July 15, 2006

Today we went for a little hike at a nearby state park. We tried to take a picture of all three of us, appointing David photographer on account of he has the longest arms. Believe me when I say that this was the best photo of the lot -- and that is why there are no others in this entry. We love the look on Grace's face, though!

With mom and dad near the entrance.

This pond is so beautiful and is covered in lily pads. Grace loved looking at the little fish, dragonflies, and the herons.

Here I'm trying to point out the little bugs swimming on top of the water.

Grace loved picking daisies along the path.

There were bees all over the thistles in the park. I managed to keep my shrieking fear of bees under control long enough for Grace to get a good look at them.

Funny face at the pond.

With her daisies.

We got to see so many animals today -- rabbits, beetles, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, deer, horses, even a golden retriever when we bought some fresh eggs laid by Araucana hens on a nearby farm.

July 14, 2006

Grace just looks so big in this picture, taken when we were at the mall today (you notice that she won't keep a hair clip in or her shoes on, don't you? She is my little hillbilly.). Why were we at the mall? To buy a Mac Book Pro, if you can believe it. We'd procrastinated getting a surge protector for our pc and the strong storms this week fried it. I never thought I'd want a Mac, but love it already. What an unusual caption to a photo of a baby by a fountain, though. . .

July 13, 2006

Grace was so excited when Gina and Joseph came over today. She loves to play with them, but she also loves Joseph's Elmo toy.

Just look at that face!

July 12, 2006

Sweet pea looking for more remotes behind the couch.

Also in family news today, David had a close call with a bear! Unfortunately this was after Grace went to bed -- think of what a photo op it would have been for her to pose with a bear, though. Don't worry, for safety, I would have put David in between the two.

July 11, 2006

Grace gets such a kick out of watching a load of laundry in the washer. She talks about the water, the soap, how fast it goes -- she'll stand there forever, mesmerized.

July 10, 2006

Checking out Sesame Street.

Sitting with Dad.

July 9, 2006

Reaching up to touch Aunt Lissa's face before the ride home.

Aunt Lissa, Mama, Grace and Grandma at our house at the end of a long drive.

July 8, 2006

At April's baby shower. The gorilla had to come to this one, Grace was fading fast.

Playing with Aunt Lissa.

July 7, 2006

Looking at the menu at the '76 Diner with Grandma. We used to go there with our grandma back in the day, so this was very sweet before heading off to Hoffman's Playland. We used to go there every summer when we were young and now Grace had her first time.

Waiting for the merry go round to start.

Very excited to be on her own horse. She loved the merry go round and shouted "Up and down! I did it!" during the ride.

On the balloon ride -- this was another favorite.

Near Humpty Dumpty with Grandma.

On the caterpillar ride with Mama.

Grace was charmed by the hippo water fountain and the clown waste basket.

The train pulls into the depot.

The three of us are off for a couple of loops around the park.

We went back to the merry go round to use our remaining tickets. Grace was so excited -- she threw her hands over her head and yelled "yahoo!" over and over.

Playing with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lissa.

More playtime.

Reading a book with Uncle Jeff.

Learning to throw a ball with Aunt Lissa. Do you see how this is an action shot, with the ball mid-air? Am like a professional photographer :)

July 6, 2006

Playing the star piano at Grandma's.

Mama and Grace at the waterfront.

Picnic with Uncle Vincent, Loralei, Grandma and Lucas (Bambi was also there and took the photo).

Standing at the picnic table.

Loralei tries to give Grace a hug.

Grace shows Loralei where her eye is.

Playing after the picnic.

Playing on Grandpa Granato's porch.

Mary, Grandpa and Grace.

Standing with Grandpa.

Looking at Grandpa's ring.

Practicing "Yahoo! Going to Grandma's."

July 5, 2006

Amy, Mama, Grace and Aunt Donna take in the view at Uncle Rocco's camp.

Sweet face with Dawn, Gary James, and Uncle Rocco in the background.

April, Grace and Sandile take a look at one of Dawn's pugs. Grace loved the way the dogs let her pet them. The dogs loved Grace's propensity for dropping food on the ground.

Dawn, Ben, Aunt Dina and Aunt Donna watch the fireworks with Grace, April and Sandile.

Grace and April hanging out with Sandile and Dr. Jordan.

Aunt Dina, Amy, Grace and April.

Helping Grace get a drink of water.

Grace loved playing peekaboo with Gary James.

Playing with Gary James.

Near the lake with Grandma and Dawn.