Friday, July 31, 2009

St. Louis

On our way back home from North Carolina we stopped in St. Louis for a couple of days. My parents, grandparents, Aunt Diane and her two kids, Jimmy and Ericka, all met us there.

On our second day we went to the zoo and Grant's Farm. If you have never been to the St. Louis zoo I would highly suggest taking the time to do that whenever you are near St. Louis. The zoo is free and has wonderful exhibits. John's favorite exhibit is the penguins, you could easily reach out and pet one...but you are not suppose to.



We are all deciding what to see next.


It is a mandatory thing that Grandma take John on the carousel, this time Ericka joined them.




John riding the "train" into Grant's Farm.






We saw an elephant show at Grant's Farm, it was very cool.


When in St. Louis you must have Ted Drew's Frozen Custard.


Friday, July 24, 2009

4 months

August turned 4 months old yesterday! Today we went to the doctor for his 4 month check-up and to get his shots. He didn't like the shot part, but still managed to flirt with the nurse before we left. August is a very happy baby and still a great sleeper. He can grab and manipulate some toys now, so he is pretty content sitting and playing as long as he can still see someone. He babbles constantly and he has the cutest laugh. No one can make him laugh like John, when those two get going it is very funny to watch.

Our little August weighed in at 15 pounds 11 ounces and measured 24 1/2 inches long.

Cousins

My niece, Eva, and John are about 5 months apart and my other niece, Machara, and August are 4 days apart. Needless to say, John and Eva had a blast together, and even Gus and Machara shared some touching moments.

This is my favorite picture. Don't they look so happy?

One of them was always touching the other.




I find this picture funny because Gus laid there for about 15 minutes with his hand straight up in the air. (note that Machara has her hand on his shoulder)


Holding hands...I think they were consoling each other since both of them were fussing by this point and wanted to be held.


John is showing Grandpa his toy that Grandma bought for him on Ocracoke Island.


Eva wearing Grandpa's hat.


John was telling Eva all about the trains, or choo choos as Eva calls them.


Lending a helping hand.


After playing on the beach all day bathtime was necessary.


The girls got to go out for drinks while Hans made a fantastic dinner and Hans and John watched the kids.


showing off all of his pirate gear that Grandma got for him


notice the dagger in his diaper


Eva decided to crawl into the suitcase


Andrina and Hans


Hans, John and Solveig

Monday, July 20, 2009

Cape Hatteras

After spending a few days in New York we drove down to Hatteras, NC to stay with Hans' parents on the beach. John and Solveig rented a great house that was big enough for John, Solveig, Andrina, Eva, Machara, Hans, me and the boys. We all had a great time and decided we should schedule a vacation like this every couple of years.

This was the view from our deck. I know it's dark, but look at that water.

It was so hard getting a picture of John and Eva looking at you. These two were so intrigued by the sand.










This was Machara at the beach.


Gus on the beach.


More pictures to come...stay tuned.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sleeping

After all of the activity, what's better than sleep? I'm still amazed that John can sleep anywhere, and in the middle of anything.

The only thing keeping him up is his head on the table and his left arm holding the chair. Impressive.














Last Day

On our last day in New York we went over to my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne's house to attend my cousin Ben's graduation party. There was lots of great food, like beef on wick, and lots of family.

Ben, the graduate, with his new GPS system. Hans was salivating...



Matt holding Gus, while my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne make him smile.




My aunt and uncle have a swimming pool and John couldn't wait to jump in.








He had no fear when it came to jumping in. There were a couple of times when Hans wasn't ready.