1st Baptism Anniversary

While my family is celebrating the big birth of another member yesterday (Natalie Ann, who I can't wait to meet in a couple of weeks-see a future post for more on her), I'm also reflecting on this day a year ago, as it was Elijah's baptism day.

Wanting to go ahead and get Elijah baptized in Delaware (his birth state) before we moved out, he was baptized on this day at a day past four months of age.  Like his brother, he wore the gown that grandma had made for her children.  It fit him better than it did his older brother.

As our last big event in Delaware, it was great to have my mother, Brian's parents, my sister Erin, friend Mariah, and Brian's grandfather out for the occasion.  As it turned out, Grandpa was at the beginning stages of his terminal cancer, so looking back at the baptism is bittersweet for us as it was the last time we saw Brian's grandpa strong and in good spirits.  The photos from this day are even more treasured because of this.

Baptism

Family Photos

With Mariah

Eli with his cake from one of my favorite places, Bing's Bakery

And a few more of my favorite snapshots from the day...

 As I mentioned when Theodore was baptized, I never really thought I'd even baptize my infants, since I grew up in a church that waited until you chose to be baptized (normally in early adolescence), but I gradually grew accepting of this idea after learning more about it in college.  The grace that is part of the Lutheran tradition was not a big factor in my religious upbringing, but one I hope my boys understand.  I love all the things that Theodore is already learning in church (like recently how God put a light into his heart, so cute to hear him say), and I anticipate Elijah learning so much about God's love himself in the next few years.

A Different Washington

Recently, two of my good friends from Indiana decided we should meet half way between our houses for a short girls weekend.  It was a great idea, as we all needed a bit of a break from our respective situations.  We kind of randomly picked Washington, PA just south of Pittsburgh, as our location.  We didn’t know a lot about the area, but we asked the concierge at the hotel for some suggestions, and just went from there.  A couple of our good finds included:

Juniper Grill:  The first night, we enjoyed drinks and food at this local favorite.  It was a packed house, and the food was just delicious.  Very nice for a dinner out.

The Upper Crust:  For a lunch option, this was a good little place for wood fired brick oven pizza. 

Rachel Rose's Boutique & Coffee Shop:  We actually got to The Upper Crust too early for their noon opening, but a cook noticed us and suggested we go down to the coffee shop at the end of the street.  Apparently, several of the shops on this street have the same owner and were all very good for what we were looking for.  We grabbed some filled-to-order cannoli, hot drinks (I got a vanilla milk steamer which I loved!), and other goodies.  They also sell local hand-made goods there, so I picked up a pretty little necklace as well.

Artemis Botanicals:  I’m not normally too into bath stuff, but I love peppermint scents so the sign advertising these drew us in.  Located amongst several other unique shops, this one had some beautiful, scented soaps and bath items that were too good to pass up.  I especially liked their hand-blown glass soap holders that matched the colors of the soap.  The owner says she hand selects the colors of glass based on what soaps she plans to make.

I would recommend any of these places if you ever find yourself in Washington, PA.

Children's Museum of Richmond; Pocahontas State Park

When Mariah found out her husband would be in a training in North Carolina, we went straight to a map and plotted the midway point between our house and her hotel.  As it turned out, southern Richmond was just about in the middle for us.  So, we set about finding a couple things to do so that we could meet there and keep the kids occupied while we had plenty of time to talk.

Apparently the Children's Museum of Richmond has three locations, and one was toward the southern end of the city where we wanted to meet.  This one, the newest location, is in Chesterfield.  The cost of entry is $8 a person, which is a little steep for a one-time visit for the three of us, but they do offer dollar nights and free entry on Bank of American weekends.

It was a great place for taking a pre-schooler and one year old.

The water station was a big hit.

The "sand box" is actually full of tiny plastic pieces instead of sand.  Pretty neat!

 They have a full size firetruck and metro bus.

 They have an electric train that runs every half hour or so.  A huge hit with T.

 I loved the art station.  There were several different tables with all sorts of different materials for the kids to dive right into.

 I haven't saw too many vet stations in children's museum, so this was a unique addition.  Mariah cracked up when Eli started hissing at the cat Theo was working on.  He really does this (he thinks it's the sound cats make)!  I'm going to post a video of proof soon.

 And I can never get enough of play markets.  I liked that they had shopping lists so kids could check off their shopping list like mama does.  The museum also had a play restaurant next door to the market.

 And of course the crawler area is still a big hit with Eli.  He is resisting walking yet, but I know I shouldn't complain because he'll be even more into everything once he does.

We packed a lunch and ate at the tables inside when it was time for a break.  The small lunch area had a microwave (good to know) and vending machines with drinks and some snacks.

Later, we decided to head out to a nearby park so Eli could sleep in the car and Theo could get some time outside.  Pocahontas State Park was nearby.  It was a beautiful place, and would be gorgeous in the fall when the many trees change color.  I'd love to return to camp there sometime.

:)

Indiana Area Zoos

After last week's post, I knew I wanted to write a little something about the other zoos we visited this summer (and post photos).

I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I am just drawn to zoos like a magnet.  Especially now with the kids.  While in Indiana this spring, awaiting our new housing situation, we visited:  the Fort Wayne Zoo (twice), the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Quick Facts:

Fort Wayne Zoo
Hours:  Daily, 9am-5pm
Admission Cost:  Adult:  $13.50, Child (2-14) $8.50, 1 and under free
Parking:  Free and abundant
Rides:  Sky Safari, Train Ride, River Ride, Carousel Ride:  all $2.00; Pony Rides:  $5
Extra Info:  Bring Quarters for duck food, $1 to feed the giraffe, $1 to feed the goats; Get a ride pass to save a little bit on the rides

Best zoo around.  Seriously.  Recent changes to the safari take away a little of the magic from childhood, but it is still a beautiful zoo.  Feeding the giraffes is a new thing to excite little ones. 

Zoo on the first day of Spring!

 Zoo toward the end of spring!

Indianapolis Zoo
Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 9-5pm; Fri-Sun, 9-7pm
Admission Cost:  Adult:  $16.95, Child:  $11.95(free if your awesome in-laws have a membership you can get in with)
Parking:  $6.00
Rides: feed a giraffe, carousel, train, and roller coaster all cost $2.50.  $5.00 for the 4D theater (or get a ride pass to save a little)
Extra Info:  Get your tickets online and save a few dollars a person.

Dolphin show is unique, not found in many zoos.  Touch tank in Oceans exhibit lets kids get up close and personal.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Hours:  Varies throughout the year, about 7am-6pm
Admission Cost:  FREE
Parking:  located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive; anything over 30 minutes is $20 in the off-season, and $20-35 in the summer months
Rides:  Carousel tickets are $2.75, train tickets are $2.50
Extra Info:   Look into a membership to save on parking if you live close but not close enough

You can also stop at the free conservatory on your way in.  For being right in the middle of the city, this seemed to be a huge park.

 Eli's first time on a carousel!

Theo-Bot (Liam's Birthday Party!)

We had the pleasure of attending one of our Indiana friend's birthday parties this past weekend. I've known Ashley since we were about six and her son is about right between Theo and Eli in age.  This mom threw a really cute robot birthday party (I  was glad I packed Theo's robot shirt two months ago). 

I have always called my oldest Theo-Bot (don't know why), so I was especially excited she made a photo station that worked well.

 

Just one of the cute robot-themed menu items.

 Once gifts and cake were finished with indoors (my son is the only one that asks for a second piece... not sure what that says about my parenting).  Bubbles and Liam's new wagon kept everyone happy and busy outside on the beautiful day.

Eli loved playing with blades of grass...

and many kisses and hugs from the pretty girls there.

Too bad we don't live closer...

(All photos are courtesy of Ashley's little sister since Theo decided our camera was dirty and gave it a bath in the dog's water dish.)