Meeting Ella (aka Thanksgiving)

Nov26 by johannawoodman

We spent a couple days in Connecticut to meet Jeremy and Lauren’s new daughter, and to eat some turkey. Ella was, of course, adorable, and so tiny! Even at a few weeks old, I think she was still a bit smaller than Neil was when he was born. I forgot how small babies were.

Neil showed some interest in his new cousin, but was more excited to see Dexter, Jeremy’s dog. Unfortunately, it turns out that Neil is allergic to him, and we had to keep them separated after the side of his face that Dexter licked broke out in hives. Dexter was well behaved, but confused as to why we kept telling him to stay away from Neil, when Neil was chasing after him, trying to kiss him, and dropping food for him.

Thanksgiving dinner was held at Josh and Jen’s new house, conveniently located within walking distance from the lake. Along with the turkey, we had kielbasa cooked in maple syrup, which was delicious.

We had a little trouble the day after Thanksgiving when the main breaker to the lake house broke, and we were left without power, heat, or running water. We made it through with lanterns, starting up the propane heater, and eating at Josh’s house, until the only electrician in the area was able to come by and fix it, after he finished deer hunting.

Baby Ella!

Marcel was persuaded to hold her

Sleepy baby

When you have a baby on your lap, it’s hard to not take pictures.

Especially when she is so cute

Ella was dressed up for main meal

Complete with a turkey on her butt

Neil enjoyed his first real Thanksgiving meal

After the meal, Linnea drove Porter and Jeremy around the yard

Mom doing the “chipmunk hold” on Ella

Ella woke up after dinner, in time to play a game

Neil approached Ella a few times

Dexter thought he heard Jeremy come home

Mor-Mor and Pops with their two youngest grandkids

Neil watched TV with Lauren and Ella

Neil showed my mom and Porter how to use the iPad

Posted 12.5

Captain Walter

Apr15 by johannawoodman

Far-Far (my grandfather) turned 90 years old last month, we had a sailing themed party for him in New Hampshire yesterday. We sometimes call Neil “First Mate Wiggles” (referencing this: The Birdbot of Ice-Catraz), but since Far-Far was the Captain of the afternoon, Mor-Mor choose the title First Mate. It was great to see some family, especially my grandparents.

Mor-Mor and Far-Far with some of their grandchildren

Porter and Linnea showing off some of the decor with Far-Far and Mor-Mor

Far-Far, my mom, me, and Neil

Mor-Mor and Far-Far with two of their great-grandsons

Neil handled all the people and excitement well (after his nap) laughing at everyone and getting Goldfish crackers all over the floor.

Neil hamming it up for my mom

Flying!

My cousin from California, Jeni, was able to come to the party, so we got to meet her adorable seven month old son, Bubba. He and Neil enjoyed spending some time together, but we had to keep an eye on them – babies like to poke each other in the eyes. Jeni got them matching onesies, so they looked extra handsome for the party.

Me and Jeni with our moms and sons

Neil and Bubba checking each other out

So handsome!

We stopped at a diner for some quick dinner before the ride home. While Neil was distracted with reading the menu, we made him wear the paper hat our waiter gave us. It didn’t take long for him to pull it off, so we had to snap the picture quickly.

Neil wearing his hat, before he realized he was wearing it

Porter’s 2nd Birthday

Mar9 by johannawoodman

Backdated

Neil and I headed to CT this weekend to celebrate Porter’s 2nd birthday.

He had Cat in the Hat cupcakes.

Neil, sporting his party hair, enjoyed playing with the musical instruments Porter got…

…and playing with the wrapping paper.

Josh showed Porter how to use his new etch-a-sketch.

Porter showed off his “reading” skills.

Neil spent some time with his great grandmother.

The Daniels Visit

Oct8 by johannawoodman

Danny and DJ were in MA, so they came to meet Neil last night. DJ was especially excited to see the new baby.

DJ made funny faces with Neil…

And smiling faces.

Danny made sure to get some time visiting with Neil as well.

DJ showed off some of his moves, including how he can do a somersault.

Meeting family is always fun, and with everyone so spread out, it’ll be at least a few months before we get to see everyone – much longer that than for those not in the country.

Southwick’s Zoo

Jun2 by johannawoodman

With Marcel’s family staying with us for the weekend, and four kids to entertain, we headed to Southwick’s Zoo on Monday. Marcel and I have been there several times over the past few years, taking my whole family a couple summers ago. We find it to be the best zoo in the area, small enough so you can see the animals, but large enough to have a good variety of animals. Plus, it’s close to the house.

The weather wasn’t that great in the morning, and we think some people cancelled their trips to the zoo, because it wasn’t nearly as busy as we were expecting. As it turns out, it was a beautiful day, though hot if you were in the sun. The zoo had the typical animals – giraffes, lions, monkeys – and some you don’t normally see in zoos – guinea pigs.

I think the kids enjoyed themselves, especially when it wasn’t just walking around.

Kaydence and Vanessa took a ride on a camel.

DJ, Aiden, Kaydence, and Cyran lined up for a photo on a carved lion, then ignored the camera.

We took a train ride (it was actually more of a golf cart with cars behind it) through a typical New England forest where we saw animals like elk, ducks, swans, and turkeys.

DJ and Cyran used a water fountain that was shaped like a lion’s head.

We went to the petting zoo where we fed some goats. We had to fight with one goat who learned he could eat food right from the machine. Apparently my dress tasted pretty good – I had to pull it out of a couple goats’ mouths.