Rafting, Take Two.

We all had so much fun rafting last month, we decided to get in another day of fun while the weather still permitted. This trip was a bit longer than our first rafting trip. Our friend Brian, who joined us for our first trip too, joined us again for a scenic float on the New River.

We took a break about halfway through our trip to check out a really great riverside spot owned by a friend of Luke's. He owns a hunting and fishing outfitter and has put up a yurt on the side of the river for camping or just hanging out for the afternoon.

This was a beautiful spot with big cliffs on river left and wild turkeys running around on river right. Addison was getting a little tired and grumpy sitting for so long, so this stop was a nice break. Next time we will have to bring a picnic!

Brian rowing us down the river.

It was a pretty chilly day so we had to bundle up. Addison loves to wear her mittens and hat, so it was even more fun of an adventure.

Addison gives the biggest and best smiles!

Addison wore herself out and ended up taking a forty five minute nap in my arms. I don't get to hold her that often while she sleeps as I am pretty strict with her nap and bedtime routine, so this was a lot of fun for me to just hold her and watch her sleep. I am really looking forward to many more trips with her and teaching her all the great things to love about the outdoors.

Trick or Treat!

Since we do not live in a neighborhood that offers trick or treating, we decided to head out to the local shopping center for their community event. Addison woke up a little grumpy so it was difficult to get her out and dressed. She was not interested in putting on her costume and would have nothing to do with the antenna headband. The shopping center was having a cake walk and Addison and I won two cupcakes our first try. Walking around in circles and looking at the other kids in their costumes helped get her out of the funk and she became a lot happier.

Addison got to pick out her own pumpkin from the "pumpkin patch."

What a perfect pumpkin!

Painting and gluing things on the pumpkin is a lot of fun. It didn't matter what it looked like, the more colors and stuff, the better!

Enjoying arts and crafts time.

Madam Ladybug.

I continue to find it so funny that Addison is very shy with strangers, but has no problem with giant animals. The first time she saw someone dressed up as the Hokie Bird she ran over to it to get a better look and couldn't stop smiling at it. At another event, she did the same with the Chik-fil-A cow. Today was no different. She loves animals!

Hide and seek. Where is Addison?

I am not really sure who enjoys the shoulder carry more, Addison or Daddy!

Whitewater Rafting!

Addison went on her first rafting trip today! She was really excited and had so much fun. We had great weather and fairly decent water for so late in the year. She did seem to get a little tired of it after awhile, but hey, that is to be expected from a twenty-one month old.

What a great day for a rafting trip! Daddy and the little ham enjoying some time on the river.

I love how she never misses an opportunity for a smile at the camera. Addison spent a lot of the time hopping over the thwarts up and down the raft. She loved all the bouncing.

Addison and Daddy

Lulu joined us for the day too. She loves being on the boat as much as the rest of us.

Addison loved to stand in the front of the boat as we paddled through the Class I-II rapids. She screamed with delight the whole time the boat bumped up and down over the waves. She is definitely a water girl at heart.

Play Group at Pandapas

Mmmmm, I love snack time!

Mommy and I had a really fun hike with all my new friends and their mommies. We saw ducks, geese, turtles and fish. Thanks for playing!!

Day at the Pool

It is still cold outside, but that doesn't mean I can't have fun! Mommy and Daddy took me to the local swimming pool today! I had such a good time! I really liked when Mommy would spin me around in the water. I can't wait for warmer weather and lots more swimming!

This is the best!

Can we stop taking pictures and swim more, please???

Grandma Pagano's April Visit

Sometimes when I get dressed, I feel like I am getting ready to join the circus... but hey, I love riding in my stroller!

I love going to our Mommy and Me class! There are so many fun things to do!

Here I come Grandma!

The slide is my favorite activity! Look out, here we go!

Whew! That was fun... what's next?

So you are saying I need to blow? How do I do that, can't I just touch it!

Mr. Kenny is so captivating.

HOLY MOLY! Look at all these bubbles!

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny showed up at the house this afternoon. Luckily, the weather was very warm and beautiful and since Addison doesn't like walking barefoot yet, we put on her bloomers and tennis shoes and went on an egg hunt. She really enjoyed putting the eggs in her basket. She also really likes knocking them together. She does that with the real eggs too, but they don't hold up as well.

"I know just what to do with this little guy."

"Listen to this cool sound, Mom!"

"I found ANOTHER one!"

"Look at all these eggs!"

"I will not sleep until ALL the easter eggs have been found!"

"OK, Mommy, take me to bed!"

Lawn Mowers are Fun!

Daddy showed me how to drive the lawn mower. I am really good at it!

It's my turn to steer!

Publish Post

Look Mom, one hand!

Afternoon at the Jaasma's Farm

With all the snow we had this winter, we spent quite a few days at the Jaasma's farm going sledding, skiing and playing both inside and out. On this particular day, there were all kinds of friends visiting the house. Addison had lots of fun playing and watching everyone.

Addison played with her cousin True, and her two friends Harper and Ellen. True has tons of great toys, and when they got tired of playing, Erin had yummy yogurt melts for everyone.

"Mmmm, thank you!"

The future Mod Squad