Cruise Pics . . . Finally!

Well first things first. I am FINALLY getting around to posting pictures from our cruise which was in June. I know, I know. It will be September tomorrow. But, better late than never. So here's what we got:
First, B had to settle into her home away from home for the week. Why does she LOVE portacribs so much?! She usually sleeps better traveling than at home. Wearing her out every day helps . . .

We started out in Boston. Here's a PhD at Paul Revere's house giving a spiel on what it was to live back then etc. Halloween costume idea for Eric . . . ;)

And here's Paul Revere in metal. We came upon him during our walking tour of Boston.

It was really hot though. And we couldn't board the ship until 3 pm--so we found some fountains to keep cool. Aunt Olivia helped B splash around.

Nothing better for a hot day . . .

Of course B had to order room service (all included!) when we finally got on the ship. Notice her green leg band for identification purposes in case we went down like the Titanic so she'd be matched to the right life boat. Personally--I doubt it would work in a panic situation. People tend to not think rationally then.

Looks like she just KNEW she would have the time of her life (and be spoiled) this week. :)

Here's our ship from the shore. It looks small but it was huge--the Maasdam.

Sunscreen was our first order of business every day upon reaching shore. Our first stop was Bar Harbor, Maine:
Unfortunately, Eric closed his eyes for most of the pictures we took during this trip. But I still included this to show the beauty of Bar Harbor:

We took a walk along the shore where there were gorgeous homes with a seaside view. Wouldn't love to live here?! Dave and Rashelle thought they'd pose in front of their future manor. For their summary and day by day of the cruise click here.


It was still a bit chilly especially after dinner when the ship would start sailing for the night and the sea breeze would pick up.


More slathering of sunscreen for the daily adventure. B noticed Dad had missed a spot on his face:

This was at the Fortress of Louisbourg. It was a 45 minute drive but well worth it! I totally recommend it if you're ever in Nova Scotia. Look at my cute sisters! No, that is not an authentic ancient canon--the fortress is reconstructed--so don't worry about my sisters desecrating history.

All of Bella's aunts were SOOOO helpful. I felt like I really got a vacation. They all took turns playing with her and even listening to the monitor at night so Eric and I could go see a movie or show. Thank you!

Aunt Amanda showed Bella how fun picking flowers could be. Isn't it picturesque?

Telling secrets and tickling . . .

Look at all those yellow flowers!

Sorry for the glare--it was rather sunny. Olivia, Amanda, and B. Random guy in the background.

At Prince Edward Island we declined the 45 mile drive to Anne of Green Gables' place but if you look closely at the bottle you'll notice Bella got her first swig of Raspberry Cordial. Or was it currant wine? ;)

Pretty windy on board the ship . . .

Dave didn't blow away though. Here's a huge bridge (Bridge of the Americas) that our cruise boat actually fit under?!!

Another picture of Eric. Hello eyes?!

This was the first time B was able to play with her cousin Abby. They hadn't seen each other since B was 3 months old. They loved crawling around the ship together! Abby preferred crawling over walking so B obliged.

Look at them go!
Every day B would run down the hall and knock on Abby's door to come play. She loved having someone her age.

Here's the two little squirts together. Playing with great grandma's lipstick Bella?!

Dave and Rashelle on a formal night. I believe Rashelle has escargot on the spoon. Mmmh!

And here's gorgeous Tressa and Amanda.

Nate and Bella in their finest. Notice Nate's cool tie from Panama. Bella really did enjoy this I promise despite the look on her face.

Oh yes--nothing like eating a hot dog in a velvet taffeta gown.

"Let me just clean my teeth before the drink lady comes around to get my order . . ."

My favorite city of all was Quebec. It was very European and unique. Although it was French speaking I'd recommend it for all English speakers. I love all the signs hanging above the shops.

More Quebec . . . the city is terraced and built in levels. Very cool although a bit difficult to navigate with a stroller.

And of course, what did we do most of the time but eat! This was at the midnight snack bar. I often opted out due to some sickness but everyone else enjoyed themselves immensely!

Thanks for the fun adventure! Bells is so lucky to have experienced her first cruise at the ripe old age of 1! And she has the shirt to prove it. :)

We're glad we have the memories with family! Thanks great grandma for a wonderful time!

It's a . . .

Well--I finally had another ultrasound this morning.

And the doctor says . . . B will have a sister!

We saw the "hamburger sign" which translates into girl. But of course, the doctor said she was not absolutely sure--she'll do another u/s later in pregnancy and doublecheck then. But that's good enough for me right now. And at 25 weeks I'm glad to finally have some direction as what "It" may be.

Day Out

Last week, we took advantage of our pass to COSI again! This time with B's little friend Maya. It was time for a day out! They headed straight for a swim in the river! Notice B's signature run with arms crazily swinging in back for balance.


Once corralled, they thought they'd both be coy and avoid eye contact before suddenly making their great escape . . .

However, the tractors (as seen in the background) were just too alluring. Here B is practicing for future lawn care duty.

But at the end of the day (note the dark undereye circles before naptime), B decided maybe she could share the spotlight with her friend M. Looks like John Deere has two cute new spokeswomen!

B wants to thank M for a great day out!

Olympics 2008

Yes! The Olympics are here again! I love this time and have spent many hours this week watching, with B as my little companion on the side. She hasn't been feeling her finest the past couple days as she is breaking in molars and drooling a lot, so the couch has been our friend.

Also, to celebrate the start of the Olympics, some amazing friends of ours (aka single mom and 7 month pregnant mom you know who you are) decided to put on their own mini Olympics for 16 or so kids. The kids ranged in age from 1-6 years old. And in fact, B was one of the youngest competitors. They got shirts, medals, pizza, and tons more for all the kids involved. They went all out!! It was amazing. Three hours later, after biking, sprinting, hurdling (yes, they even found kids hurdles), shooting (with potato guns), high jump, balloon tossing, soccer kick, javelin (that was a little dangerous), and more and more, both adults and kids were worn out.


Here is Bella during her turn in the dance competition. She, in fact, won silver in this event as she continuously danced through everyone else's turn. :)

And Bella was so excited that they had her favorite dessert--cupcakes! Here the little munchkins chow down during a break.

Thanks so much to you two for your creativity and energy! What a great idea?!

Goggles

Recently, we've been to the local children's science museum a few times (COSI). Once on a rain day, once to meet some friends. B loves this, as do I--especially the huge 2nd level where the kids can just run from activity to activity in an enclosed space. Perfect for moms who are too tired to chase them everywhere!

Here's B with her little friend Hewitt at the water station. He and his 2 brothers visited us last week from Detroit! We were so lucky! I put the little rain coat on Bella (provided by COSI) to keep her dry since she really gets into it. Of course her shorts and shoes were still soaking but at least she had fun!

Thanks to Steph, who remembered her camera this day when I forgot! B now thinks it's cool to crawl again . . . sometimes.

The funniest thing was that she found these goggles in the dress up section. They are if you're pretending to be a handyman and come with little tools, etc. Well, B just LOVES goggles and thought they were the coolest things ever! You can't tell here by her face but she was just so happy to wear them everywhere for about 45 minutes. As a side note, she is obsessed with goggles. Whenever she sees someone with them at the pool she just can't resist talking about it, wanting to try them on, touch them, etc.



The only problem was that they acted as blinders so she could not see to the side or below her since they stick out about an inch. Thus, it made eating lunch rather difficult (i.e. here she has no idea Steph is taking a picture).


Her friend, Thomas, also found a doctor's outfit and bag he just LOVED and wore it for about and hour--through lunch and everything. They were quite a pair!