"There are only two places in the world were we can live happy; at home and in Paris"- Hemingway

The much awaited pictures from Paris!!! In October, Scott, Sydney and I had the opportunity to go to Paris for five days, while the boys stayed home with grandparents and greatgrandparents. This was our first international trip together and Sydneys first flight! She was a great travel companion and people remarked about how good she was- we were such proud parents! We did not have much time together so we would love to go back again or travel other places- we'd love to see more of France one day. Things that surprised me about Paris- Many people spoke enough English for everyday purposes, everything was easy to find and I felt comfortable strolling the streets with Sydney, and the Parisians were very friendly... i think a baby always brings out the best in everyone! A red eye flight got us to Paris at lunchtime- we were able to checkin early and go exploring. First stop was a nearby grocery- one of my favorite ways to explore the culture- we bought stinky cheeses, crackers, baby foods and Coca Light. Then off to explore the city... Scott was only going to have one evening and morning to explore with us, so we did the most touristy things first! First night- Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise (Bateaux-Mouches) and Trocadero (similar to NYC streets but best views of the tower)

Arc de Triomphe- overlooking Champs-Elysees and great view of the city at night- 284 steps to top

Headed home on the metro- so easy to get around! Sydney was a trooper, but slept through most of the best attractions!

Monday morning we set out for Notre Dame and brunch before Scott headed off to start his work meeting and activities. We were able to go inside the grande cathedral and explored the surrounding gardens. We then went to a leisurely brunch before Scott headed off. Highlights from brunch- I didn't know how to tip (fyi- not at all or very little- its already built into the price); the waiter did not speak english but happily brought Sydney teething biscuits- we let her try anything the French gave her including croissants; and I couldn't figure out how to use the toilets as it took a coin but I didn't know which one... so i didn't use the bathroom for four more hours when I found the next bathroom.

After brunch, Sydney and I went back to Notre Dame to climb to the top for a tour of the towers... my favorite activity! 387 steps- a hard narrow climb with sore legs from the Arc climb and carrying Sydney and a daypack. But a great view of the city and the gargoyles and the bell used for special occasions.

Sydney and I explored Ile St. Louis, the island by Notre Dame, enjoying Berthillon icecream and then made our way to Place De La Concorde with its spectacular water fountains (after a walking tour to Bastille, just to find out its now just a traffic circle). We then slowly made our way through Jardin Des Tuileries towards Louvre, taking a lunch break by a pond watching the ducks. Sydney loved watching all the birds around town and laughed if I pretended to chase the pigeons. While looking at the statues and watching for a place to buy croissants, I saw the ultimate in romance- a gentleman on one knee proposing and she said YES! After a long day of strolling through town, we made our way back to the hotel for the night, eating croissants the entire way.

Sydney's Baptism

Today is a gorgeous fall day and we spent it the best way possible, surrounded by our family in honor of Sydney's baptism. We filled several rows at church, waiting in anticipation to see if she would cry as she got sprinkled and then carried around church. Sydney was attentive and cheerful as all eyes were on her..except the few watching Mannix as he tried to climb up the baptismal font to see what it was about!





The family came over after church for a sandwich lunch (who forgot the mayo??) and a little volleyball and outdoor play. Stomp Rockets was a hit with the kids, young and old! Connor named the volleyball teams Ice Cubes and Fire... maybe a hint of how we'd feel after playing for a while! The kiddos were exhausted and took a long nap and woke up asking, "Where did everyone go?" Thank you to everyone who was able to join us today (Pat, Marla, Mary, Denis, Sharon, GGBob, julie, Shirley, Bobby, Melissa, Chris, Sarah, Kate, Ian, and Bekah)








We have more big adventures coming up! All the Halloween festivities, including pumpkin patch with the preschool (we missed the patch with our friends today which has been a tradition) and our family pumpkin carving party. A trip to Oak Island for a wedding and the conclusion of a big garage project. And the most exciting news is Scott, Sydney and I are headed for a short international trip to Paris! Work for Scott and we are coming along to keep him company. Wish us all luck... us for safe travels, and sanity to those watching Connor and Mannix!



We have had a fun filled summer and the kids are all growing like weeds! It is hard to believe Sydney is 6 months old and almost crawling! Mannix has started preschool and loving every second of it. And Connor is just getting smarter and smarter and enjoying every opportunity for adventure. The three of them keep us busy and smiling! Life is good!

Does Every Mom Think Their Kids Are The Cutest???

On Father's Day, we took the kids for pictures at Portrait Innovations to mark Connor's Fourth Birthday and Sydney's Newborn photos. We have been getting pictures taken every six months since Connor was born...anyone tired of seeing pictures of them yet? If you are not in the mood to see some adorable baby picture, surf on. But if you can't get your fill of the chunkies and cute baby in pink, you are in the right spot. Sydney was full of smiles for the photographer and we were tickled with the results. Mannix was more than bashful and didn't want anything to do with it- luckily, he only needed to be in one set- a picture of the kids together. Hopefully he'll be less bashful at his next photo shoot! Connor is an old pro at this now and didn't even need the candy bribery I was prepared to offer! I was very pleased with the final photos and couldn't get over how cute Sydney looked...but I'm a little biased! Enjoy!











(Remember you can click on each picture to open up a larger view)

Happy 4th Birthday Connor!

Dear Connor- Happy happy birthday sweet boy! This has been another year full of adventures and changes, most notably the birth of your sister, followed closely in your mind by us getting an ipad. You are growing up in leaps and bounds and impress us each day with the things you say. Turning four has instilled all sorts of new confidence and independence for you...almost overnight. On your birthday, you declared that since you are four, you can use the ipad whenever you want (wrong!). You also declared that since you are too grown up to get a lollipop when you poop on the potty, that you are also too grown up to color, play with stickers, or eat candy. When I asked if you were too old to eat ice cream, you stated "No, I'll go off desserts when I turn 5!"

For your birthday, we had a play party with friends at PlayNation and good fun was had by all. Eventually the slide became a free for all with major pile up at the bottom!




Then on your birthday evening, we had lasagna dinner with the family and had icecream cake- YUM. (And no one had to cover Mannix's mouth to keep him from blowing out the candles!) You got all kinds of fun toys and some clothes. A water toy from Aunt Melissa came in handy to chase Grandma Mary and Uncle Ian around the yard! And a remote controlled helicopter from Ian provided lots of entertainment for the family and no ones lost an eyeball yet!






We are so proud of the big boy you are becoming! You are such a good big brother to Sydney, helping however needed and always wanting to shower her with kisses. You continue to try to predict what she needs when she fusses- you always ask first- "Is she hungry for a boobie snack?". Once you asked me how the milk I drink gets from my stomach to my boobies. You asked your mawmaw before babysitting Sydney whether or not she had boobie milk to feed Sydney. And tonight you asked me if one boob is cold milk and the other is hot milk!



You and your brother have fun running around the yard or inside trying to play with all the toys at the same time. Try being a little kinder to your little brother- almost overnight you have started pushing him around. Hopefully that stage won't last much longer...Mannix won't put up with it for long!



Of all our adventures, your favorite is anything or anywhere that involves swimming! We have been trying to get to the pool as much as we can and love watching you splash around! You'll be swimming on your own before summer is over, once you set your mind to it... just like pedalling your bike, which you are a champ at now!! You made me laugh last week on our way to a playdate at the pool... when we left the house you said you needed to bring your phone (you have an old cell phone you use as yours) so you wouldn't get too far behind on your emails. When we pulled up to the pool, just before I unsnapped your car seat, you said you just needed to check your emails one more time...luckily "nothing important- I don't want to miss too much". Luckily you haven't mentioned needing to check facebook yet!

Nothing you like more than the pool AT the beach! Recently we went to Hilton Head for a friends wedding ceremony- congrats to Kate and Jason! We spent hours on the beach playing in the sand and looking for shells! We saw all kinds of sealife- starfish, jellyfish, sand sharks, dolphins, and live sand dollars!






Another favorite is still trains. We most recently spent 10 days in PA with your grandparents and saw lots of trains, although we only saw one at horseshoe curve. We'll go look for more trains next time with go to Pennsylvania. We also went to see a baseball game- Altoona Curve. It was hot but there was a bounce house and it was nice to get out and explore the area through the eyes of a child.




We hope you have a great year and can't wait for the adventures to come! It is amazing to see your development each day. You are very attentive to detail and notice all your surroundings with interest and curiousity. It is so much fun to watch. We love you!