ate dinner. But you said it again, obviously wanting a different answer. "You hungry, Momma?" ANd then I got it. You wanted me to nibble on your ear. "Oh, yes, I am, " I said. I nibbled you and told you you were delicious. "I'm mashed batatoes. " You make me smile all of the time, my mashed batatoes.

Beckett you went skiing for the first time on Saturday! You seriously impressed your dad and I!! We were planning on ice skating, which we did do. daddy brought a shovel and made a rink for you on the lake again. You did SOOOO much better. You said you wanted to "do it all by myself". I was a little nervous for you, but away you went. Daddy and I took turns following behind, just in case. You waddled around all by yourself, though. What fun! Then after ahile you were done skating and I had some skiis that a freind from work gave me fo ryou in the back of my car, and with the warm weather fast approaching I decided we should try it. daddy thought I was crazy. So he didn't help me strap in your boot to the skis, and then drop you into your boots. But he did watch in amazement as you skied away!! You were the real deal!! I gave you the poles and off we went on a grand adventure across the entire lake and back!! And not in a direct path, either. You skied for about 1.5 hours. And never once whined or complained. Nope, not you. You were a trooper! BEck, you are something else, babe! All the snow has melted now, and I can actually say for the first time in any February of my life I am actually excited for the next winter!