Canobie Lake & Sunapee

We had been talking about taking Eliot back to Canobie Lake Park this year (we went last year, but Eliot wasn't tall enough for most of the rides) and we were able to do that last week. It went better than I could have hoped for-- he had a BLAST! He rode on so many rides all by himself and a couple with us too. My sister came with us and the three of us rode on the Flume Water Log Ride. It was so nice to get cooled off and I was so impressed how Eliot handled the little roller coaster. The lady at the end working there that helps the people get off the ride said that most children his age are really scared of that ride. That's my boy :)

He had ice cream and a pretzel for dinner and stayed up way past his bedtime, but it was so worth it!





With my work schedule being so hectic, I had to plan months ahead of time which weekend we would go to Sunapee. It's important to me and to my grandparents that we go up at least once a year (although we all wish it could be more). So last Saturday, we went up for the day and once again, Eliot had fun! He loves the water, swimming, and of course, digging, and getting dirty. I love that he will have memories there just like I did when I was young-- although I was reminiscing about just how much has changed since I was little.


My Grandfather broke his nose tripping over a rope in the boathouse (and refused medical care). I thought he would scare Eliot, but it didn't even phase him.

The Cape 2011

I guess it's time for my annual Cape post! Eliot had so much fun this year. After a day of being back home he asked if we could "go back to that place where Grampa and Gramma are." Here are just some of the Cape highlights from 2011:

Of course there was beach fun:




Then, I thought it might be fun to dress Eliot up and take him down to the beach early one morning to get some 'portraits' of him since I'm always taking portraits of other people's kids and not my own (Eliot didn't love the idea, he was much more interested in playing with his digger):


It's funny, my favorite pictures of Eliot from the trip are not at all ones that were from our little mini beach-session.

One of the big excitements (at least for Eliot) was when the garbage man came:


(He also loved when the landscapers (read: lawn-mowers) came, but I did not have my camera at that point).


Eliot thought it was about the coolest thing EVER when Grampa turned the chairs into a train:

He enjoyed showing off his puzzle skills to his older cousin, Audrey:

He always thinks he wants to play board games, until about 3 minutes into it when he makes up his own rules because he's bored of the way you really play:

And finally, just a few pictures hanging around outside:



It was a very nice time and although Ted & I were in the process of dealing with some tough stuff, it was truly enjoyable. We even got to sneak away for a movie date! I am truly blessed with some amazing in-laws.

Summer in Full Swing

Once again, my personal pictures get pushed to the wayside as I am knee-deep in client sessions and well, life. Join me while I play catch-up in this post.

First stop is (another) zoo trip. This time, we went with Stephanie and Ty. Justin (who got Ted his current job) and Stephanie have been together almost as long as Ted & I and they just got engaged-- so happy for them! Ty is five and just adorable. Eliot loved spending time with Ty and since we have a zoo membership, we invited them along for the afternoon.

Eliot is no longer fascinated by the animals at the zoo. In fact, he rushes past all the animals to get to 1) the little rusty train car right by the jaguar exhibit, 2) the real train ride (that is only running half the times we are there), 3) the other fascinating rides at the zoo (put-the-quarter-in truck rides and monkey barrel rides, and 4) the snack stand. Who cares about the animals anyway? (Eye-roll).




For the first part of our long 4th of July weekend, we headed up to New Hampshire to spend sometime with my grandparents. We took Eliot to a little beach there where he (of course) enjoyed some digging and swimming.

Eliot also got his first real big boo-b00. He's fallen before, but this time it was a real "bacon boo-boo" (as my best child-hood friend, Cassie would call them). He was such a trooper. We had a little whining, but he was off again in no time. Eliot has a tenancy not to watch where he is going. He trips quite a bit.

On the actual 4th of July, we went over to Ted's parents house and filled up the kiddie pool and put on the Sprinkler for Eliot and his cousins, Audrey and Maddie. They had so much fun together.
Just by the very nature of Eliot's personality, he loves to help. Helping Gramma with her flowers made him so happy.


AND. THEN....

All Eliot has EVER wanted in life was to play with his daddy's "big metal digger." It was needing some things (I'm actually not very clear on the details-- I know it needed to be cleaned up quite a bit and maybe checked to make sure it was safe first). Every time Eliot went to Gramma and Grampa's house and saw that digger, he BEGGED to play with it. He was always told that Grampa had to fix it up first, but ALAS! Grampa was home and willing to clean up and fix the digger. Eliot was in his GLORY!

Now, of course, all Eliot wants to do is go over Gramma's house and play with the "big digger." Glad it's so easy to make him so happy.

Two quick things that I wanted to show off were birthday presents from my mother. I am so excited to use these during some up-coming newborn sessions! (I've also heard that she is currently at work on an owl set-- cannot wait!).


Aren't they adorable?!? Can't wait for little baby bears and little baby raspberries!

Speaking of babies, it doesn't seem right to play catch-up with my blog, and record all our happenings this far into July without mentioning one, very important, very significant event.

This month, Ted & I learned two things: (1) we learned we were expecting again. We were shocked and very happy at the same time. I joined online expecting clubs for March 2012, and I subscribed to daily emails that told me what was going on with our baby that day/week. It was exciting (and SCARY!) to think about doing it all over again, but alas (2), God had other plans for our baby. On July 13th, we learned that our baby had not made it and I suffered a miscarriage. It is something that Ted and I are incredibly sad about and of course we are both grieving. I know that God has a plan for me and for our family and I trust Him to give us exactly what we need and to put us exactly where we need to be. Rest in peace, little one.