Family Fun Weekend

With the summer winding down, we've been busy trying to get in as much fun as possible. On Wednesday we went to the water park down the street. Brooklynn is getting a little more daring there, but of course she's usually the smallest one there. Thursday we went swimming with Kiley and Heather. Kiley had to put on her matching outfit, so they could be twins.

On Friday Steve left work early so we could get in some swimming time. Brooklynn has no fear of water and loves to "jump in" now. After swimming Brooklynn wanted to read her new favorite read - Cows! She has become obsessed ever since visiting the VanOrd family farm.

Saturday we went to the zoo to check out the animals. It's getting more fun each time, as Brooklynn is more and more amazed at the animals. Here she's riding the train with daddy.

Always loves the gorillas

Feeding the Lorikeets with daddy

Because of her cow obsession we thought it'd be fun to take her to the Adams County Fair on Sunday. She loved it, and we didn't realize what city slickers we really are until we got there!

Petting a horse for the first time.

We had to visit Cam for a shot. The alumni association gave out free root beer floats.

At the petting zoo - she loved this bunny and tried to snuggle with him. I couldn't believe how gentle he was after all the torture.

With the goats

Last Couple of Weeks

The last couple weeks we've been trying to stay busy since the summer is coming to an end soon. Boo! Here's a few pics of what we've been up to! At the Botanic Gardens - Brooklynn loved the fountains

Playing with Hazel at the Gardens

Playing with cousin Makenzie

Brooklynn has been really into climbing - especially on mom and dad. She loves to wrestle with daddy!

Her new game - putting the blanket over her head and walking around. It's really funny!

Daddy holding Brooklynn and Jackson

Family Reunion

Last week we headed to Western New York for the Ried family reunion. Brooklynn did surprisingly well on the plane rides, and we learned quickly that she loves the window seat. After landing in Buffalo we headed to Niagara Falls for a night. We stayed on the Canadian side and went to the fireworks show that evening. Thursday we drove to Olean to stay with Jim & Juanita. Brooklynn warmed up quickly to everyone and was determined to be the star of the show. We had family gatherings everyday from Thursday to Sunday, with a BBQ on Sunday at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house.

After the BBQ we drove to Russell, PA to visit Aunt Roxy & Uncle Don and were fortunate enough to be joined by other cousins and their kids. Brooklynn had a good time playing with Addison, her 3rd cousin (I think). Monday afternoon we went back to Olean and had dinner with the small group of us left in town.

Tuesday we spent hanging out with Great Grandma and Grandpa while Brooklynn entertained us, running around and playing peek-a-boo with Grandma.

It was a great visit and wonderful to see all the family! We were proud of how well Brooklynn did and how much fun she had! We're looking forward to going back again in two years.

Goodbye to our Best Friend

B.J.-
You left us too soon, but we share so many wonderful memories of you. We truly appreciate your gentle soul and sharing that with Brooklynn. There was nothing she looked forward to more than to see you when she awoke each morning. We'll miss our evening walks and camping trips. You were loved by so many, and we'll never forget you.

Another fun-filled weekend!

Friday we went swimming with Grandma and Makenzie. The girls enjoyed hours of splashing around.

Brooklynn likes to lounge back like Grandma. It was hilarious!

Then she decided to dunk her head in the water and loved it. Strange!

Saturday we went to Adam's house for a Bastille Day BBQ. Brooklynn became very friendly with everyone and picked food off everyone's plates. She had a little crush on Micah, and loved watching him go down the Slip 'n Slide.

Sunday we went to Zach and Amanda's to check out the new house. Brooklynn had a good time destroying the house. This picture looks like she's giving the ball to Hazel, but in reality she was snatching it from her!

Wednesday we head to New York for the family reunion. We're a little nervous for the plane ride, so hopefully Brooklynn will do ok.

4th of July weekend

Brooklynn is ready for the big bike ride!

Wednesday the Deegans came over for some swimming time! It was Hazel's first time swimming, and Brooklynn had to show her how it's done.

Thursday afternoon we packed up and headed to the mountains for Brooklynn's first camping trip. After driving to numerous campsites, we finally found one that wasn't full. It started raining right away, so Steve had to put up the new tent in the pouring rain while we waited in the car. After dinner our attempts at starting a campfire were not too successful, but after an hour and a half we finally got it going! Brooklynn was out shortly after, but that didn't last long. She refused to sleep in her Pack 'n Play (she was unsure of the whole tent sleeping thing), so she had to sleep with us. Problem was she's never slept with us, so she just wanted to play the entire night. We decided at about 3 a.m. we were leaving the next morning.

Ready to go!

Mommy and Brooklynn at the campfire

First powdered doughnut.....yummy!

Trying to walk in the tough terrain

Friday morning after packing up we went to Chataqua Park in Boulder for some hiking. It was a steep climb, and I'm not sure who struggled more.....Julie or B.J. Poor old guy!

B.J. and Sonny

Saturday we went to Westminster for the fireworks show. We thought Brooklynn might be scared of the loud fireworks, but she just "ooohhhhed and awwwwed" at them.

Trying to stay warm after the cold rain

Brewfest

Last Saturday we headed up to Fort Fun for Brewfest. Never take a prego to Brewfest - no drinking, hot sun, nowhere to sit.....ugggghhh. It was great to hang out with friends though.

Katie, Adam, Brooks, and Andrea