Our First "Real" Family Vacation

Never has a vacation been so exhausting and yet so much fun. We traveled to Boone, NC this past weekend to enjoy the Fall colors and a little family togetherness. Our itenerary included going to the Tweetsie Railroad - a very cool and a bit retro (aka really old) amusement park. It is totally kid centered, and right on target for Ben's age and up. On Saturday we went to an apple festival at the Horn in the West "park" As you can see from the photos, it is a historic settlement showing how folks lived in the mountains in the first days of the settlement now known as N.C. Western N.C. does not dissapoint- I would highly reccomend it. We will definitely be back. Boone and Blowing Rock were the hightlights. What I would warn you NOT to do is try sleeping in a hotel room with an 18 month old. The almost 4 year old did great, but Maddie was none too happy about sleeping - at all- in a pack and play. She discovered the joys of sleeping in our bed, and was still not too happy about that either! I got a little shut eye around 4 each morning- did I mentioin Todd snores? Sorry honey. Just had to record that memory. I think Ben had the most fun jumping from bed to bed at the hotel, and he really enjoyed the indoor swimming pool. It was really beautiful and lots of memories were made. Too many photos to post, so i put up this album- hope you all enjoy.

I Love Being a Chicken

Well, October is upon us, and so is the fun of Halloween. For weeks, Ben has said he wanted to be a chicken in an egg. And, aside from the brief interlude where he wanted to be a Red Juicy Pig, he was set on being a chicken. Well, my creative juices overflow, but I just wasn't sure how I was going to pull that off. So, when I found this jewel for $12 at Old Navy, I was thrilled, and as you can see, so was he. He wore it all night, and wanted to sleep in it, but I persuaded him not to, as I feared I would have a baked chicken come morning. Anyhoo, I thought I would share some of our nightime routine of Ben- this is not staged, I assure you. Well, typically we don't do this in a chicken costume, but lately he has taken a real interest in Italian cooking thanks to the lovely Giada De Laurentis. Giada plays a big role in getting Ben to sleep at night, and having sweet dreams. First we watch a Curious George episode (thanks to Tivo) and then it's on to the real star of the night, Giada. He has to do his "Giada Dance" in the opening episode, and then he proceeds to marvel at garlic and various Italian cheeses. He even knows what capers are. After the satisfying programing, it's on to bed where we read a book (usually about gardens or vegetables) and then I have to make up a story about Giada- no I am not kidding. He then drifts off to sleep - finally. Bon Appetite!

The funniest line I have heard in a while came here as he was watching Giada. He turned to me and said with the most sincere and sweet voice, "Mommy, I love being a chicken." Now, that's what it's all about!

Dr. Maddie to the Rescue

It is funny to watch your child gravitate to certain toys. Maddie has her favorites, like the tried and true shape sorter from Tupperware- you know the red and blue octagon that pulls apart and dumps shapes out; she loves that. She loves purses and is even trying her hand at feeding babies, but nothing comes close to how much she loves her stethescopes. I think it is a sure sign of what she might be when she grows up! You go Girl!