New York Vacation 2012

We trekked north for our annual New York summer vacation a couple weeks ago. Unlike last year, where we packed our week with numerous activities, this year, we took a more relaxed approach. This should have been a restful trip (and, for the most part it was), but sleeping in a home next to a busy country road that's frequented by big trucks doesn't bode well for sleeping babies or preschoolers. Thus the kiddos were up early every day (well, except for the day we left; then Leah slept in until just after 7)-- as in, usually by 6:30, 6:45 at the absolute latest. (In case you didn't know, at home, the kids aren't usually up until at least 7.)

Despite the less-than-ideal/ expected amount of sleep, the kids powered through the days, buoyed by the joy and excitement of being at Papa and Grandma's. Our week was filled with time with the cousins, running around the yard, enjoying the fire pit (complete with hot dogs and s'mores), a visit with Great Grandma Teddy (complete with a spiedie lunch and a ride on a carousel), a trip to the fair, and a horse ride. Of course, some days we had time to relax at my in-laws' place. Those were the moments when I could enjoy being a mom without the distractions of errands to run, a house to maintain, or a "to do" list to complete. Instead, I could play with my kids (that is, when they wanted to. For some reason, Leah just wanted to play with Grandma.) or read a magazine (read during the day when my kids are AWAKE? What an absurd notion!). 

Ahhh, vacation. Though it's over, and we're back in the swing of things, complete with a busy fall schedule, I feel rested and rejuvenated. Guess that's what vacation does to a girl, eh?

 Daily, Hunter would bring us his shoes (and sometimes my shoes!) then point to the door. He couldn't get enough of the outdoors, especially with ride-on toys available. He loved this motorized car, and was particularly proud of himself once he learned how to make it go.

If Leah had her way, she would have stayed on the carousel all afternoon.

She looks like she's dancing, but really, she's chasing (and popping) bubbles.

Leah and cousin Mila snuggle in a chair around the fire pit.

Hunter loved playing this game with Grandma through the window. (That is, when he wasn't busy running laps around the house.)

Quality time with Daddy.

Leah and her cousins (Mila and Kate) check out a 3-day old calf that was born at the fair.

Hunter LOVED petting the sheep... until they "baaed" and scared him!

Scott bought the orangeade for himself, but Hunter drank most of it. That little bugger couldn't get enough of it!

Trying cotton candy for the first time.

Hunter was all about the tractor. Who's really steering?

When asked who wanted to ride the horse first, Leah immediately volunteered.

Despite the expression on his face, Hunter enjoyed himself.

Leah knew exactly what to do on the Dragon Coaster: scream her little girl heart out!