Does Daniel look like Rich? You decide!

A Day with Daniel

Kat's babysitter was unavailable on Wednesday, so Susan took charge of Daniel that day. He was a delight, but doesn't like taking milk from his bottle. They met Kat at work for lunch and Roxanne (Kat's supervisor) gave Daniel a talking to. In the afternoon he drank from his bottle!

Daniel likes to look at all the gadgets on his play mat.

What Daniel thinks of drinking milk from a bottle!

Peach Festival

Since Rich had not seen Daniel in about a month, we went to Kat and Jason's for the day on Saturday. It was a beautiful day so Jason took us to Kreidersville to the Peach Festival at a church on a hill - with a gorgeous view of the Lehigh Valley. Daniel enjoyed the Baby Bjorn (that the Mitchells gave him) and hanging out with his daddy.

Jetty Park

After lunch on Tuesday we wanted to get some fish but couldn't because the shop was closed. Julia suggested we visit Jetty Park near Cape Canaveral, which we did. Walking out on the jetty into the ocean we could see the space shuttle on its launch pad in the distance. It was warm, but a beautiful day.

3-2-1 Blast Off!

Never expected to actually get to see a space shuttle launch, but since the launch was delayed six times, we happened to be there when they finally got it off on its mission to the international space lab. We watched the countdown on TV, then walked out the front door and watched it take off over the roof and into the clouds. The real surprise was the noise - we could hear it roar and it shook the glassware display on Julia's front door so that we could hear it rattle. What an experience - to see, hear, and feel the space launch!

TV Coverage - all we've ever seen before...

First glimpse over the roof tops

Off into the clouds (it was a very cloudy evening)

Grandma Julia's House

We were blessed with a few days of additional R & R at Grandma Julia's home on a canal in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The view of the canal was so relaxing! We spent some morning time on the beach and playing in the ocean, then came back to the house to read and doze. What a life! On Tuesday we went to Port Canaveral where we had lunch at a nationally famous fish house - Grills. Then on Wednesday we returned to go to the fish store and brought home some fresh whole pompano fish. They were quite different from anything we've had before. Rich cooked them whole with lots of veggies and they were excellent. He also made a fresh lobster salad appetizer.

"Big Bird" paid a visit to Julia's dock while we ate breakfast one morning. We also enjoyed watching the manatees in the canal, but they weren't very photogenic!

The view from the dock - Pixie and Mike are refinishing an old wood-hull boat at their dock down the canal. We got to have a tour of the 3 bedroom fishing boat!

Looking out toward the Banana River, out of which the canal flows.

Precious Time with Daniel

Daniel is growing bigger literally every day! Susan was able to spend a day with Kat helping with Daniel so she could get a long list of things accomplished. We did laundry, cleaning, blogging, and picture hanging. On Tuesday evening we met Kat and Jason's friends to get chicken wings. Daniel was a perfect angel at the restaurant. On Wednesday we decided to chance a milkshake - and Daniel did NOT like it. Guess Kat will have to wait awhile longer before re-introducing milk products to her diet.

We didn't work all the time...Daniel was supposed to be sleeping, but neither of us were.

Daniel liked looking at Grandma's glasses and even smiled at her a few times!

Fourth of July

On Saturday, July 4th, we joined our Fellowship Group from church at Lake Meade for a picnic, boat ride and fireworks. The day was absolutely beautiful! Some of the men took the sailboat out - we watched! Rich cooked BBQ ribs, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs for the 58 people who were there.

Ella talks to Daddy

Mark had to go to Boston on a business trip while Sharon and Ella stayed at Grandma and Grandpop's house in PA. Daddy called to talk with Ella and she just loved hearing his voice!

Off to the Mountains of Virginia

After everyone left and the house was big and empty... Rich and I left for a week at our resort in Massanutten, VA. We pretty much lazed all week - reading, loafing, eating, resting, swimming, relaxing, taking an outing or two, cooking, and propping up our feet. After a week of vacation, we were ready to get home and get busy again!

One day we ventured out to Charlottsville to re-visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The grounds were beautiful as we walked through the gardens.

Family time winding down

After Laurel, Lars, Luke and Leah departed for home, Sharon and Kat found some time to relax together in the hammock. Ella enjoyed swinging and was playing with Sharon until the camera came out! What wonderful memories of a great time together!