New Hampshire Vacation Part One

Traveling to New Hampshire by van takes us two days.  By the second day Devin was so done being in the van that we had to stop pretty frequently to let him get out and walk around.  One time we stopped at this woodworking business, which was pretty amazing.

I wanted to get a picture of the guys in front of this bear.  Liam was willing, but Devin didn't want to hold still that long.

This was way beyond your average guy at the fair with a chainsaw.  Really beautiful and amazing stuff.

In case you are ever traveling through Vermont and want to stop, here's the sign.

They did finally stop in front of the bear.

And we did finally make it to New Hampshire.  When we arrived Devin ran through the house like a maniac.  He did eventually say "Hello Rob," which turned out to be one of his favorite things to say.  He said it at least once every day we were there.

The day after we arrived was Devin's actual birthday.  Rob made this cake for him.

Liam was pretty excited about it.

Pretty sure he approves!

More presents!

He wanted to try this out right away.

Getting stuff out of the box is always a project.

Yeah, I'm wrapping some of Liam's outgrown toys so Devin can have more to open without our house getting buried in toys.

Devin's Fourth of July Birthday Celebration

Devin's birthday isn't on the Fourth of July, but it's close, so this year we had fun with Grammy and Grandpa and Uncle Isaac and Aunt Cindy and the cousins on the fourth to celebrate his birthday.

 He's already got lots of opinions.

 The idea was to swim on the back deck, but I forgot to tell the cousins to bring swimwear.  They were not deterred.

 The babies really weren't too sure about the whole swimming thing.

 Devin did enjoy throwing the balls, though.

 And our new swing set saw some action.

 Liam needed to warm up in the sun.

 The spread.  We roasted up some of the CSA veggies, Isaac and Cindy brought a tropical fruit salad, Grammy brought ham and there were, most importantly, hotdogs for the kids.

 Do not underestimate the hotdog.

 Well maybe the most important part was the cake.

 He didn't quite get the blowing out the candles part.

 But he got the eating part.

 Really.  They were very good brownies.  I made them myself.

 He got a few presents.

 He had a little help.

 I wanted to get a shot of the cousins.  It's tricky to get everyone to cooperate.

 We did manage to visit a little.

This present got put together after everyone left.  It's been getting lots of use ever since.

Memorial Day Trip to Columbus

This is out of order.  I posted pictures from a trip to the zoo with Devin that happened in June, and this weekend was in May.

 Aunt Shelley was visiting from Oregon.  We managed a trip to the zoo although it was tricky with traveling an nap time. 

Liam:  This is my and my cousin Benny.  The person there is telling us about a manatee tooth. 

 Liam:  I think Devin might like watching the manatee swim around.

 Checking out some birds.

 We also had a picnic with the family.  Seldom have so many kids made so little sand go so far.
Liam:  It was so crowded.  I wanted to have the whole sandbox.  Or at least have the space to be inside it.

 Uncle Titus manned the grill. 

 Liam:  Me and Benny and Ruthy all trying to be in the sandbox at the same time.

 Devin discovered that he really likes hotdogs and watermelon.

 We found some time for conversation.

 Liam made a few funny faces.

Sometimes it feels like leave-taking is a major part of the event.  Which, since Liam asked, means that when it's time for some people to leave it takes a long time for that to happen and everyone stands around and visits (and maybe takes pictures) while they get ready.

 The family that rides together....

 Devin was hoping to escape with them.

 Ruthie was willing to walk, but there was a better option.

 Allen visiting with Pate while trying to corral Devin.

 All five of them ready to go home.

 The next day we visited Grandpa at the nursing home on our way out of town.

 Aunt Shelley met us there which was really helpful because we found it a little intimidating to deal with the facility.

Liam got to ride on the wheelchair lift.