Camping July 2012

A few weekends ago we headed to the Great Allegheny Passage to do some biking and camping with some of our friends.  We loaded up our bike trailers with our gear and biked a little over a mile to our {somewhat} remote campsite.  Lennon loved it!  We were worried about how he would sleep, but we brought a tent big enough to fit the pack n' play and he did just fine.  He thought the inside of the tent was a big bounce house and loved flopping around in there.  Even though a lot of it was grass, he got SO dirty - and loved it.  Our first camping trip with Lennon was a success and we're excited to do it again.

August 1

We did it.  We survived the 365 day crash-course of parenthood.  It's been hard, especially when we don't have a darn clue what we're doing.  But we're learning.  And loving every minute of it.

 I'm obsessed with him.  My thoughts, actions, dreams, meal-preparations, free-time, and nightmares are all centered around him.

 Every night at the dinner table we make noises at each other.  We squish our noses and sniff at each other.  We tilt our heads to the side and look at each other sideways.  We purposefully bonk our heads together and think it's funny.  Every. Single. Time.

I'm his mom.  And so proud of it.  If this year is any indication of how my life is going to be forever, I can't wait.

Lately, in Photographs

For as long as I can remember, my dad would always tell me to take one picture a day.  I certainly haven't been doing that, but occasionally I remember that I have a camera and I dust it off.

Cousins

Back in April, we had a photographer take some pictures of Morgan, Lennon, & Ali.  It was hard to choose, but these are some of my favorites:

Fourth of July 2012

This was one of my favorite 4th of July's.  I ran on my treadmill in the morning, packed some lunches for the crew and we headed off to a lake.  I think this is my favorite place in PA.  We didn't see a single soul the entire time we were there.  It was just the four of us, enclosed in trees, a perfect breeze, and the subtle birds.

We came home, made a quick dessert, and headed off to a BBQ with friends.

 {Picture taken by Amanda}

{Picture taken by Amanda}

My friend pointed out how white trash we look and we totally do.  I love it. {Three of our friends' live in row homes, all right next door, so it's perfect for summer get-togethers.}

We ended the festivities at the park for some fireworks for the kids.

City Lights

Some friends and I drove up to Mount Washington to get some pictures of the city. I know I've posted pictures that look identical to this before, but I don't think it'll ever get old taking pictures of this quirky city.  I'm so proud to call it home.

Random Thoughts

I can't believe I haven't posted since Lennon had hives. What a terrible sight to see when I came to the blog to update.

I ran 3.5 miles the other day, which is the furthest I've ever ran.

I've been teaching myself to crochet and I'm worried that I'm not going to have any new and exciting hobbies when I'm 80.

We have almost exactly a year left in Pittsburgh. From here on out, everything is our "last".

My new favorite treat is whole wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas on top.

Three families in our ward have had a boy, and then twin girls. I'm at high risk.

I'm in the middle of reading "Spiritual Lightening". I dare say this might be my favorite religious book and it just keeps getting better.

Allergies are the worst.

Hives

Fortunately, they didn't seem to itch or bother him too much.  We aren't sure if he is allergic to a certain food or anti-biotic, or if it was a viral infection but I hope he doesn't get it again.

6 Months

This crazy kid is half a year!  I'm glad I get to spend my days with him.

In the Kitchen

Liked:

Chocolate Marshmallow Brownie Cookies




Lemon Curd Braid



Authentic Belgian Waffles - {Recipe on back of Lars Pearl Sugar}



No Bake Energy Bites

Just okay:

Samoa Bars - I was really disappointed.  Tannon loved them, though.

Thoughts

It feels good to do hard things.

I really don't like clothes shopping.

This is currently my favorite cookbook.

I am so far behind on reading blogs.  I don't think I will ever catch up.

I think I need to find a better routine in my day, rather than just doing what I want, when I want.

I have the best husband.

Our friend let us borrow one of these and Lennon is so cute in it.  A baby must-have.

The Beach Boys music will never get old.

how being a mom has changed me

i like the smell of baby puke

80% of my day involves me singing

i find burps to be hysterical

even just one smile makes my day

2011 Recap

Ate a cherry

Became a mom

Gained nearly 50 pounds

Taught myself to crochet

Stopped working

Went on a zipline

Became an aunt of 2 on Tannon's side {through adoption}

Visited Boston

Discovered Trader Joes

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Christmas Vacation 2011

Of course, another highlight of our trip to Utah was seeing our niece.  It was so much fun to see her and Lennon together.  They love each other!  Lennon just watches Morgan's every move.  Morgan makes sure that Lennon is taken care of at all times.  They are best friends already.

My mom and sister were so nice and threw a little get together for our extended family to meet Lennon.  

We were also lucky enough to have Tannon's aunt do the same thing on their side of the family.  

We did a lot of eating, playing, talking, and eating.  We got pedicures, saw some friends, watched movies, and relaxed.  

Christmas Eve we went to dinner with Tannon's family and my family.  It was fun to get everyone together.  

That night, we stayed up late baking, wrapping presents, and playing Guitar Hero.  We slept at Missy's house and woke up and opened presents.  It was so fun to watch Morgan get so excited about hers.  Kids make holiday's fun.  In the afternoon, we went to my Grandma's house for dinner for the entire extended family.  Then, it was off to Tannon's parents where we were able to spend time with his whole family and open presents.

We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas.

utah - the canyons

I guess it's time to update this old thing.


Tannon, Lennon, and I just got back from an amazing time in utah with family.  It was crazy, went by way too fast, and we had a wonderful time being with our families and seeing some friends.  


First stop off the plane?  Leatherby's, of course.  Both of our families met up there while we had some delicious ice cream.  Then it was time for us to head up to Park City with Tannon's family.  Tannon's 2 brothers work at The Canyon's resort, so they hooked us up big time.  We stayed two nights in a really fancy hotel with a kitchen, a loft, and I think either 3 or 4 rooms?  I don't know, I never even made it upstairs.


Caitlin was the photographer for the weekend, and I'm glad because I was awful at getting any pictures. {Caitlin, I hope it's okay that I'm stealing these}.


I had forgotten how great it feels to feel the snow beneath my board, and the wind in my face.  It was the perfect day.


Also, The Canyons just opened up a zipline tour, which was awesome.  The longest zip was 2500 feet and is about 260 feet above the ground over a canyon.  I loved it.

Our view from our room.

 Brinton & Caitlin

What a doofus.

Getting ready for the zipline.

Brinton & Mowgli are the absolute best for planning one of the best weekends ever.

christmas tree lights

i wonder how many more christmases he'll be more interested in what's on the tree than what's under it.

thanksgiving 2011

this year was our third annual meads/vogel/newland thanksgiving.  i love having "family" within driving distance so that we can enjoy this tradition while we are all living in the east.

it was our turn to host this year.  the menu:

deep fried turkey
stuffing
salad with this dressing
caramelized green beans
dinner rolls
sweet potato casserole
mashed potatoes
gravy
cranberry sauce
nutella pie
apple pie