A few recent pics of us out and about

It's cool to see the world through Emmett's eyes.  We have a second chance to have beginners' minds.  What is he looking at?  What is he thinking?  What might he be learning?

Just a cute gardening outfit from the other weekend.

The weather turned cold, so we busted out a couple new clothing items, including the hat here and the snow suit below.  Hungry Caterpillar is one of his favorite toys right now.

These two guys were quite interested in each other.  It was a rather tender moment.  I've been missing riding quite a lot, lately.  Hopefully horsemanship will be a part of Emmett's life.

The snowsuit.  Out for a walk with Pat.

'

At Home Depot.  Almost as thrilled as his Papa.

Bikes and flowers and markets and autumn leaves

On Sunday we woke up to a beautiful, crisp, sunny day and headed down to the market.  Sarah and Emmett and I have been impatient to get back on the Waterfront Trail and do some more exploring, so instead of parking at the market, we parked at the Children's Garden on the far side of Cayuga and road over the inlet and around to the Farmers Market.

We're really happy with the bike trailer.  Em. C. Harrington fits in their nicely inside his carseat and the seat snugs in tightly with the lap strap across it.  I'm surprised at how smooth the ride is.  The Dude was awake and looking around for some of the ride, which is super cute, and then he fell asleep in his chariot.

The market was busy, but we managed to get all the food we wanted anyway.

Cormorant on the lake.  Waiting for a fish to swim by.

Friends ride bikes together.

Boo had to head home at noon on Sunday, so we said goodbye to him in the parking lot, but we hadn't had enough bike riding yet.  Sarah says, "Let's go!"

These are some photos I took in the Children's Garden.

I like this one a lot.

On the way home, we had to stop and take a picture of our bucolic valley. 

Getting ready for the next season.

After a long, wonderful day, we're ready for bed.

Goodnight all

Emmet's first 100 days marked by a trip to the plantations and a wild hat

This weekend was an exciting one. Grandma Neta was in town and so was our friend Boo. Nai nai also told us that the 100 day milestone was an important and fortuitous one for babies. She gave Emmett a gift of a couple of good luck tassels, with which we adorned him, along with the first wearing of his tiger hat.

On Friday evening, we built a magnificent fire and caught up on news with Boo. Sarah and Emmett went to bed a little early to catch up on rest and fight the plague that has descended upon the house. For some reason, Boo decided to sleep outside in his tent.

On Saturday morning we got up, got dressed and headed out for a day in the fall weather. Here's Emmett all snuggly and warm in his flannel pants and Danish sweater. He's always ready for the adventure ahead!

I'm bummed that this picture is blurry, but putting it in anyway, as it is one of few full family shots.  We got some rain, which we're all hoping is an indication of a snowy winter. Any reason to throw on the galoshes is good enough. Here's the family in front of the beautiful redwood tree at the botanical gardens at the Cornell plantations.

All dressed in green. 

Brilliant fall flowers

The secret door to the magic shade garden kingdom. Lots of wild ginger, too. 

Striking fall colours!

An interesting fern in a beautiful autumn woods

That's a big pumpkin, papa!

After the botanical garden, we headed over to Dano's for OPT brats and German fare.  This was a first trip for both the Dude and Boo.  Technically, the Dude has been there before, but only as a passenger in Sarah's belly.  He was amazingly well behaved despite the leisurely pace of service.  Boo was a pretty good boy, too.

At dinner, I had a Lucky Hare Brewing Fall n' Oats that was so good we drove straight to the brewery after.  I got a regular sized beer, but Emmett can only handle small glasses at this point.  The brewery is in the brewers' former rental property.  Boo and I waxed philosophical about the buildings in which breweries exist.  It's a testament, I think, to the quality of the brew that, despite the humble abode in a region lousy with million dollar chalets, that the street was lined up and down with cars.  Our advice to brewers, spend your time, energy, and money on the beer, not the building.

When we returned home, we dressed Emmett in his lucky tassels and tiger hat for his hundred day milestone.

Then we were all whooped and it was time for bed.  One more change for Chopper for the day; this time, into some sweet PJs that his aunt and uncle sent him.  Thanks guys!

If I have anytime this week, I'll share photos of our bike rides, the market, children's garden, and fall foliage drive on Sunday.  Today, was more of a business day.  We visited another day care provider, met with an HR person for Sarah, picked up diapers (cuz running out would be a true disaster!), chopped wood, cleaned house, and worked on our budget.  I'll provide one sneak peak since it's unlikely I'll ever get to that blog:

The family working on the budget.  "It's ok, momma.  Try that calculation again.  I'm sure it'll work this time!"

Franktoberfest and etc.

Got my first cold of the school year.  So that's been fun.  We managed to have a really nice weekend anyway.  Vinnie and Jackie came in for the weekend and stayed with us.  Friday night we had a very nice dinner at Jason's house.  Lots of laughs, lots of stories, and a good dinner.

Family photo

With all the business, the cold, and the baby, I didn't get to help Erik as much as in the past.  Anyway, we pulled it off again.  We bought and grilled 50 piggery brats over coal.  Everyone brought amazing German food, and of course, Erik provided incredible beer.

Jevon, Vinnie, Sarah, and Emmett.  Shooting the breeze.

Jonas LOVES Vinnie.

Tired baby after another long busy weekend.