Vacation

The kids and I took a much needed vacation back in August. Notice I didn't include the husband. While Leah, Hunter, and I were playing with my in-laws, Scott was competing in a hockey tournament in NYC. (For those who might be wondering, no, his team didn't make the play-offs, but Scott did have a good time, despite the exorbitant cost of EVERYTHING in the city.)

My mother-in-law (Mel) picked up me and the kids the Saturday that Irene hit VA. Thankfully, we made it home (to NY) ahead of the storm. Aside from being without power Sunday morning until Monday morning (thank goodness for access to a generator Sunday night!), the trip was fun and uneventful. Below is a recap of the week:

*Monday: A chance to relax at Mel & Roger's. Great Grandma was there, too. Leah entertained us with her mad dancing skills. (See video; my apologies for the side view.)

*Tuesday: The Syracuse Zoo. We met up with my sister-in-law and nieces, but since they arrived earlier, we only saw part of the zoo together. We spent all day there, though we hadn't planned on it initially. Despite not having a nap, Leah did remarkably well. (She crashed on the way home.) If you were to ask Leah what her favorite animal was, she'd tell you the colorful horse. No, it wasn't an actual animal; rather, it was a statue outside of the farm animal exhibit. 
  That night, we cooked hot dogs and s'mores over the fire pit. Leah helped me roast a hot dog for all of about 10 seconds before she running off and joining her cousins as they played in the yard. As for the s'more, well, she wasn't that interested in it as a whole. Apparently (for I didn't witness this; Roger filled me in), Leah separated the s'more, ate the chocolate (that's my girl!), sampled the graham cracker, and then pulled off the marshmellow. She wasn't sure what to make of the sticky mess (she's used to eating them straight out of the bag), and after pulling it apart, tried rolling it between her fingers to get it off. 


*Wednesday: Frog Pond. This is basically a farmer's market that also has some farm animals on site (pigs, goats, calves, chickens, ducks, bunnies). Prior to our trip (to NY), Leah had been talking about seeing "piggies and cows" at Grandma and Papa's house, so Mel thought a trip to Frog Pond might satisfy Leah's desire. While there, she had a chance to play in the corn box (similar to a sandbox), as well as pet the pigs, goats, and calves. The chicks gave her a fright; Leah stuck her hands on the coop before I could warn her about them, and I think one might have pecked her fingers. 

*Thursday: The Discovery Center. This was so cool! I only wish there were something like it here. Basically, there are different exhibits set-up to resemble real-life locations/ centers (i.e. fire station, grocery store, restaurant, etc.). My sister-in-law and nieces joined us, and Leah loved running around with Kate and Mila. Talk about a place where a kid's imagination can run wild! Thanks to a busy morning there, and a late lunch, Leah took a good nap upon returning to Mel's. 


*Friday: A chance to relax at home. Mel and Leah made sugar cookies. Leah helped cut them out, and later, helped decorate them, too.  Of course, the best part about making cookies with Grandma was eating them, which Leah was more than willing to do. Friday night, Scott arrived. Scott, Leah, Hunter, and I had a chance to relax and reconnect as a family since Mel & Roger had a wedding to attend. The four of us spent some time outside; Scott held Hunter, while Leah and I ran around the yard (or at least between the rocks and the flowerbeds). We then enjoyed a dinner of hot dogs and s'mores cooked over the fire pit (though, again, Leah didn't help with the roasting, nor did she eat a roasted marshmellow). 


Time flew while we were there; before we knew it, Sunday had arrived and it was time to head home. Our week was so busy yet relaxing, that it was hard to leave. But I guess leaving home always is.

 Watching a music video... over and over and over again.

 Papa and Hunter get some much needed cuddle time.

 Ms. Teresa bundled Hunter up so that he wouldn't get too cold. Notice the sweater sleeves. 

 Grandma, Leah, & Hunter enjoying lunch at the zoo.

 Leah enjoyed watching the penguins.

 An authentic tiger roar (blaring from hidden speakers) accompanied this statue, and was loud enough to frighten Leah. She wasn't too sure about getting on the tiger's back.

 Milking the cows at the zoo.

Future baker and pastry chef.

 "Mommy, take a picture of me on the phone."

 Leah & Mila in the fire truck at the Discovery Center.

Enjoying a cookout in Grandma & Papa's backyard.