A picnic with the Vanderbilt's

On Friday, we headed south to Rhinebeck, New York to have a picnic on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Estate there. The day was beautiful! We enjoyed some good food -- so good that Ella wouldn't stop eating potato chips long enough to get her picture taken! All of our fun left her tired out -- we are still catching up on our naps!

Special trips with JoPop and GloMom

JoPop and GloMom came to vist last week from Arkansas, and we had a great time. We decided to take some special trips to show them a bit more of Albany. Thursday was spent checking out the new LL Bean Store and having lunch at Olive Garden. Ella has started her Christmas list already -- sure to include the rocking moose! Her daddy taught her how to eat spaghetti the messy way. I tried to intervene, but these pictures were taken while I was in the bathroom changing Easton. I guess I am already outnumbered!

"Mr. Smiley"

Easton's little personality is really starting to emerge. He is generally a happy little guy when his tummy isn't upset. We are enjoying getting to know our little boy!

Duck, duck, Ella!

Last weekend, we spent the afternoon in Saratoga Springs. I did a little shopping in an attempt to find clothes for my post-pregnancy body, and Evan took the kiddos to Congress Park. Ella had a great time with the ducks. I am not sure the ducks had so much fun, though ...

Feel better soon, Mee-Maw!

Ella and Easton's Mee-Maw Lewis underwent major back surgery in Orlando this week. She faces weeks of physical therapy and recovery time -- we have been thinking about her! Our good intentions for a posed photo were quickly thwarted, but the candids turned out better anyway!

Rainy morning at home

The day is cold and rainy here in Albany -- a perfect morning for staying in our PJ's and making some pancakes. Never to be far from her Daddy's side these days, Ella got in on the cooking action this morning with Evan. In typical Ella fashion, she was not content to watch passively for long!

Easton update

Easton is growing bigger every day. It's hard to believe he is already 5 1/2 weeks old! At his one month doctor's appointment, we learned that he has gained 2 lbs., 3 oz. and grown 2 inches since he was born. He cracked his first "real" smile at us this week. We haven't managed to catch it on film, but he is already a charmer!

Love that baby brother

A visit from the Christophel's

This past weekend, our friends Jesse, Kim, and Rosemary came from Connecticut to visit. They showed up with TONS of wonderful food for us. Ella and Rosie played together, we took a walk, went out to eat, and watched the Hokies get slaughtered by LSU. The only bad thing about their visit was that it ended too quickly!

A few random shots

I am sure it is pretty clear by now that the emphasis of this blog is photos -- it keeps the grandparents happy! Here are a few ahots of Miss Ella: trying on one of Easton's jackets, relaxing in a hammock, playing with her friend Jack, and "helping" Mama in the kitchen.

Best buddies

Macy and Ella are the very best of friends, and we call our pooch "Saint Macy" because of all she puts up with up with. Last weekend, they enjoyed some quiet time on Macy's bed!

Stop and smell the roses

Ella loves to take walks and explore everything she kind find on the ground. She is especially fascinated with pine cones and crab apples, as evidenced by the collection outside our front door! We try to get out as much as we can -- winter is just around the corner

"We Will Prevail"

Today the Hokies play their football season opener in Blacksburg against East Carolina. This is, of course, the first football game since the April 16th tragedy that so violently and senselessly took the lives of 32 of our fellow Hokies. We are in orange and maroon today, not only to cheer on the football team, but to stand united with our alma mater. Easton got in the spirit, too!

A morning out with Daddy

Evan took Ella out to the park this morning to give me a break and give her some exercise. They played on the slides, the elephant, and had snacks. (We don't so anything around here without snacks!) The weather is beautiful today -- sunny and cool with a hint of fall in the air.

A little fresh air

I have been trying to take the kids for at least one walk a day in our double stroller; I need the exercise, and they need the fresh air. I know that fresh air is supposed to wear kids out, but this day, it REALLY worked!