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

And we're there!

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

Swimming with cousins

Family shot


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.