Kiddie Park!

Since the start of a new school year and Libby's new sibling will both be here before we know it, Mom and Dad are trying to do as much with Libby as possible. So, this afternoon, Libby got her first taste of Kiddie Park! While she was unsure at first, she ended up having a great time at the park.

Her first ride was the Merry-Go-Round. After a few times around, she wanted to get off, but she managed to tough it out with Dad at her side. Next was the train with Mom and Dad, which was less than entralling as far as Libby was concerned. However, everything changed with the space ships. While she didn't show too much emotion on the first ride, when it ended, the tantrum that followed showed how much Libby liked it. So of course, she had to ride it again. Libby then tried out the horse-drawn buggy, the Speedway cars and the Silly Jeeps.

She liked all the rides, but she kept going back to the Merry-Go-Round, so her initial impression obviously didn't last. There will definitely be a return trip, because Libby still needs to try out the roller coaster and the ferris wheel (although Mom is vehemently opposed to this ride, since she doesn't like it). Dad and Libby are currently plotting how they're going to sneak on!

Maryland Vacation

Waiting for lunch at Buddy's in Annapolis

For Libby's second vacation of the summer, Mom and Dad packed up the van and drove off to the East Coast for a week of sightseeing, swimming and seafood. This trip marked Libby's longest road trip--eight hours from Cleveland to Woolford, Maryland. Her previous long was the four hour trip to Rochester to see Uncle Tony. Vacation actually began on Thursday night when Dad and Libby walked up to East Coast and met Mom for some Mint Chocolate Chip yogurt (Libby's favorite!). On Friday, everyone drove to Washington, D.C., where Grammie, Papa, and Aunt Reen were already camped out. Libby did a great job in the car, although she had lots of help from Dora the Explorer and Co.

Stuck in traffic trying to get across the Bay Bridge

After an uneventful Friday night, Libby spent the day Saturday in Annapolis, where she had Mint Chocolate Chip gelatto with Grammie, had lunch at Buddy's Crab and Ribs, and acquired her first stuffed crab of the week (red). After a hot day in Annapolis, Libby finally arrived at the beach house, where she met up with Uncle Jerry, Aunt Lauren, Claire, Corinne and Declan. From that point on, it was all craziness all the time!

The Ladies

While at the house, Libby's days consisted of swimming, playing with Claire and Corinne, watching Dora (really?!?!?!), and being completely and totally fascinated by her four-week-old cousin, Declan. Hopefully, she picked up some pointers that she'll be able to use in five weeks or so! Libby's days were so busy (and hot!) that she slept well just about every night! Along with the usual activities, Libby went into Cambridge one afternoon with Mom and Dad, and had dinner at Snappers Seafood one night with the whole fam damily.

Nothing says vacation like crabs and butterflies!

Another exciting trip was the excursion to St. Michael's with Mom, Dad and Aunt Reen. There, Libby got a hat, t-shirt, another stuffed crab (blue this time) and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. Anyone see a pattern? Vacation ended a little early, as Mom and Dad decided to leave Friday night so Libby could get her ears checked on Saturday. It was a long eight and a half hours dealing with rain, trucks and the PA Turnpike, but everyone was happy to be home (even if it was 2:30 a.m.!). As it turned out, Libby didn't have another ear infection. And, for the sake of symmetry, Libby and Dad walked up to East Coast on Sunday to meet Mom to officially end vacation week with--wait for it--Mint Oreo Cookie yogurt. Like Old Milwaukee, it really doesn't get any better than this!

Hot Summer Days

Since our last post, Dad has been locked away painting the new bathroom, Mom has been doing her best to stay comfortable and cool as her due date nears, and Libby has been enjoying all the fun ways to beat the heat! Libby spent July 4th with Grammie and Papa Hanna while Mom and Dad went to the Tribe game. Everyone met up at Uncle Jerry's for a yummy summer cookout.

Libby and Mom have been spending a lot of time together, taking trips to the zoo with Aunt Reen and swimming with Moira and Fiona up at Marblehead. Libby still loves running through the sprinkler and taking baths. Pretty much anything that involves water is right up her alley. She especially loves going to the pool--any pool--so she should love another week of vacation in the not-too-distant future!

Libby's other summer activites include eating ice cream and playing with her new favorite stuffed animal--Slider! Libby has been becoming even more mobile lately, as she is able to climb onto couches, chairs, coffee tables, etc. She thinks she's a big girl, trying to walk down the stairs and feed herself. She actually does pretty well with the latter. Sometimes, however, like this evening, she ends up covered from head to toe in peas, carrots, and vanilla pudding. We're pretty sure she does this on purpose, in order to guarantee that she gets a bath!