Ships!

Last weekend, we went to the Tall Ship Celebration.  The ships were really cool, but we didn't get to go on any ships because the lines were about a mile long...and we didn't want to wait in the heat with a baby.  Maybe next time when Samuel's a little older.  We only stayed for a little while, but definitely would spend the money to go when it rolls in again. 

Tooth and Six Month Pictures

The Tuesday after we got home from vacation, I took Samuel to the doctor for his 6 month check-up.  For some reason, he screamed like he has never screamed before.  I couldn't figure out what was going on until I looked in his mouth and noted that he had just started cutting his first tooth (convenient timing, right?).  He now has a sharp little chomper in his mouth and may be working on chomper #2. 

Saturday, we took Samuel to get his 6 month pictures.  You can see them at the link below.  I think they are excellent!  I don't know how we will pick the ones to purchase! 

www.kristareneephotography.blogspot.com

Vacation Finale: Rachel's Wedding

Saturday was our last full day in Denver, and such a special day at that.  My long-time friend Rachel got married.  It was at a beautiful botanical garden, followed by the adjoining inn for the reception.  Samuel looked like a little stud-muffin in his tie and sunglasses.  He really liked the tie...to eat...that is.  We had a really nice time and finished off the evening with relaxing and packing for our early flight in the morning.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip out west, in case you couldn't tell.  We had been really anxious about traveling with a baby, but Samuel exceeded expectations and made us proud.  Now if only he'd sleep through the night, we'd consider him to be the perfect child...

Happy family...all dressed up pretty.

Little Stud

Two handsome guys...I think I'll keep them :)

Beautiful Bride!

Samuel falling to pieces (from a wardrobe perspective)

Apparently the wedding was getting too long...Samuel is playing in the grass.

Posing for Mommy...note the now missing tie and addition of the pacifier.

Tie is back...but now Samuel is enjoying its nutritional qualities.

Looks good.  Tastes great!

Again...Looks good, tastes great!

No cake smashing, at least they were nice to each other.

Samuel's first dance

Happy Couple :)

Happy Family

More happiness :)

The End.  Vacation ended with a couple of easy flights home.

Vacation Part 4: Denver Aquarium

We arrived in Denver Thursday afternoon and opted to take it easy for the evening.  We stayed in the hotel room, except to eat at a nearby Mexican restaurant, and just relaxed.  But with the wedding Saturday, we had a whole day to burn Friday, so we decided to go to the Downtown Aquarium and see how Samuel liked all the fish.  We got really lucky...the computers messed up as they were trying to process our tickets and since it took so long, they let us in for free :)  Thanks, Downtown Aquarium for a great, free, visit!!! 

After the aquarium, we drove to another section of downtown to find a Children's Place to buy clothes for Samuel's 6 month photo shoot (which we did this morning).  Such a cute shopping area in Denver!  Very pedestrian friendly and nice stores and storefronts. 

We picked up Grandma M from the airport later that afternoon and she gave Mommy and Daddy an evening out to celebrate our 5th Anniversary!  It wasn't fancy, but we had an uninterrupted meal with adult conversation and a quiet walk around the block.  It was nice.

The end of our trip, including wedding pictures are coming soon...

Samuel liked watching the ducks swimming inches from him!

Glare is a huge problem with glass-enclosed tanks...

Samuel hanging out in a bubble with the fish.

This was absolutely Samuel's favorite tank.  He loved the bright colors!  (And it was round, so it made the people on the other side look funny).

Turtles bigger than the baby!

Samuel's first sweet potatoes.  He loved it!

Vacation Part 3: Trekking Across the West

After visiting Aunt Carolyn and Great Granny, we began meandering our way to Denver for the wedding Saturday.  We stayed in Northern AZ in Monument Valley Tuesday night, driving along Oak Creek Canyon scenic byway to get there.  In the morning, we headed out on another scenic byway through Monument Valley and stopped in Moab, UT for lunch.  Another Scenic byway led us onto the main highway to Grand Junction, CO.  We stayed the night in Grand Junction and had a brief swimming adventure for Samuel.  Finally, Thursday, we drove into Denver, with a stop-off in Vail for lunch.  Vail was cute - could be a fun place to visit some other day :)

Samuel slept at least half of the time we were traveling.  The rest of the time, I sat in the back with him to help entertain him.  He was a champ during the drive.  We were so proud of the little guy.

Monument Valley

More Monument Valley

Just before Mexican Hat

Also just before Mexican Hat

Moab, UT

Scenic Overlook just outside Moab

Hmm...somewhere on the Scenic Byway

Vail, CO (note Samuel's awesome Vail shirt)

Mike and Samuel in Vail

Our last days of vacation are coming soon...stay tuned...

Vacation: Part 2

After visiting Grandpa T, we traversed to another part of Arizona for a visit with Great Granny and Aunt Carolyn.  Great Granny is 98 years old and Mommy has been anxious to get her $1000 picture and visit.  It was worth it!  Great Granny was in really good spirits and really enjoyed meeting Samuel.  She LOVED his blue eyes and just watched him play.  It was a very special visit.  Plus, Samuel got to play with his super fun Aunt Carolyn.  She soaked up snuggles while she had the time and he loved all the attention.  She was a great host, as always, and we can't wait until we get another visit with her.  All in all, the visit was well worth the trip and we wouldn't trade any part of it for anything.

Aunt Carolyn's backyard.  Samuel loved the fountain!

Great Granny and Samuel.

Mommy's thousand dollar picture.  This is one for the books!

Samuel dancing with Great Granny.

Enjoying the Red Rocks at lunchtime.

Snuggles with Aunt Carolyn.

More snuggles with sleepy Samuel.

Daddy, Samuel, and Red Rocks.

Four Generations.  Great Granny, Mommy, Aunt Carolyn (Mommy's aunt), and Samuel.

What a special day...we will cherish it forever!  Coming soon, the 3 day trip to Denver...

Vacation!

Samuel just got home from his first (real) vacation with his mom and dad.  We spent the last 9 days traveling and got home last night.  We flew to Arizona for a visit to Grandpa T, followed by a visit with Great Aunt Carolyn and Great Granny (on mommy's side).  After our Arizona visits, we trecked across the desert through Utah and into Colorado for a good friend's wedding in Denver.  Samuel was a TROOPER!  He did amazingly well for all the travel he had to do.

Our visit to Grandpa T's was low-key, but fun.  Samuel loved playing on the floor with his new Harley Davidson toys from Grandpa.  He also really liked playing ball with Morganne.  He had so much fun at Grandpa's house, in fact, that he learned to roll several feet and sit up.  He also got his first taste of solid food from a spoon at Grandpa's.  Fun times!

 First Airplane Ride!!!

Grandpa's Harley (I'm allowed to sit on it, but no riding until I'm 18!)

Mmm...Spoon food!

Spoon Food from Daddy!

Spoon food from Grandpa!  The cowboy hat makes it taste just a little better!

Tummy Time with Harley Lion.

I love back scratches from Grandpa...

Morganne, me, and Grandpa

Hangin' in the desert with some of my favorite people!

More to come later...