2009 - Our First Camping Trip

This summer we took our first camping trip and we chose a very family friendly campground called Splash Magic Campground (Yes, that is a hyperlink). We were greeted by Splash the Dolphin, Magic the Dragon and Tubby the Turtle. Tubby was Dagney's favorite.

Every morning and every evening the Dragon Wagon would come by and give all the children (and some overly anxious adults) a wagon ride. For some reason we told Dagney it was a 'train' and all week all she would say is, "train", "train", "train". The "train" would take us all over the park and we would sing all sorts of songs such as 'Bingo', 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and our favorite song (thanks to Aunt Jessie) the "Row, row, row your boat \\ crocodile" song.

It might have been the second night we were there and we accidentally forgot about the train ride until the train came through the park. Of course, Dagney said "train", "train", "train". So we went outside the cabin to wave to the train and Dagney got the biggest smile in the World as the train came our way. She waved at the mascots. She giggled. And then when the "train" didn't stop and just kept going, she had the biggest breakdown a two year old could have. Let it be known we never missed another "train" ride the rest of the week.

Here Paige is exploring the deck of our cabin and having a blast. Paige really had a great time and was a great sport. As a father with a long commute, I cherished the opportunity to spend so much time with her; putting her to bed, greeting her when she woke up and holding her when she crawled over to my feet and said 'dad-da'. On occasion she would call me 'duck', only because it is her newest word...I hope.

I also had the privilege of buying Lauren her first fishing pole and taught her to fish. Honestly, all I did was put the pole in her hands and she took it from there. I could not put the hot dog on the hook fast enough as she caught fish after fish after fish. I eventually lost count but Lauren did not, I think she said she caught 41 fish!

Here the mothers and their daughters enjoyed a campfire to close out our first night!
More pictures and stories to come...

The Central Park Zoo

Some time in April (yes, dated pictures) we went to The Central Park Zoo. Here Dagney and I are walking through the Rain Forest.
Paige chilling out in the stroller with her pink outback hat on.

Dagney and Cole really enjoyed the penguins, they could get up right next to the glass and the penguins loved putting on a show for the children.

And then there was the petting zoo where Dagney posed as a bunny.

Paige's First Birthday

The next day we celebrated Paige's first birthday. Our good friend Janelle made the purple cupcake tree.
Here the natives are getting restless waiting for the cupcakes.

Paige's first taste of cake! I just think she is so adorable here.

"Yum Yum!"

What a blast celebrating Paige's first birthday.

Dagney Turned 2!

Let me first say May was a very busy month and we apologize for not updating the blog more frequently!

Having said that, here are a few pictures of Dagney's 2nd birthday party at a fun place called Bouncearama where we were joined by 8 of her close friends and their mommies and daddies. We sprinkled in a little sugar and va-voom, instant chaos!


Here Dagney runs through a padded tunnel......and jumps through some tires.

Here are the thank you gifts; personalized pails with shovels, some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, play-doh and other goodies. They were a big hit!

...and we did butterfly cupcakes, designed by the greatest mother in the whole wide world, Jenn. Special thanks to Grandma Connie for helping put the cupcakes together!

Just returned from the hospital....

...and anouncement of the details will be coming shortly!

Welcome Alexa Marie Valeich!

Our wonderful friends the Valeichs have a new addition to the family!! Alexa Marie was born on April 27th at 3:01 p.m., weighing 6 lbs and 12 oz. We are so incredibly happy for them - she's a beautiful baby! 

Early Birthday Gifts

This year the girls received early, but very special, Birthday gifts - matching raincoats and boots! 

Dagney was so excited when Dad got home from work so she could open the box that arrived from California and said "Happy Birthday" all over it. When she did, she screamed '"Boots!"
Dad was so eager to try them out the very first day, even though it was still a little too cold outside. 

We were able to get out for a couple of pictures, but not for long. Paige always likes some attention, even if it is getting dressed up in new clothes and trying to stand on her own.

We hope to get some better pictures when it gets a little warmer.

Thanks Aunt Jenny, Uncle Kent and Cousins Maddie and Sophie!