Family Vacation

Three weeks ago (I'm just a little behind in posting, huh?) our family, my siblings, and parents met up at my grandparents' house, just a three hour drive from where we live. We had a fun long weekend together. With two little ones (my niece Annie was 5 months at the time), we didn't schedule much but rather just enjoyed being together for a few days.

So fun to see Mark with a little baby girl. He's so gentle with her, not that I'm surprised.

James really loved time with his uncles, Joel and Jeff. He and Joel (pictured here) have a special bond...because this particular uncle was notorious for being active and wild as a toddler. Just like James. :)

We also spent a day at the zoo. We have LOTS of zoo pictures of various animals, but I'll spare you this time. We discovered however that James is terrified of butterflies. There was a beautiful butterfly garden you could walk through, butterflies fluttering about. James clung to Mark. This is my favorite picture from the zoo. It was snapped at precisely the right moment, and appears as though James is trying to punch the poor butterfly! Don't worry; no butterflies were harmed or touched.

Family picture in the 'rain forest'. If James is looking dazed, it's because it was past his nap time. We left for home shortly after this was taken.

James adores cousin Annie. Just today he saw a picture of her on the computer and reached out to hug the screen. We took along a toy that James loved playing with when he first learned to sit up. We're lending it to Annie for a few months. I was so proud of James sharing!

We spent a morning poking around my aunt and uncle's farm. I'm not loving the scruffy look I'm sporting, but thought I ought to document the fact that I'm still growing and growing! This was taken at 28 weeks, THREE weeks ago!

Papa gave a ride in the scoop of this tractor. James was a little timid about it and Annie ended up not lasting long either. I'm pretty sure all of the adults enjoyed it, though! :)

James DID love sitting up and playing with the steering wheel of this tractor, though. He actually gave the tractor tire a kiss when it was time to go.

Downtown in the town (pop. 1000) where my grandparents live is a new coffee and soda shop. Very cute. We all walked down to have a drink. Grandma treated us to Italian Sodas!

Too cute, right? My brother Jeff and his girlfriend Anna.

Had to squeeze in one more of my niece. Isn't she a beauty? I love her!