Independence Day

Happy Forth of July everyone! Today we enjoyed the 4th of July parade in Colchester in the morning, good naps (!) and then the park celebration in Essex in the evening...with bouncies and all. Although we left the park early and had Braden in bed before the fireworks started, we got to see them from our house, so we didn't miss a thing :)

Milestone! BRADEN SLEPT IN HIS BIG BOY BED!!!

What a big deal...last night Braden slept in his big boy bed for the first time!

About two weeks ago, Scott put together his new bed, basically because I wanted to see how it looked and because Braden's Grandparents bought the mattress (so we had everything we needed then). But no pressure...the goal is just to move the crib to the baby's room by Oct or so, but we know we shouldn't try to make such a big change for Braden right when the baby is born in September. So, Braden has both options in his room, and since we've been back from California he has opted for the crib.
But not last night!! We thought it was just a ploy to stay up late, so we tucked him in his big boy bed at 8:30 fully expecting to be back up in 5-10 min. About 9pm the noise stopped (he was just relaxing and talking to himself), and when we checked again at 10pm he was fast asleep! I didn't hear from him until 7:30 this morning!

I have to admit, I have mixed emotions, very happy last night went so smoothly, but a little sad...my baby is growing up!!!

Chew Chew Festival

Today we went to the annual "Chew Chew" Festival in downtown Burlington, where over 40 local restaurants and food vendors sell bites of their specialties. Somehow I seem to find out about all the stuff around town that focuses on food...hmm...must be because I'm 7 months pregnant! Well, whatever the reason, we went and ate lots of yummy food and Braden got to ride some of the kiddie rides. Great way to spend the afternoon, especially since we haven't gotten to enjoy a weekend just the three of us together in a while (between Scott working alert and all of our recent traveling and guests), it was really nice.


What a big boy...riding the choo choo train all by himself!!!

Father's Day Weekend

For the first time in over a year and a half, all my brothers and sister and our spouses were able to be together! It was extra special to spend the weekend with my Dad, who is recovering from a pretty intense surgery to remove tongue and throat cancer. He looks great! Of course there is still pain, and the imminent chemo and radiation treatments, but he was able to communicate and enjoy his time with his kids and grandson.

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Day at the Beach

Shelburne Farms

Yesterday we met my friend and her daughters at the Shelburne Farms to check out the children's farmyard and to watch them make cheese (and try samples too!). Great morning...and no surprise that Braden loved all the animals!

VT Teddy Bear and Jazz Festival

On Friday, Mom, Greg, Braden and I took a tour at the famous Vermont Teddy Bear factory and ended up hanging out in Downtown Burlington at the Jazz Festival on Church Street. What a fun day! I love showing my family our beautiful new city!
Stopping for some Ben and Jerry's ...yummy

Grandma Linda's Birthday celebration at Disney!

For Grandma Linda's _ _ birthday, she flew Braden and I out to Orlando to celebrate! We went to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and the Holy Land Experience. Braden LOVES "me-mou" (Mickey Mouse), and we had a wonderful time visiting all the countries at Epcot and dining in England and Morocco. Braden really enjoyed the Animal Kingdom and especially loved calling all the animals by name...lion, elephant, giraffe...he's really becoming such a big boy!


Dinner at Marakash, Epcot
Ice Cream at Ghiradelli's is a must at Downtown Disney!!!
Overlooking "Jerusalem"

Zachary's 6th Birthday

We went to Maryland from Thursday through Sunday to celebrate Zachary's sixth birthday...I can't believe little Zachy-do is 6 already!!! Wow, it's just that I remember so vividly meeting him for the first time as a little baby, 6 really?!?

Anyway, it was a wonderful party and fabulous long weekend...we have so much fun with the Adams, it's indescribable how happy Braden is when he is with his cousins. So much love!!!

(Ben, Braden, Zach, Jake)
You've gotta admit, these are four handsome boys!!! IMPOSSIBLE to get a good picture together since they are NEVER sitting still, but this one turned out cute.
Braden's a little fish---first time unsupported (with swimmies only) in the water...loved it!

Visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Seigfried

Besides building a swing set, we had a great time with Braden's grandparents last week...thought I'd post a few of my favorite ones taken at random times throughout. As you can tell, Braden loves Pappa and Gramma.

Evolution of a Swing Set

Memorial Day weekend...great time to build a swing set for Braden! Grandma and Grandpa Seigfried came out to help---thank you SO very much!!!

Memorial Day Parade

Today the town of Essex held their Memorial Day parade, so we took Braden to join the celebration. Braden loved the horses, the fire trucks, the bands, and especially the cool flag and candy they handed out :)