Ryan at Play

Here are a few cute random shots of Ryan playing. All are from September.


Cute pjs. Love the old school toy.


Emptying cupboard, exploring Tupperware.


At the park.


Another park day. He's quite a climber.

Apple Picking

On Sunday, we went apple picking with Sarah, Nathan & Max. We went to Conklin's Orchard in Pomona, NY. We were able to pick Cortlands, but that's about it. It was a great way to spend a beautiful fall day and enjoy time with the James family. Plus, apple cider donuts...







Sarah, Nathan & Max James

Apple Picking - part 2

Ryan and I after apple picking.




They had a bouncy play area for kids set up at the orchard. Ryan and Max were too little for it. But they were digging this fence that they could shake. (This face that Ryan's making, looks like a Ponka Boy face to me.)



A fun game for toddlers - shake the fence.


Ryan walking in the bouncy play area.

Burke with Ryan & Max in the orchard's market.

New Table

We finally bought a dining room table. It's not an ideal space for the table, but it works. We mostly didn't want Ryan growing up thinking that he eats by himself in his highchair and that the only place you eat at a table is at a restaurant. Anyway, we're feeding him all his meals at the table. Here's a picture of his first table dinner.

Pequod's Pizza

After the wedding brunch on Sunday, we got to spend the rest of the day with my family. For dinner we went to Pequod's Pizza in Morton Grove, IL (they also have a downtown location). Burke and I can't stop talking about how delicious it was. We think it's even better than Gino's.


We were all exhausted at this point in the trip.



Steve, Joey & Christine at Pequod's.



Mom, Carol, Dad, Blaine, Joey & the back of Burke's head

Sunday Brunch

On Sunday, Josh & Jen hosted a post-wedding brunch at the Flatwater restaurant in Chicago. As you can see, we dined right on the river. It was a great location!

Ryan, arriving brunch guests, and the river. Jen (the bride) is the blond straight back from Ryan.

Ryan and dada

Eric, Burke, Josh (the groom) and Nathan - friends from a high school trip to Germany

Everyone + Peter (from Germany) and his wife

Josh & Jen's Wedding & Reception

The trip was logistically challenging seeing as we stayed out by O'Hare and most of the events were downtown which was 30 + minutes away. Plus, having Ryan there complicated things a bit further. Luckily, everything went really smoothly, thanks to some serious planning and the priceless help of my family. The only hiccup was the actual wedding ceremony. I missed most of it due to Chicago traffic, the hidden chapel, and a screaming baby.


Me, my mom, and Ryan after the ceremony. Ryan was pretty unhappy. I was disappointed to have missed most of the ceremony.



At the reception - Josh & Jen cutting the cake! Lovely!



A rare shot of just me & Burke.



Burke was a groomsman, as were these two gentlemen - Nathan & Eric (who I discovered is a really good dancer).

Airport

Last Friday we flew from Newark to Chicago-O'Hare for Josh & Jen's wedding and to see my family. Here's Ryan exploring the airport as we wait to board the plane.

Turns out he's about the size of a carry-on.

Philadelphia Duck Tour

After our time on the beach in Delaware, we took a side trip to Philadelphia. Burke, Joey, Christine and her parents went to a Phillies v. Braves game (and got RAINED on!). We also toured Independence Hall, saw Ben Franklin's grave and more.

The best part (for me) was our early morning Duck Tour (it's a land and water tour in this amphibious vehicle). Ryan was really relaxed, entertained for the entire hour we were on this tour. I was also entertained by the driver (who did a fantastic job) and by Christine's enthusiastic quacking on her little duck noise maker! So much fun.

Here are a couple pics from the Duck Tour.

Bethany Beach, DE - part 2

Family picture


Boo boo playing in the sand.


Pretty positive pool experience, which is promising.


Video of Ryan playing in the sand. Also, there is also video of the waves and Burke attempting to build a statue of Ryan out of sand. It turned out to be an unsuccessful artistic venture.

Sea Colony - Bethany Beach, DE

Christine & her parents were nice enough to invite Burke, Ryan & me to join them for their annual stay at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, DE.

We got to relax, eat some delicious food, indulge in the goodness that is The Candy Kitchen, play in the sand, and swim. Burke said it's the most fun he's had in the ocean since he was little.

As a result of spending a few days with Joey & Christine, Ryan is now saying Joey (sounds more like "do-e") and "Ta-te" (which means Christine).


Joey & Christine on the beach


The whole crew sitting down to lunch. Burke made a delicious steak salad, a recipe we got from his parents.