Memorial Day & Family Reunion

They're here!!! They're here!!! We've been waiting since they moved away years ago, hoping and wishing, that someday, somehow, they would return... and the day has finally come. Connor's Uncle Beej (my "baby" brother), Aunt Stacy, and cousin Olivia have moved back to PA from Colorado. It is quite honestly one of the most exciting things that has happened since Connor was born. Olivia is only a year older than Connor, so they are going to absolutely love being together. Today we were anxiously waiting when they arrived after 4 days on the road. Despite the utter exhaustion I'm sure they were feeling, we all had a great time in the sunny weather. The first of many, many family cookouts to come! Look at those beautiful eyes on little Livvy - I can't get enough of her!

The new playhouse in Grammy & Pappy's backyard was a huge hit

Olivia was telling me "Its splashing my eyes! Its splashing my eyes!", and then, of course, continuing to splash and laugh

The water-spouting beach ball - total entertainment. Connor would stand right in front of a spout and get sprayed by freezing cold water until he had to run away as fast as he could. Then he would run right back with a huge smile on his face.

Sunny days

Ahhh... the return of sunshine has been quite welcome, and has me daydreaming about moving south. But for now (and likely forever), we will enjoy it when its here and try to wait patiently when its not. We're definitely taking advantage with lots of outdoor fun!

Exploring the yard

Sharing the day with Ty

Exploring new parks and finding favorite hideouts
Helping Mommy & Daddy with some chores. Did I buy my son a pink and purple play kitchen? Yes, yes I did. It was only $15 at a yard sale and in pristine condition, so he can bill me for the therapy later. :)

Bye, bye Kathryn!

Kathryn had to leave us today to get back to Wisconsin. Connor loved the time with his cousin and was quite upset when she left the house today. He cried for quite a while and I eventually had to distract him with a TV show (Jack's Big Music Show - our family fave). It was a beautiful day and a wonderful visit. We'll be seeing Kathryn for her graduation in December from nursing school when Connor will take his second ever plane ride. Until then, we'll miss you Kathryn!

Cousin Kathryn! (and some unexpected free toys)

My niece Kathryn came all the way from Wisconsin for my graduation - and to see her cousin of course! Today we introduced her to the famous Waffle Shop and later went to the cousins' Grandma and Grandad's house for dinner. Grandma had a huge surprise for us because she had found a bunch of amazing and FREE toys that someone was getting rid of (a kids picnic table, easel, play desk, and tricycle) - wow! Connor loved them all, but of course was also quite entertained by the old plant pots that were being thrown out. A trip to the park and a dinner that included one of Connor's all-time favorite foods, strawberries, rounded out a great day!

We did it!

Its official - I have my Master's degree in Nursing! You know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? I think it also took a village to get me through grad school with a new baby. Thanks to everyone who contributed to make this possible!!! Hopefully you'll all stick with us during the next 3 years of my Phd program. Yikes!

Mommy, MS

We all headed onto campus today for the Nursing Convocation, where I didn't officially graduate with my Master's (that happens tomorrow), but all the nursing graduates were honored at our own ceremony. Although the timing was unfortunate (it started at 11am and Connor's nap usually starts at 11:30), Connor was a perfect little man. He sat through the ceremony without a peep and just took it all in. Eventually he got tired and took a nap on Brian's lap - including during my speech, but I won't take it personally. It was a beautiful day all around.

Happy Mother's Day!

Talk about a good day... I got to sleep in until 9:30, have lunch with my Mom, Dad, Brian, & Connor at a wonderful Mother's Day buffet at one of our favorite restaurants, play with a thrilled little Connor at a new (to him) playground, and end the day with lots of cuddling with my boy. Definitely a great Mom's Day! I hope all of you other moms out there can say the same. There's nothing like being a mother yourself to make you realize just how amazing your own Mom is ~ it has definitely given me new perspective on motherhood. Thanks Mom!!!

Trying out the tractor

Connor joined Pappy on the riding mower today. As usual, he continued to be enthralled with all things mechanical and took to it like a pro.

Family + friends + fun = Perfect 24 hour trip

Our last 24 hours were busy ones. We were headed to Zelienople for our friends' daughter's 2nd birthday, which just happens to be where my Aunt Pat and Grandma live. So, of course, we wanted to build in a visit with family while we were there. And on the way we stopped by to see our friend Kerith in Brookville, who is currently remodeling her new house (which also happens to be her law firm). Lots of visiting, but so little time! Still, it was wonderful to see everyone.

First stop... climbing up
the steps to Kerith's
amazing Victorian
home & business















Second stop... visiting with Connor's Great Grandma, my Aunt Pat, Aunt Elaine, Cousin Bunny & her husband Lou

Final stop... Brielle's 2nd birthday party.
Connor could not get enough of the bounce house
(with a little help from Mom) and had a terrific time with all of the kids.
Then we got back on the road for the 3 hour trip home and he was a great sport about it... this time.

An apple a day

An apple fell out of the fridge today and rolled across the floor. Connor pointed and said "ball", of course, and I told him it was actually an apple. To which he responded "ap", picked it up, and took a bite. I was completely shocked as I watched him walk around eating this apple for the next 15 minutes - just taking little bites whenever he pleased, and finishing about a quarter of it. He was so proud of himself! Of course I was paranoid about him choking (he normally gets his harder foods cut into pea-sized pieces), but I kept a close eye on him and he did amazingly well. We'll try it again - although I will peel the next one, which I think will help with some of my paranoia.