Thursday, August 19, 2010

Here and there

In case you didn't know, we're on a whirlwind tour to visit lots of people we love this summer.  It's really fun. And really tiring.  And doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging.  But there you go.  Our Michigan trip was heavenly - really pure bliss.  We spent lots of time with good friends on the beach, got to see a whole lot of family, and in general did a good bit a relaxing.

Next up was the Adirondacks for a visit to our friend Norah's camp, a few nights in a tent, and some spectating of the 2010 Lake Placid Ironman (which brought back some crazy memories for Paul).  On that trip we learned that Aaron really loves watching people bike and run, and he does not so much love sleeping in a tent.  He loves the tent.  Just not in a sleeping way.  More in a I-want-to-jump-around-in-here-until-all-hours-of-the-morning way.  It took us a few hours (duh!) to realize we were going to have to drive him around in the car to get him to sleep.  That seemed to do the trick.

Boat ride to the Smith camp
Boat ride
And we're there!
Camp
Ironman spectating
Ironman spectating

The driving-to-sleep-phenomenon also continued on our more recent trip to Kentucky for the Hall Family Reunion.  This was one amazing trip. The Hall Family started out with 11 brother and sisters, one of which was my grandfather, who was killed in WWII.  Today, there are four (I think) of the original clan remaining, three of whom made it to the reunion.  Plus three generations below them.  Needless to say, it was a big, happy bunch of people who I'm really glad I had the chance to connect with.  Once again, A had the time of his life. He jumped off the diving board at Uncle Keith's house, drove (with lots of help from dad) an ATV, and had lots of yummy treats. 

Hall family grown-ups
Hall family grown-ups
Swimming with cousins
Little fish with cousins
Family shot
Family photo

Now for a little update on our little boy.  He is chatting up a storm.  He will repeat whatever anyone says. (And I have got burned on this a few times lately.)  He's incredibly into steering wheels, jumping into swimming pools, Elmo and saying "hi" to his friend Nando every time we drive by their house (which is every time we leave our street).  He loves visiting "Nana's new house."  (My mom recently moved into a new apartment, which is a significant improvement over her last one.)  And he's still a fruit monster. Except for pineapple, which he will put into his mouth and promptly spit out.

We're around for a weekend, and then off to visit some of our favorite people in the world in Meredith, New Hampshite.  It's all leading up to the grand finale trip to Nanny and Grampy's house in England.  Wish us luck.

5 comments:

Alison said...

Sounds like you guys are having a blast this summer! Aaron is looking so grown-up! Oh, and I'm landing in Heathrow the morning of 9/12 and flying back ont he 17th - any chance we'll run into each other?

The Hall said...

Aw, shucks. We land on the 11th and fly out on the 22nd. That's a close one, though!

Anonymous said...

I have to say, I am so glad you posted...I look everyday...and have been so "disappointed" that nothing new was there. Thanks for the update! You are raising a wonderful little boy...doing all the right things!
Miss you guys, Janet

Candie said...

dude!
it sounds as though you are having WAY too much fun. I am getting big and hoping that the monkey comes out early. Where is new Hampshite? it sounds like a lovely place for little boys!

Sharon said...

So glad you're having a blast on your whirlwind tour! So adventurous and exciting. Right now I'm sick and have no voice but I'll try to catch up with you before you leave for the other side of the pond. Any chance you can pick me up a roll of wine gums?