It’s way past time to catch up. But it’s been another busy Fall and Winter season. So many changes… from your birthday at Great Wolf Lodge all the way up to Christmas and the snowless winter.
Let’s start with the BIG news…
Notice anything missing? 🙂
And now, here’s a summary of the other things we did at the end of the year:
REN FEST
This year we went with our friends JoAnne, Thomas, Leah and Austin Schommer. As usual, we hammed it up on Pirate Weekend, but it was even more fun to have a full crew with us this year.
Just me and me Cap’n causin’ trouble.I’M ON A PONY, YO!Uh, what officer? I was just HOLDING this for my mom.Yarrrr. A devlish pair we two be.
FALL FUN
Mr. Joseph was dressed funny for your second piano recital, but you took it all in stride. You also jumped around in the leaves at home and we went apple picking at Larriland Farms again.
Off we go to load up on apples…Let’s see… this one. (nom nom nom) or…Making my best SKELLY FACEHey Mom! You’re a natural farmer.NOT scared. Okay, maybe JUST a little.
HALLOWEEN
We went all out this year and had a house with ghosts and ghouls. Halloween night was fun too, because the Schommers came out with us again. You had such a haul that we STILL have candy through January. You went to Dean and Mandy’s party with mom and dad (it was an 80’s party); Mommy was “Punk Rock”, Daddy was “Goth” and you were “80’s Rock”. But for Halloween you told us you wanted to be a black cat, so you were.
As you can see, Dad goes a little overboard on the sideboard.ROCK AND ROLL!Do you know how much I had to pay for front row seats?But I got it for YOU Mom.Who’s a handsome kitty?
BIRTHDAY & Williamsburg
Your sixth was a pretty low key affair, since we travelled to Great Wolf Lodge with our friends. A crazy fun time filled with Magicquest, your first crack at a waterslide by yourself and some laser tag in the room (thanks to Colin and Beth). We also did our “traditional visit” to the Yankee Candle Company, where you loved to sniff every candle in the store. AND you saw Santa. AND we’ll never eat at a Taco Bell again…
Me and Dad time.BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS.I’m all ears… get it?COLIN AND BETH!Just a little warm up…The gang’s all here!Would you like your picture with me Wiley? I AM famous…BIRTHDAY SURPRISESOpening the lewt!Even MORE presents?Does that chest have more presents for me?A fine aroma…MOM. CHECK OUT THIS AROMA!Wait. What does “monkey in the middle” mean??Dude. You spelled it wrong.Handsome in a Tam too…Lay it on me, Santa.
CHRISTMAS
Santa was practically following us this year. But that’s okay. He fulfilled your wish of a Wheel of Fortune boardgame and so much more. We feasted on Chinese food on Christmas Night and saw the 34th Street lights again this year, but added the Charmery to our Baltimore Christmas tradition.
I see you EVERYWHERE!Santa must be cold. He’s not moving.Can I live here? (Then eat my way out?)Silly Elf on the Shelf!PRESENTSCookies for St. Nick.A note from… Santa? TO ME?Wheel… of… I MAY FAINT.YES. YES. YES!CROC!BOOM. WHEEL OF FORTUNE FTW.If you need me, I’ll just be down here solving puzzles.Did you think I was Santa, Mom??
NEW FAMILY
You also got a BRAND NEW cousin; Todd and Emily’s daughter, Kate Elizabeth!
Wait. I’m related to that baby??
HAPPY NEW YEAR
You stayed up (well, WOKE up) to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year and boy was it fun.
“Or Durves” for dinner? What’s that mean?WHOO HOOO! 2017!‘Fetti!
On the second week of May, we took a vacation which is best summed up by your paraphrase of a statement mommy made: “Five parks in five days? That’s just nuts.”
But go nutty we did with another Disney vacation. Last year we weren’t sure if you got it all, but a year’s worth of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse pretty much whetted your appetite for whatever the Magic Kingdom had to throw your way.
We began on a Friday, flying to Orlando via Atlanta. As usual, you were pretty great on the plane, but layovers always make you a bit cranky. We brought your drawing pad and soon you were reminding us that “Disney Jr. It’s where the magic begins…”. Even though we got to the resort late (this year we did Coronado Springs), you were excited and remembered “Gus the safe bus driver” videos more than you did the cartoons.
You know you want to sing it…Not NOW Dad… Gus is talking.Nice hotel… can we live here, Dad?Not so hidden Mickeys.
Our first day was an early one, but not a long one. We went to Disney Hollywood Studios. And we were worried, because the previous evening you’d had a meltdown when you were told you couldn’t ride the Tower of Terror with Mommy. (You had a hard time understanding that some rides are just too intense for little guys). However, upon entering the park we saw Donald and Daisy and things were much better.
Ready for my close up.So, is this the part where I ask for your autograph?
We took it fairly slow, you and Daddy relaxing and having a snack while mommy went to ride the Tower (and the Aerosmith Rocking Rollercoaster). In fact, you and Daddy snuck off to ride Midway Mania in the Pixar area, so you still had fun. Soon we were reunited and relaxed on the Great Movie Ride (though we realize you had NO reference to what you were seeing).
Yeah, classic closed eyes pic.So, what kind of movies ARE these?YO! CHIP! DALE! It’s ME… Campbell!
After that, it was the best thing of the day; the Disney Junior variety show, where you got to see Mickey and the gang, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Sophia the First and Doc McStuffins. The show was great and it was cool inside, which was a welcome relief from the 90+ degree heat.
Whoa. It IS where the magic begins.Focused!Yo ho! Let’s Go!I thought you were shorter!Hey, look Cam! I’m in San Francisco. (Not really)I know it’s the Star Wars ride, but I NEED A BREAK.And now, the Campbell Stunt Show!
You got a picture with Jake, had some fun lunch and were bored to bad behavior at the car stunt show. But your attention was refocused after you saw the “real” Lightning McQueen. It was a hot day so we left before it got too bad we went back to swim at the “Dig Site” pool, which was huge but very crowded.
The… REAL Lightning McQueen? Kachow!
The next day was a big one. You were inducted into the Pirate League! Daddy dressed as a pirate and you both started the day on the Magic Carpets (like last year) but THIS year, Pirates of the Caribbean was running. SO we snuck in quick to ride before you were a pirate and then just after you had your pirate gear on. It was very hot, so we tried to get into as many cool rides as we could. Since we were coming back a second day (the last of the vacation), we decided to focus on Fantasyland and Adventureland.
A pirate’s life for me!Fancy meetin’ you here.Keep going…You had me at Goatee.Yarrrrrrrr!Time to do some REAL terrorizin’ mates!
We even took Mommy to Beast’s Castle to eat at the Be Our Guest restaurant for lunch (it was Mother’s Day after all). She got a tiny cupcake and it was a welcome break from the heat.
I’m not a prince, I’M A PIRATE. I am supposed to be cranky.Ooooh. Be Our Guest indeed.So are you going to eat this WHOLE cupcake, Mom?
As the day wore on, your pirate “beard” ended up smeared across your cheeks, eyebrows and even your forehead. But nothing would stop us! Goofy’s Barnstormer, Thunder Mountain Railroad and the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train were all available to ride since you were 40 inches tall! You seemed hesitant at each rollercoaster, mildly terrified while on them, but thrilled at the end of each one, describing the excitement you felt at each ride. And we also got to do some standards too, like Haunted Mansion, Dumbo and It’s A Small World.
About this “beard thing”. Is it mandatory for pirates?Not so Dumbo, catching a cool ride in THIS heat.Cake… pop…Not impressed as you are Dad.Why YES, I do answer to Rapscallion.So much to see… can’t take it all in.Small World? Looks pretty big to me.AND THEN… THERE WAS THE WHOOSH… and the UP and the DOWN and the…Ooooh. This situation looks GRAVE mommy. Get it?
We also watched the Philharmagic show to your delight. You’ve really got a thing for 3d cinema. Our day ended in Frontierland, eating at the Columbia Restaurant (in the pirate corner, no less).
So did real pirates eat here?I got you a present, Cap’n Barton!Happy Face, mostly clean.
Our third day started well enough. You got your always necessary Mickey waffles.
Mickey Waffles! YES!
And this was Animal Kingdom Day. When we got there, because you couldn’t scan your magicband multiple times you had a bit of a fit. It was hard to get your attention until we went to Kilimanjaro. You weren’t allowed to ride the Expedition Everest, but the yeti images and colorful flags seemed to distract you well enough. And we finally got you interested in the Wilderness Explorer badges that were all over the park.
Tree of Life. Awesome.Wilderness Explorer!
Animal Kingdom was full of really great things to see and do. We played around in a dinosaur carnival, saw a really crazy dinosaur gas station and we rode a scary dinosaur ride that took us back in time.
Scary dino ride? DID IT.See? We’re all pals now.Digging these dinosaurs, Dad. GET IT? Oh nevermind…The brave adventurer ascends.
Later, we went to a conservation center where you finally saw Chip and Dale up close. We also went on safari to see REAL animals, watched a 3D show about bugs (which scared you just a little bit), and got to see butterflies EVERYWHERE. You even got to KISS Minnie Mouse which was quite the highlight.
BUTTERFLIES HERE TOO?Acorns for everybody!Let me tell YOU something about butterflies…Oooh. A REAL lion?HEY! My pals!So, em…***SMOOOCH***
Our dinner later that night at Tusker House was awesome. We got to eat some amazing African inspired food and you saw all your favorite pals. Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy were all there dressed in safari gear.
Tusker House, just like Africa.Just coolin off before dinner? What’s the big deal?DUCK! You found me again.Hey, Goofy! I sleep with you at night.
Daisy. My favorite female duck.Daisy. Mommy’s favorite Disney character.The star of the park!So are we INSIDE or OUTSIDE? (It was inside)MY DESSERT! ALL MINE!What’s with the safari hat, old man?
Because the park closed early, we took a round about bus ride to end up in Downtown Disney. You got to play with Legos, see the volcano at the Rainforest Cafe and we took a little snack break at Raglan Road. Another successful day and you even got to sleep with your Captain Mickey and Duffy Bear (which you picked out).
T-SHIRT! Engage!Hey, just like home.Tomorrow’s another day.
By the fourth day we were park veterans. We’d also been to Epcot before, so we decided to make it a day with a sleep break back at the resort. Our morning was filled with the usual rides; Project Tomorrow, Living with the Land and of course, a visit with Crush (we did that twice and he was very funny both times). We also road Soarin’ this year, which was probably more scary for Daddy than for you.
Sunscreen. I know the drill…(Psssst. Have I mentioned, we should move here?)Garden time!Bruce! Aaaaaaaaaaaah.What game is this? It just looks like fish in a tank.Epcot in full bloom.Duuuuuuuude!
We also got to visit Figment in his Imagination Labs, but that was NOTHING compared to your double visit to the Butterfly House. Since the Garden Show was at Epcot, they had the butterfly house as a special attraction and you couldn’t get enough of it.
After a nap at the hotel, we returned later in the day to ride the Nemo ride and then go to the Coral Reef for dinner (not a good experience this year, unfortunately). Because it was late we had to hurry to see England, France and finally Mexico before the fireworks show. In England you got to see Pooh and Tigger again. In France you got to eat some really delicious ice cream. And then we rushed off to catch the Mexico ride so we could see our friends, The Three Caballeros.
Oh yes. I remember you lads.Ice cream and Wine. Living the dream.Three Caballeros!
We finished the night with fireworks and off to plan our last park visit.
Buh-Boom
Our final day started with just you and Daddy going to the Magic Kingdom. You rode the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, saw the dance parade, listened to the birds in the Tiki Room and rode It’s A Small World (second time) before mommy even got there.
OK, let’s get this show on the road, Dad.What did that janitor just draw with his water?
Dance Party!Small World. Best. Ride. Ever.
We had an amazing and fun lunch at the Plaza Restaurant. You got a light up Pirate’s skull and an upside down ice cream for dessert. We spent most of the day in Tomorrowland with Buzz Lightyear, relaxing TWICE on the People Mover and laughing with Mike Wazowski.
I’m doing a little lifehacking here.Now THAT is a dessert.Come on Mom. PEOPLE MOVER! YOUR FAVORITE. (No, seriously, it was)What’s that Buzz? You need my help?Comedy!
New things for you this year were the Country Bear Jamboree, driving a car on the Tomorrowland Speedway, and a crazy spin on the Mad Tea Party (which we did late).
Vroom VroomPick up the pace, OLD MAN!Nice music… you know, for bears and stuff.I JUST SAW YOUR SHOW!
Daddy also had to make just ONE last ride on Pirates of the Caribbean for old time’s sake. Which took us back by the Pirate’s League.
Yarrrrrrrrr. I be a member now.
You playing in the Storybook Circus area, drenched to the bone by a cavalcade of waterspouting circus animals. And then after you relaxed with Mommy in Pete’s big tent. We ended our time there with a last ride on Goofy’s Barnstormer.
Up in the air…But I can’t POSSIBLY be too old for this toddler area, can I?Hahah. Hahaha. Brrrrrrrrr.Just a breather, Mommy.
Since we’d had such good fortune with the Columbia Restaurant before, we ate there a second time. Finally, we rushed off to ride Ariel’s ride before we missed the Parade of Lights.
Columbia House.Hey, peeps!
You were hanging on by a thread, but just couldn’t keep up. Five minutes before the big fireworks finale, you dropped off to sleep. Fortunately, you have Daddy and the internet to keep all the memories for you.
Just… a little nap… mom… zzzzzzzzzz
We had a great trip home and you even got a repeat dinner from last year. Veggie burger from Burger King.
I’ll just be handling our itinerary from here, Mom.Onion. “O”Our trip, documented.
It was a truly exciting holiday for us all, as we started Christmas early by visiting Grandma & Grandpa Yeoman in Chicago. Our trip started well with lovely weather, but we almost missed our connection on Detroit. We RAN through the airport and made it JUST in time. When we got to O’Hare, we got a rental car to head to Grandma’s, but only AFTER Mommy got to go to Chicago Diner.
Just chillin, like I do on an airplane.Chicago Diner: Mommy approved.Yes, we ate here twice.Aunt Erin is very huggable.
We met Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Erin and Uncle Jack at Joe’s Crab Shack in Indiana, where they were having their dinner. Everyone went to stay at Grandma’s house, where you met Tessa and Patches (Grandma’s dogs). Patches was a friendly as usual, but Tessa barked, snapped and was generally nervous. Fortunately for everyone Tessa calmed down by the end of our trip and was happily licking your hands.
Over the river and through the woods… arrived.Patches, my new pillow.
That Friday you and Daddy got to go to a Merrillville High School basketball game; your first! You “helped” at the statistics table, since that is Grandma’s job there. But you mostly just drew some awesome pictures and complained about the loud buzzer. Mommy just decided to hang out with Aunt Erin and Uncle Jack.
Let me just help you there Grandma.PUT SOME HUSTLE IN IT.Clearly, it’s player number 3.
We had a very full weekend when we went to Chicago. We saw our friends Julia & Igor (and many others) and visited Zoo Lights. Your big brother Brandon and his wife Maureen were there too! You charmed the folks with your jazz stylings on Julia’s piano. Because it was so late, we decided to get a hotel and stay downtown. It was a great choice because Mommy got to see all the things she missed and you were introduced to all the things you might not have remembered. We also saw Millenium Park and you loved it.
Big brother and sister-in-law. Not weird…Dang, Mom. We’re attractive in this light.Silver Beans? My favorite Christmas Carol.So, what sort of mischief WON’T get me arrested, Mom?Like ice. But not ice! What IS this place?Julia entertains“Uncle” IggyAnd now, some Cole Porter.The only snow we’ll see this holiday.See, Dad? I am a perfect gentleman. TELL SANTA!WHOO HOO. Someone’s carrying me!Pretty… Lights…
We rushed to get to the Blackhawks Fan Zone. Daddy got a scarf and you got a jersey AND a time out (though you suffered your time in the “penalty box” pretty well). We even got to run quickly through the Christkindlmarket, but it was VERY crowded. We visited the old neighborhood where we saw our old Starbucks, where we ran into a homeless fellow Daddy knew named Willy (he really liked you and remembered you from when you were first born). We then visited the neighborhood playground where you had a great time and even made some new friends. Then off to Timeless Toys where you picked out a butterfly puppet. Later we met up with Mandy and Jack (NOT the Uncle Jack), old friends from Daddy’s work. They walked around with us in the old neighborhood and finished the evening with snacks at the Daily Grill.
It was FREEZING this time of year back in your day, so you say?Bah. It was a MINOR infraction.Willy and Daddy.BUTTERFLY! (My version of “squirrel!”)Why yes, I DO like Garrett’s Popcorn.Captain, I’ve found and am analyzing what appears to be… a wheel.Ride em, Bugaroo.Shhh! Don’t interrupt, Dad. I’m trying to impress the ladies.Mandy, you’re crowding me out!
On Monday we were back in Merrillville and spent a fairly quiet time strolling in the mall, where you decided you really liked the play area. Grandma bought you your VERY OWN suitcase and you barely let it go. We also squeezed in a Blackhawks game that night (on TV), cheering them in our newly purchased gear.
I’ll be staying here for the rest of our journey.Let me get this a test spin.Grandpa feeds me like a baby bird. AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY.GO HAWKS
The next day when we had to leave it was all hugs and snuggles, you made some new friends in the airport play area, then it was a crazy long journey back home to Maryland.
They told me I could color in their book!
After the Chicago trip, Christmas week came! And oh what a Christmas it was! Your favorite friends of Daddy and Mommy (Colin and Beth) came over to visit. They even brought you two very cool toys that you enjoy and we spent the evening decorating cookies with them. Grandma and Grandpa sent you butterflies that you can assemble into a big mass. Mommy and Daddy got you art supplies and some small things from the Disney Store. But the next morning, you got the Santa loot! He remembered your request for the game “Who Shook Hook?” and brought you some City Legos too. But that hardly topped all the Legos Uncle Todd sent you! (Mimi and Doc sent you a check too so you can buy even MORE Legos if you want).
Our house at ChristmasMy pals, Beth and Colin.C’mon guys! These cookies won’t eat themselves.So why can’t I eat all these again?
So… much… to open.
On Christmas night we went to Baltimore to see the 34th Street Lights and actually ate at the same Chinese restaurant we did last year. Looks like we’ve all formed a new family tradition! Overall, a very, Merry Christmas.
It’s like MARDI GRAS up here.Uh, do I see a WITCH back there?I can see Colin and Beth’s house from here!Yep. Two times makes it a tradition.Seasonal Spirit achieved, Mom.
Well, it’s been an absolutely exciting weekend for you, because Thursday was your 4th birthday.
Well hello, Gymboree!
We started the morning like we did on the last two birthdays; a morning surprise birthday breakfast. And you got to take cupcakes to school that Mommy had made you. That night, you got to eat at your favorite restaurant for dinner (Hunan Manor), where you delighted in those sweet veggie ribs you like so much.
So what have we here…What’s the theme? Hmmm…I GOT CRAZY HANDS
On Friday we went to the Columbia Mall and saw the big Christmas “tree” made of Poinsettas. You were sufficiently impressed. And you visited your favorite store (Marbles Games).
HEY. That’s just FLOWERS!
Finally, Saturday was the big event; your birthday party at Gymboree. Several friends from your pre-school class were there (Jackson, Grace, Heidi, Sejal, Senuth, and Sara). We also had some neighbors and friends join us too; our next door neighbors (Gina, Ryan and Garrett), our down the street neighbor Kirin, Rohan and Saoirse, our NEW friends Shaun, Tricia and Ellie, and finally our friends Colin & Beth. You romped and stomped but the real fun came when it was time to eat pizza and cake. You couldn’t get enough of your Mickey themed cake. To top that off, you got a LOAD of really fun toys from your friends and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse from Mom and Dad.
Work it people, work it!OK, lets see if we can get this table to float.Ok, lets get this party started.The great climber ascends Everest.Good side? They’re all my good side.SARA! Look! Sara!
Mouseka-cakeMEESKA!All for ME?
Why yes, madame, I rather WOULD love some broccoli.Here are your names… Mr. Brown, Mr. White, Mr. Blonde…Lighting of the candles. Always intense.Delicate surgery here, people. Shhhh.Stunned… by… cake.Oi! I said no pictures when I’m eatin.Give you a hand there, mom?We gotta hurry, Pluto! It’s almost Thanksgiving.
We’re all looking forward to this short week so we can enjoy our Thanksgiving next!
Mommy and Daddy already know what we’re thankful for. 🙂
From Batman to bagpipes to pirate plunder, we’ve had a very interesting and fun Fall. Our September began by celebrating Daddy’s birthday. You and mom made it very special by giving me a little family, Batman-themed party.
Hey, nice balloon dad!
Later that week we proceeded to get our Huzzahs on by visiting the Maryland Renaissance Faire on pirate weekend. You got to see a bagpipes band called Cu Dubh that you were quite fond of. Daddy bought a doublet (much to mommy’s chagrin), and we saw lots and lots of neat costumes. You even got to ride a PONY for the first time.
HEY MOM! This is my jam.Let me show you a REAL belly dance mommy.Yippee-Kayay Mother…WHO’S THE CAP’N NOW?
We visited Baltimore to see tall ships during the tall ships festival (even though our morning was delayed because someone pirated OUR tires and rims). Knocking around Baltimore harbor we saw several old vessels, listened to the Blue Angels roar overhead and you even had a moment to make a sailor hat at a craft booth. Later in the month, Mimi sent you a pirate costume that sent us down a very nautical path for the rest of the season.
Uh… it won’t go like that, right?Is this ours now, Dad?Now, to just put the finishing touches on…The house is MINE you blaggards!
From there, we took a few weekends of home improvement, a quiet little visit to Ellicot City and an awesome weekend of apple picking at Larriland Farms (where you discovered hay piles for the first time). Larriland Farms was fun for daddy, since you and mommy had already gone on a field trip with your class there. In addition to throwing hay on every inch of your clothing, you discovered giant pumpkins and had apple fritters for the first time.
Like this, mom? Dad said you were a tree hugger too.NO, mom. If I sit over there the girls won’t think I’m cool.What mischief next?Larriland Farm = FunDidn’t last long without a bite mark.MOM! I’M BIGGER THAN YOUC’mere you big lug.No, I’ve got this you guys.Bite one, pick two… bite one, pick twoJUST ONE tiny bite?Mmprhpfh msmmm mmossdmmdm!Whew. All this apple picking makes a fella thirsty.HAY!Enough with the snuggles… who am I kidding?MOM! DAD! I found my new room!
The following weeks were filled with pretty routine stuff; art at the local restaurant, a birthday party for a new friend, and then creating some BOO bags for our neighbors (in secret, of course).
Green Turtle complete. Can I go to art school now?I’m not really an “alpha wolf” guys…Double Boo!
Before you know it, it was time for the Halloween season. We started it by decorating the house with some spooky stuff, which you REALLY really enjoyed. You painted pumpkins, which went on the mantle and you made a very nice Frankenstein’s Monster head in school. Using our new found pirate powers (from your costume), mom and dad joined in and we descended on the Maryland Zoo during the Boo Zoo weekend. After you plundered the candy and survived a hay maze, you gave one of the nice girls there a doubloon and for your generousity she gave YOU a stuffed raven! (We won’t tell her it was a plastic doubloon… yarrrrr).
How’s it going, new guy?Happy Lil’ punkinBig eyes, like mine!I MADE THAT!Resting? No, I’m NESTING!GIVE UP THE LOOT, TIGGER!
See? I come from a short line of scallywags.That’s no pirate! That’s my dad!Now, if I can just teach this raven to fetch treasure…
In preparation for Halloween, you made a trip to Merkle to visit Daddy’s work Trick-or-Treat. You did pretty well and gave away lots of your candy to Kelsey, Kelly and Annie (your “work girlfriends”). Then, the big night arrived. Halloween!
Where the whole family dressed as pirates, you begged to have a pirate beard and then you and mommy caused some mayhem in the neighborhood. Mommy said you could hear daddy yelling “Avast!” to the ghoulies all the way across the parking lot. You visited lots of houses and came back exhausted. But we’re guessing you’ll keep your energy up by eating candy through the rest of November. 🙂
A beard, just like I asked for.Take me to the candy, Quartermaster!Grab candy, me hearties, yo ho!Me and the Cap’n.
One other thing… you’re mom bought you a guitar this month so you’d stop messing with hers. (Though you have made off with her sunglasses in these pictures). Now you think you’re a rock star. You just might be right?
We ended summer in the same fashion we started it. We went to the State Fair, then you got to go to Great Wolf Lodge on vacation for a WHOLE WEEK!
The State Fair wasn’t a great as the one in Minnesota, but there were a couple of entertaining moments for you.
Fair or Carnival? Confused…Goose, goose… hey! DUCK!Nice duck. Don’t… bite…You can get a ribbon for collecting butterfiles? I’M IN.Smells like poop in here… just saying.
We left Maryland that next Monday and set up “camp” at Great Wolf in Williamsburg, VA. You got a picture with Violet your first night and then, at breakfast the next day (in the Loose Moose), you got to see Oliver the Raccoon. The huge water park, story time, Shadowquest, characters… you were quite occupied.
Ooooh. Violet loves me too!Uh oh. Big raccoon. Hide the table scraps.Crushing… me…So, I won’t get rabies kissing a raccoon will I?An now, my impression of a guy with too much food in his mouth…LOOK! CELEBRITIES!Ok, stomp stomp, clap…I feel like I’ve heard this one.Powerful Wizard? Check…I’VE GOT THIS MOM!Forget a blanket fortress, I have a PILLOW STUDIO!
There were a couple of things that dominated your trip though; the pressed coin machine and a pair of Cub Club members you couldn’t take your eyes or hands off of. Someday you might have to look up Delaney and Alex and see if they’re still as fond of you as they were then. If they are, you probably have some very successful girlfriends.
So, uh… this is MY machine, just so you know.What can I say? I like older ladies.Hmmmm. I think I rather fancy that girl…Follow me into this long, abandoned hall, miss.BE RIGHT BACK!Rachel Racoon FTW
On Wednesday, Mommy surprised us with a request to go to Busch Gardens. We got there early and got a GREAT parking spot right in the front of England (there are several European themed worlds there). And it didn’t take long for us to find the scariest ride in the park; the GRIFFIN. Mommy and Daddy both took a turn riding it (it was scary. Trust us) but soon after we took you to Dragon World where you got to ride a couple of things with Daddy, then Mommy and even BY YOURSELF (Daddy said that was scarier for him than the Griffin).
Yeah, uh… this is my family.You sure about this whole rides thing, dad?Is this my good side, mommy?Uh… not really sure about this.Oh. I just TURN?WHOO HOO. I’M DRIVING!Now, on to watercraft“Is this a real dragon?” (true quote)Forest Fun!I promise, this IS my smile.NOT THE FACE.I’m getting the hang of this stuff.Too short to ride the scary rides… WINNING.I’m not tired… I’m not tired…
We spent the whole day there. We ate terrible amusement park food, went to a pub and walked around until our legs were wobbly. But at the end of the day when we stopped in the England shop and you snuggled Mommy on the Union Jack couch, it was all worth it.
A quick snack? Obvious choices.If I wear sunglasses, they won’t card me!Spaghetti vampire!No, mom. It’s FINE for me to have a beer here. It’s Germany!And now, “Thunderstruck” by AD/DCYes, I DO love the attention.
Later that week we went to Colonial Williamsburg. It was hot and we didn’t spend the money to go inside the houses, but we DID walk all around the colony. We saw the Governor’s Mansion, several stores with authentic craftsmen and a fife and drum brigade that marched down the street.We also went into a cool Scottish shop, cheese shop and candy store. It was terribly hot but you seemed the least affected by it. Perhaps it was your cold water and floppy hat that Daddy should have adopted.
C’mon mommy! It’s not THAT hot.Did I mention, OCH AYE?So THIS is what it was like when you grew up Mom?Just doing a little pretend watering, Dad.
We also took a little side trip to what we thought was just a Yankee Candle store but it turned out to be SO MUCH MORE. It was a Toy Store, a Christmas store, a candy shop, home store and even a huge clock that opened to put on a show in the atrium. After we were done you told us you wanted a “Yankee Candle birthday” this year. We’re not entirely sure we know what that means.
HEY! I am curious too.Pssst. Dad… I think it knows we’re here.I appreciate your time, Santa.
It was a great trip and looking at the pictures, I’m sure you’ll agree it was a memorable one too.
Yet again, bed domination.
Accomplishments this summer:
While we were at Great Wolf you JUMPED! A new thing for you, but you pulled both feet off the ground and did it.
You’re sense of humor is out of control. You heard the old song “The Name Game” on a CD you got and kept trying to do it.
It doesn’t look like you’re much of a pool guy, but with persistence, you had fun by the end. You’re still taking swimming lessons.
You start PRE-SCHOOL this week. So exciting for everyone!
You’re an absolute champion at the gym now. You never cry when Mommy works out and you actually like a lot of the staff (and keep asking for Miss Ruth).
You’re a world class writer by the end of this summer. You really know how to spell and write VERY well for your age.
We certainly started July right, because your Mimi and Doc visited for a few days. We dragged them down to Washington DC to watch 4th of July fireworks with us and it was a crazy day. We started by visiting the National Gallery, then walked all the way to the Washington Mall. It was very tiring but you got in a LOT of snuggles. And the fireworks were great.
Hey. That looks like that FAMOUS painting…I’m just… pondering the art.Mimi hugs ruleYou can squirt me now, Doc… but you gotta sleep SOMETIME.Mimi and Doc Sandwich!Red, White and BOY is it sunny out.Here’s Mommy with my alternate identity, Jimmy TWO HATS!Rollin’ wif my JUICE!Best. Mommy. Evar.The Cap!BOOM!!!
Then you were interested in World Cup for just a few minutes.
Yes, World Cup is… zzzzzzzz
You’ve been going to a pre-school camp and according to Mommy, you’re having a great time doing that too. You’ve even met some new friends and bringing home a craft every day. Generally, you’re spending the summer enjoying our new house.
I am creator of suns!Blackhawks lost? Say nothing.I believe it’s called “Chill-axin”
We could also call this the “Summer of Writing”. You’re ability to write has just exploded. Every night you write new things and you even write stuff on the projects you bring home. And your drawings have gotten pretty funny too, but Daddy has to help you focus on them.
In case you wondrered where I got these.Who loves you, Baby?Frightened Rabbit?
We even had our first neighborhood cook out experience, and while you didn’t last long, you did a great job of enjoying the evening.
This IS vegetarian, right?
All in all, looks like it’s going to be a fun summer.
Easter arrived and with it, the Easter Bunny! You awoke to find a basket of goodies and were pretty happy about the whole thing. There was a Busy Bunnies book, some chocolates and your favorites, butterflies (these were the stretchy kind).
What’s all this then?Stretchy AND butterfly? Epic win.Happy Happy Joy Joy
Then you went downstairs to look on Daddy’s phone to see the Easter Bunny Tracker. When we finally found that he was already here, Mommy called us out into the yard where you tracked down all the Easter eggs. Apparently, the Easter bunny leaves money in the gold ones.
I think we have an Easter Bunny infestation!Wait. Was this from an Easter Bunny or a goose?And SILVER ON THE INSIDE? JACKPOT.
You were pretty good for most of the morning, but you really, really wanted to taste some Easter candy and so your Mommy gave you a little. But a little sugar is like a LOT to a kid who never has it. The day was a real rollercoaster.
Yesssssss… what mayhem for today?
You didn’t want to take your nap, you fidgeted and complained about snacks. You were even given to a bout of shouting (a rarity for you).
Why yes… em. My eyes are closed. Why do you ask??
Once you got out of your shower, into your jammies and brushed your teeth, all the Easter madness was over and you settled down once more into the great kid we know you to be.
(But seriously, you ran Daddy ragged on that Sunday).
It was a very busy holiday for us this year. You got to see Santa TWICE, you had a visit from family and you got to see the White House and New York all in the same week!
Soon after Thanksgiving we bought a real Christmas tree (you helped pick it out) and decorated. Mommy went all out this year because of our new house. She has a lot of Disney ornaments that she dusted off JUST for you and we hung them from the bannisters so you could see them every day. We also took a trip to the Columbia Mall to see Santa Claus where you told him you wanted a “guppy” (actually a Betta fish like we had in Minnesota). You also told him that “zombies have beards too” which Daddy wasn’t sure was a win or failure, but it was funny in any case.
That “new house on Christmas” smellCampbell Train! (From Grandma and Grandpa)
Later in the month, but before Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa Yeoman from Indiana came to stay with us for the week, so we decided to show them a little bit of the East Coast.
Our first short journey was to visit the White House and see their Christmas tree. We met a lot of really nice people and did a good bit of walking. But boy the things we saw! Not only did we see where President Obama lives, but we saw trees for every state, a display of trains around the National Tree and you got to see Santa AGAIN! This time we visited him in one of his temporary workshops and he was just as kind and fun as ever.
Grandma & Grandpa by the Indiana TreeCampbell’s future residence?Mommy! Look! I’m trainspotting!Hey Grandma! Come visit me when I’m President here?So, you think Daddy’s hat is a good disguise? I mean, I already talked to Santa once this year.Does your wife know you get around this much?
On the next day we took a very short trip to Ellicot City and had lunch at one of our new favorite places, Bean Hollow. We walked around a little more, did a little window shopping, and like magic, it began to snow in big fluffy flakes. That night, you opened a LOT of Christmas presents with Grandma.
Take me down, to the Ellicot City…LOVE IT… NEXT!
The following morning we had an early breakfast and took a train to New York. You did a great job on the train ride and you seemed to really enjoy it. It was a little hectic when we arrived at Penn Station, but once we got into the cab you had a blast. Your favorite thing there? City maps; a touchscreen showing all the fun things to do in NYC but of course, you just had fun punching buttons and seeing the screen.
Can I drive? Can I drive?Everything looks better in mood lighting!
Once we settled down in our hotel, The Ameritania, we decided to take a walk to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza. Getting there wasn’t so bad, but once we arrived it was packed tight with lots of folks who had the same idea. You fell asleep when we got there so you missed a lot of the hub-bub. We also got to see a great light show on the side of Sax Fifth Avenue, but we were worried for your comfort because it was quite cold. So we made our way back to the hotel and met up with Uncle Chad and Aunt Amanita for dinner. It was hard to find a restaurant that wasn’t a chain (we were in Times Square), but we walked around until we finally found a little Mexican place that we all enjoyed. Daddy took you to the toilet there where you insisted had a kitty on the wall, though Daddy never saw it.
I’m a small moose, but I’m livin large.Tired Mommy and Daddy…Mommy belongs here, I think…
The next day we went to Central Park where we bought hats, treated you to your first bagel (and you loved it) and decided to walk around a bit, even though it had gotten colder than before. You had a bit of a melt down because you weren’t allowed to use the swings; not our fault because the playground section of the park was actually closed for the holiday. Aunt Am had suggested we see the carousel, but that proved to be an even bigger disappointment for you, since it too was closed for the season (Aunt Am didn’t know). After a good cry and some snacks, you pulled it together and we warmed up in a visitor’s center, then headed to FAO Schwarz.
From a famous movie you say? I just thought it was BIG!
Once we were there you were amazed. We saw lots of toys and you even picked out a bear you wanted Santa to bring to you (a little “Wall Street” bear) and you even re-enacted a famous scene from the movie, BIG. You were just about ready for a nap, so we took a break. But when you woke up, it was all adventure again. We went to the M&Ms store followed by a trip to the Disney store where you were enthralled by lanterns, you charmed the clerks out of several Monsters Inc. pins (especially, your favorite, Mike Wazowski) and Uncle Chad met us there to find some dinner.
He took us to a great place called John’s Pizzaria. There slogan was “NO SLICES”, which you remembered and said often. Uncle Chad also brought a Christmas present for you which you are still sleeping with; a monkey puppet called Bananas. After that we went to the Times Square Toys R Us where you, Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Chad wrote the crazy big ferris wheel (we got to ride in the Fire Truck car) and you saw a roaring T-Rex that was a little unsettling. Then back to the hotel where Grandma stayed with you a little bit while Mommy and Daddy met Chad and Am for a drink. What a wild two days!
Hey, Unca Chad! Help me terrify daddy up there!
The day before we went back, we squeezed in ONE more tiny adventure at the American Museum of Natural History. While it was crowded, we had a great time and you got to see Rose Space Center (where you learned about craters on the moon), the African Mammals room and we ate a quick lunch before running off to the train station. The trip home was not so bad, since you slept on Grandma most of the way. Before your grandparents left, we drove through the Symphony of Lights display (our second time, actually) where you pointed out the snowball throwing bears which you enjoyed BOTH times.
Bah! Tell me something I DON’T know.HEY! My name!ZzzzzzzzzzSome of the amazing lights at the Symphony of Lights.
Mommy made a nice vegetarian roast for Christmas Eve dinner and the next morning, we awoke to see all the great stuff Santa brought! Thomas the Train, your FAO Schwarz bear, Bob the Betta fish & the movie PLANES! Later that night, we drove over to Baltimore to see the famous 34th Street lights and go out to eat Chinese food. It was the perfect Christmas.
Easiest track configuration ever.C’mon pal! We’re going to New York.Christmas… lights… so… bright.HUBCAP TREE!Who’s crabby?
This week we’re figuring out what to do for New Year’s Eve, but in the meantime you have lots of new things to occupy your dreams.
Why, yes, Bananas… I would like to go sledding… zzzzzzzz
Today was Thanksgiving and we all have a lot to be thankful for. Since you came home to live with Mommy and Daddy on this day three years ago, so much has changed! We’ve lived in three different cities across three different states, you’ve learned how to spell like a champ and you’re finally wearing UNDIES!
Undies: Helping free me up to build things…
Today was really fun. You got up early and watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with Daddy while Mommy made breakfast. Then we all played with Legos for a little bit. We had a light lunch and while you napped, Mommy and Daddy did a little more unpacking around the house.
Well, we’re WATCHING it. Why wouldn’t I spell it?
After you woke up and had a little snack, we played some more and you were very snuggly. You even took some pictures with Daddy’s iPad.
Not bad! Work it Dad! WORK IT!
Then it was all sticky goodness as Mommy made some icing and we decorated a gingerbread house Mommy assembled while you were sleeping! You seemed to be far more interested in tasting our materials than decorating with them. But it came out just fine.
Just a little touch up…HEY! We’re decorating with food. What do you EXPECT I would be doing?So, can we eat this yet?
Finally, we had a Gardein roast (all vegan, for Mommy’s sake) with yummy vegetables for our Thanksgiving dinner. We had apple pie for dessert with a little bit of ice cream and you told me what you were thankful for!
Before bedtime, you and Daddy built a Lego Thanksgiving to remember the day. There was a table with food, a big TV (for watching football, though we never did) and a stove with apple pie on it (that was your idea).
The day, captured for all eternity!
Every day you remind us what we’re thankful for, Campbell!
It's Campbell Time! 