Baltimore Book Festival 2014

What an awesome event for everyone, kids included!

We walked up to Mt. Vernon last year for the event, but obviously C was too young. This year, with it being in the Inner Harbor, it was much more convenient. I was able to take him all three days. They had kid tables and chairs set up to color, characters walking around, and so much more. So fun. These pictures are from the first day when we went with Liam and Ben. Is Liam not the cutest?!?

There was a table set up for free books. We didn't take any (obviously), but we did get a handout from them. This stat really got to me, so I thought I'd share:

Low-income families have 0-2 kids book on average in their home.

Middle-class families have 54 kids books on average in their home. 

Is that not the saddest thing you've ever heard? 

I'm going to explore this Maryland Book Bank a little more. 

Feeling like Fall

Oktoberfest 2014

The first celebration at least!

Blacksburg

Well, I am just so mad at myself. I took terrible photos in Blacksburg. I forgot my camera and C is in a no photo stage. So I apologize for the terrible and very few photos to follow.

We went to Blacksburg for a long weekend to go to the GT/VT game. Yes, that horrible, horrible game where VT blew it again. That's all I'll say about that.

We drove down Thursday night. Put C to bed in the car. He was an angel. Didn't cry. Transitioned well. It was great. A was exhausted driving that late, but he survived. The next day, we hit our spots - Mill Mountain for breakfast, Cabo for lunch, VT bookstore for hokie gear. 

That afternoon and night we had Ali's birthday dinner - 17 - holy moly!

BRETT CAME INTO TOWN (he had a game Thursday night, they won, so he had off all weekend - he got a ride to Richmond and Bhatta and Josh waited for him and brought him to Bburg - they are the best!). Bhatta and Josh came into town. Jackie came into town. Ryan came into town (for his first hokie experience). My cousin Ben and his friends came into town from GT. WE HAD A FULL HOUSE AND IT WAS GLORIOUS. So fun. I think C was a little overwhelmed. Not his house. Too many people. But he did ok considering. 

Game Day, we went to Mill Mountain (again), picked up Carol Lee's, and headed to the tailgate spot. Mom watched C. After the game/loss, we went to Cabo, again, and headed home to see C and watch football. We had plans to go out later, but we were all beat. Long and sunny day. 

Woke up and went to Mill Mountain AGAIN. Yes, again. And then we headed out. We drove to Richmond (3 hours) and C screamed the last 1.5 hours (on and off). We stopped, had lunch, watched football, and then got on the road again. C screamed for the last 2 hours, more on than off. A wanted to drive during the day so we didn't get back TOO late since he had to work the next day. Well, we will never do that again. It was miserable. Traffic was horrible. C was not happy. Not a good end to the trip. Then to top it all off, we came home to a flooded kitchen. EESH. 

While the ending STUNK.. and so did the loss, we had a great, GREAT weekend. I got to see so many people that I love and miss, we had awesome weather, it was just fabulous.

Post- Everything Bagel @ Mill Mountain

in toy HEAVEN in Mom's basement/playroom playing with all of B's old toys

CABO!

BRETT IS IN TOWN

sibling love

putting C on the growth chart :)

new/old ride toy :) Thanks, Mom... and Brett!

15 Months Old

On Thursday before we drove to Blacksburg, we had C's 15 month appointment. It was the first time in all of the doctor visits that he was unhappy. I think he remembered the shots from the appointment before. Luckily for both of us, A got to come with us!

At 15 months old, C weighs 23.5lbs - 57%, is 30.5" long - 22%, and his head is in the 81%.

Picture catch up

walking the walk

just heading to the park.. by himself

reading the paper

cracking me up - carrying two (heavy) lids around

harbor east walkin'

Riverside Pool Dog Swim

checking out the Blue Angels

just reading a book by himself

Fall?!

of course he found a random puddle and got in it. so many people walked by, laughed, and said, get a picture!! well of course i'm getting a photo, come on now.

blue angel watching!

lederhosen

expo at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum - Star Spangled Banner Remix! Peter and C's fav part: the stairs. Of course.

trouble

tickling Ben's feet while he's eating