Homeward Bound

Last weekend, we made our first party-of-five trek to NJ to introduce Emma to her northern loved ones and to celebrate Aunt Kelly's baby shower (the kids seemed to think this involved a tremendous amount of water, and packed their bathing suits for the shower). The ride was...well. As JVL hopefully pointed out, Emma only screamed from Maryland on. She was a gem in Virginia! Somewhere in Delaware I hollered that I would never, ever, ever drive during daylight hours again. I meant it -- we didn't leave til late Sunday night and it went much better. :) 

But once we got there, we had a wonderful, adventurous weekend. While we were ooohing and aaahing at onesies, the kids had an adventure with Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Bob at Rainbow Lake. Swinging, fishing, and canoeing -- just like my childhood. It was incredibly special to see them doing all the things we did as children. Amazingly, Bob and Cheryl are the only ones who seem not to have gotten older. They were as game -- and fun -- as ever. 

Cody caught his first fish! 

He wasn't so sure about going near it. 

 Neither was Cordy.

 Then came my favorite part: Aidan came over! And he is WALKING! Look at this miracle baby. Is he amazing or what?

 Emma and Aidan meet! 

 They were both a little shy. 

 Ems wasn't shy with her Pop-Pop, though -- she was full of joy!

 She liked Aunt Katie and Uncle Brian, too.

 Cody and Cordelia finally got to give Aidan the bear (Paddy) they built in December. He liked the box a lot. 

 

 I love these -- the little ones in front, and C&C jumping in the pool in the background. 

 Here's Cody on his first-ever canoe ride -- Aunt Cheryl let him paddle!

 I hope these are the first of many magical memories at Rainbow. Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful visit!