We're Back...

And ready to make up for a whole summer's worth of not posting. We've got lots of shots from our little vacay and I'm ready to share. I figured I'd start off with a car shot of the little traveler, since this is where we spent a good chunk of our time. The DVD player got a workout, with "Pooh's Grand Adventure" and "Piglet's Big Move" being the most requested features. We also listened to A LOT of Veggie Tales songs. I think if I hear "The Cheeseburger Song" one more time I might just pull a Van Gogh, but there were other treats to keep me occupied along the way. I was glad to be back in the Midwest, home to Einstien Bros. Bagels and I knew I was a matchmaker extraordinaire when I introduced Pete to the PowerBagel with Peanut Butter. True love.

Another huge hit were the Water Wow pads I got for the girls. I won't be heading out on any long trips without those in the future. Leah loved them. Another must-have were the slew of Golden Books I got before we left. They're thin and easy to pack but provided us with some much needed quiet time on various points in the drive. The true hero of our vacation was Pete, who did all the driving!!! Admittedly, Pete would rather be in the driver's seat and I am better suited to playing navigator, puppeteer for the backseat peanut gallery, getter of things for said gallery, and well napping (hey, it was my vacation too!). We had a blast! Tomorrow I'll start at the beginning of the trip and share all the crazy fun we had. Thanks to our hosts Rob, Robin, and Layna, as well as Auntie Micolle (not a typo, just Leah's pronunciation), Uncle Jim, and of course Pheobe and Herman the cats. We loved spending time with you all!!!!

We're off to Wisconsin!!!

Cheesehead
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner

Hey all, I had to post this picture of Leah in her cheesehead to commence our road trip to America's Heartland (or Dairyland). We're thrilled and ready to get on the road tomorrow to make a quick visit to Grandma Barb, check out a bunch of zoos, enjoy all that Wisconsin has to offer (lakes! badgers! corn!), and see so many of our friends and some old familiar places. Leah has even been practicing saying "I'm a Packer Backer!!" Not sure how Uncle Colin and some other NY football fans will feel about that, but "when in Wisconsin..."

I also had to post this shot, so that you could all feel old with me. Aislin is wearing these same jammies now!! Wow how Leah has grown. I took her to her first movie in the theater today (a free showing of The Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything). I'm sure this road trip will be a growing experience for us all! Can't wait to share the details and some awesome pics when we return!

What's in a name?

Here's Aislin, looking very sweet in front of her adorable name display that Auntie K gave her. I won't bore you (or should I say "gore you") with the details, but let's just say it was not such a pretty and serene scene when I got her out of her crib after her nap yesterday. I'd say the phrase "poop-tacular" would be a better description. Anyway, Aislin loves her name sign and points to it saying "name" and "Aislin" all the time. Which is nice, since as Pete and I noted this morning her response to pretty much any question these days is "OK!! Great!!"

We're just happy Aislin is as chatty as she is. She has a great example in the conversational queen Leah after all, who when recently finishing up a puzzle with my Mom exclaimed "The moment of truth!" That girl cracks me up. We're also glad Aislin even knows what her full name is she has so many nicknames!!!! The are (in no particular order): Aisy. Aisy Daisy, Crazy Aisy, Super Baby, The Bunny, The Bun, Bunny Bun, and just plain BUNS. Then there is also Destructo, the Enforcer and Hercules, since she wrecks everything (just ask my parents about their guest room desk drawer) and has super human strength. I'm thinking about letting her watch some olympic weightlifting. There are more and more but I've got to get back to invitation making. Until then enjoy this little picture of Destructo looking very sweet indeed!!

Future Olympian, X-Gamer, and Princess

Just a quick hello to share this picture of my big girl. Thanks to Cyn (or I guess I should say Beckett) for Leah's cool, new, hand-me-down scooter! She loves it, even if she does ride it like a ballerina. Instead of lots of quick pushes and then a glide. Leah pushes off and keeps her leg extended in an arabesque and glides. It's pretty funny if you ever get a chance to see it. One thing I can say, is the girl does have balance. Honestly, I'm not sure what she's more thrilled about, the scooter or her princess helmet and pads. Only Leah!

Road Trippin' Rules!

In a few weeks Pete and I will be surrendering our sanity and head out on a road trip with the girls to visit Nicolle and Jim in Madison, Wisconsin. We're pretty excited and steeling ourselves accordingly. We'll be stopping in the Cleveland/Akron area to see the Ohio crew and to take advantage of the very conveniently located accommodations (I love our friends!), both on the way there and on the way back. Then we'll hit my "other hometown," Chicago, for a quick overnight, some deep dish pizza, the Shedd Aquarium! I can't wait to see the city again.

After that it's off to Madison for a few quality days with Nic and Jim. I can't wait to see their new house, hang on The Terrace by Lake Mendota and just enjoy the fabulous company. Madison has an awesome farmers market too, so I know the girls will be into checking that out. So, the reason I'm telling you all this is because I am looking for road trip tips. Tips geared towards those traveling with toddlers/preschoolers are even more appreciated. I know you sugar hiccups readers are smart and many of you are very well-traveled..so lay it on me kids...what are the must-haves for the car ride, the suitcases and more?! Also, if any of you have a favorite attraction that may be en-route or close to it, let us know that too. The little ladies will definitely want to get out and stretch their legs and I'm always up for the worlds largest ball of yarn and the like. Comment away guys...this inquiring mind wants to know how to get through this crazy (but hopefully very fun) excursion. I can see it now...the Nowaks go Griswold!