Dearest Friends,

Do not think that I have forgotten you all! Below are the recordings of the busy happenings of our summer so far. We have taken a day trip out to see relatives in Syracuse; Adam and I have gone away for a weekend wedding leaving Douglas with my parents for the first time; hung out with his cousins and other extended family and gone to a family fun BBQ for a local organization that we support. All the while many birds and other animals have visited our lovely bird feeders and provided much entertainment to us all. We have also tried to weather the high heat and lack of rain that June and July have brought us by playing in various kiddie pools. It has been jam-packed and fun, with no sign of stopping. Enjoy the pictures and I will bring you more after our vacation!

Douglas working on climbing a big rig for carrying rowing sculls.

Adam and I at our friend Katie's Wedding.

Me and the glowing bride!

If you look close, you will see our friend the chipmunk. This is where he hangs out.

A downy woodpecker visiting Adam's bird feeder.

A yellow finch visiting Adam's other bird 

Adam and Douglas

Eating watermelon with the cousins and Grammie!

Alicia & Aunt Sue at the Rehema Home BBQ

Douglas wanting to go in the Bounce House at the Rehema Home BBQ.

All of us after a carriage ride at the Rehema Home BBQ.

Douglas wearing Mama's shoes.

Spring into Summer

Without further adieu, here are some pictures showing what we have been up to lately. Enjoy!

Douglas was so proud helping Dad!

Here he is trying to help Adam put up a hook.

A yellow finch hiding out during a spring ice-storm.

Adam and Douglas the morning of Adam's graduation.

Douglas trying to figure out what was going on.

The happy graduate!

Adam and Douglas after graduation.

Douglas and I playing at the big garden window.

Baby Doug really isn't so babylike anymore.

Douglas in his new rocking-chair. It is just his size!

With other friends, Memorial Day weekend, in our new kid pool.

Bocce was played.

And slides were enjoyed. 

    It is a Saturday morning and the rain is dripping down the window giving our budding garden a much needed drink. Normally, I would be wishing I could be outside, but today is a small gift to Adam and I so I will enjoy it in whatever state it comes. We were trying to be responsible, diligent adults and signed up to attend a Safe Drivers course to make us better drivers and, more importantly, to reduce our insurance. I honestly didn't want to go - I had been at work all week and was gone all last weekend, so was not excited to be away again. Well, last night we got a call from the instructor that she is sick and couldn't teach the class today. While I gave her all my sympathy, I was jumping around the house because the day was now open and free, no commitments!!! Hurray!!

   Another benefit of the open day is that I could write up another post for you our dear friends. I am chagrined by all the postings of those around me and the rate at which it happens, so I will be trying to write more. We shall see how it goes. Wish me luck!

  Below are some pictures for what we have been up to over these past few weeks. I have actually made two trips away from Adam and Douglas over the course of those weeks. They were both weekend trips, one to New Hampshire for a bridal shower and one to NYC to see Newsies, the musical and to visit my sister. But they were the first time I was away by myself and it wasn't easy. They were great trips, but it was so nice when I returned.

Grammie, Cousin Nadia, Cousin Noah
and Great Grandma Reinhardt

Douglas so proud of himself on Great Grandma's landing!

Adam with Nadia, Douglas and Great Grandma reading a book.

Easter Morning with Papi.
Look at the unplanned, color-coordination!

Douglas is learning that camera's are fun.
The next few shots are him posing in his Easter suit!

Douglas looking rad on Uncle Jared's bike.

Family picture on Easter!

Douglas posing for Adam.

His 'adventure tent'. He likes to find out ALL the things that his toys can do.

Me with Doug and Jeff in Brooklyn on my trip to NYC to see Newsies!

Liz and I at a French Restaurant in NYC when we went to see Newsies!

LJ and I in the same restaurant in NYC when we went to see Newsies!

Mom, LJ, me and Liz after that wonderful breakfast when we went to NYC to see Newsies!

P.S.  Let me just say that I loved Newsies as a movie and it was just as fabulous as a musical. If you are ever in NYC and want to see a fun-filled musical - go and see Newsies!!

Pictures!

Waking up one winter morning to find that Mom had fixed the camera!


New tool box toy that we love to carry around.


Rockin' piano that we found at a consignment shop. Jerry Lee Lewis anyone?


While babysitting some friends - Malorie as a pirate!


Malorie's tower of blocks!


Corban as a superhero!


The superhero on his ship (he is flying).


My orchid in bloom.


We have moved things around so he can get to the window - this is a standard pose.


He brought me these boots to put on - loves walking around in them. (They are dinosaurs.)


Again with the blankie and snacks and his other favorite item - a balloon.


He loves to wear these safety googles!


Trying to carry Adam's bag - couldn't lift it off the floor.


Our new favorite activity - going outside!


Walking down the driveway with Dad.


Me and my boy!


This was special - he found Adam's ankle socks and gave them to me to put on. He then walked around for the rest of the afternoon wearing them. He has no problem wearing multiple layers of socks.


And my friend Katie and I this past weekend at her bridal shower!

We are now up to date!

update by mad lib

What a year it has been so far! We at the Reinhardt residence have had so many adventures these last few months. My sister Lizzy wrote this Mad Lib to help catch you up. (She felt that it had been too long since our last post and decided to take matters into her own hands. Enjoy!)

Mad lib list:
Season - Spring
Noun - dogs
Verb - ran
Job - acrobat
Holiday - St. Joesph's Day
Verb - jump
Place - NYC
Verb - spitting
Place - park
Noun - clown
Place - Sidney
Person - Matt Lauer
Date - 10 B.C.
Holiday - Pie Day
Illness - Noro Virus
Young Age - 3

In January our spring has had very little dogs. Adam spent his time running while Alicia remained acrobating at the library. On St. Joesph's day Douglas started jumping!! Now we spend a lot of time chasing him around NYC.
In February, Adam continued spitting for his big certification exam and Alicia continued at the park. Fiona, our parent's dog, was getting very sick and we had to say our goodbyes to her and had a nice clown as we buried her in Sidney.
March brought the big day for Matt Lauer with his big exam on 10 B.C. Later that month we hoped to have a fun time celebrating Pie Day but we caught the gross Noro Virus that has been going around. March also brought us to Alicia's birthday when she turned 3 years old. We had a nice family dinner to celebrate and it was fun to spend time.
Hopefully you will see more posts now that Adam's big exam is done!
Sincerely - Liz Irvine (Alicia's Sister and author of this mad lib).