Independence Day Weekend

Independence Day weekend proved to be a beautifully long and fun weekend. We had two visits from friends, went out and visited some friends and even got to spend time with Grandma Carolyn. Lots of good times. All told we took approximately 150 pictures, of which I am only going to publish 10.  On Friday afternoon, our friends from out of town came for a visit with their two daughters, 14 and 4. It was loads of fun eating cheese (I've discovered that my body tolerates goat cheese fairly well so I eat that!) and drinking red wine. Keith made a superb dinner of Arctic Char preceded by a goat cheese and beet salad.

Chloe and Finn show Cole their iPad

On Saturday morning, before Lori and Tom's visit we went to the Marbletown Park. This shaded park was nice, but wasn't very toddler friendly. Some of the play areas had "levels" which Cole could easily trip over trying to get to. But we found a few things Cole could enjoy...

He looooved this froggy bouncy seat.

And he loooved swinging with Dada

 Lori and Tom came all the way from New Jersey with Baby Tommy for a fun afternoon visit. Tommy is 8 months old and is crawling like a madman. He loved the pool way more than Cole did (although Cole is slowly warming up to the pool) and he was very good about sharing (although I can't say the same about Cole!)  They didn't really play with each other, but more around each other. I think once Tommy reaches Cole's age, they'll have a lot more fun. It reminded me of what it was like when Juni visited in February.

Lori and Tommy enjoying the pool

Cole plays with Tommy's blocks while Tommy crawls under the musical table.

On Sunday, we went to Allishawn's house in Albany. Despite the rain, it was a blast. Juni and Cole really played with each other, not just with the things in the room. Allison said it was the first time they'd ever seen her really play with another kid. They played a very basic form of hide and go seek and Juni showed her affection for Cole by hugging him. It was so sweet.

 

The best of friends

Look who is having so much fun!

And away they go...

I was trying my hardest here to pose with them both, but you know how that goes.

 On the 4th, we stayed home and had Grandma Carolyn over. Unfortunately, I didn't get any shots of Grandma and Cole. I will make a mental note to do that next time she's here (which is this coming Saturday for our 5-year anniversary celebration -well we're celebrating and she's watching Cole.)

Here is Cole holding his favorite electronic toy - the baby monitor. He's very patriotic in those shorts.

Cole and I in the pool. Yes he's wearing his new (gently used) Tevas.