Ridge Road Station

As we were preparing for our move, more and more people kept telling us that Gavin would love Ridge Road Station. So, the Sunday before the movers came, we drove out to check it out. Gavin loved the train display, but he didn't quite understand that he couldn't touch. That resulted in a lot of tears and meltdowns, but we got through it.

After walking through the display, it was time for some shopping. Gavin found this hat and put it on immediately. Cute! (But we didn't buy it....) He was still checking out the trains around the ceiling in this shot.

Leave it to him to find the Thomas section. He knows exactly what he wants, doesn't he?

Lastly, we found a play area that he could actually enjoy! He loves train tables so much. We spent a lot of time here just letting him play.

To all my Rochester friends, it's definitely worth the drive to check this place out. Just take Ridge Road West through Spencerport and a few other little towns....sorry, I can't remember exactly. I think it's in Holley. You'll like it :)

Final trip to Melon Bean

I finally got pictures on the computer so it's time to start updating. For my own sanity, I'm going to try to stay in order....you all know I'm weird like that. :) The Saturday before we left Rochester, I met Danielle at Melon Bean so that we could spend some time chatting, let the boys play, and I could enjoy my usual sandwich made by Andrea. (I have already copied her and made my own Mediterranean Turkey Bagel for lunch here, but it tastes better when you make it, Andrea.)

This is Andrea. I truly think she is an amazing person. I know we only knew each other for a short time, but the hard work and dedication she put into Melon Bean is inspiring. I told her I'd love to open my own place here similar to Melon Bean, but I don't want to work as much as she does. :) Although she really didn't want to, I convinced Danielle to take a picture with me. The lighting is awful for some reason and makes us both look pretty pale (ok....I'm already pretty pale) but I'm glad I have a picture of the two of us. It's so comforting to know that we're 1000+ miles apart but we'll still be friends forever. I miss you already, Danielle, and wish I could be there to meet Connor!

So, while we chatted, the boys ran, and ran, and ran. That's one of the reasons I loved it there so much. Andrea was always so laid back and the kids never bothered her, no matter what they were doing. I, of course, took advantage of their cuteness and snapped away. I love these pictures. Evan and Gavin are such great friends.

More snow in New York

Remember when we had our first big snow here in New York and I wrote that at least I only had to deal with Shirley begging to go out and play in it? Gavin didn't seem to care.....he didn't know what the snow was all about. Well, that changed. We got a lot of snow Thursday night and Friday; like 16 inches. Jarrod was off, which was really nice, but every time he went out to let Shirley out or to shovel, Gavin cried to go out. He hasn't been feeling the greatest, so going out to play in the snow probably wasn't the best idea, but twice we gave in.

The first time, Gavin was still in his PJs, throwing a fit while Jarrod went out to shovel and lay salt. So, I bundled him up and he walked with Jarrod to throw salt. Such a big helper.

But, he didn't want to come in....he stood here at the door until I picked him up and brought him in.

Then later in the day, Jarrod took Shirley out and again, Gavin wanted to join him. So, we bundled up again and went out for 10 minutes. There's a huge pile of snow from the parking lot that the plows made. When we first got Shirley back in '04 (man, that seems like a long time ago!) we had a big storm in Dayton and we had the same scenario - big pile of snow in our parking lot...Jarrod and Shirley climbed to the top and I took their picture. Jarrod decided to recreate that scene! Here they are climbing the pile.

Gavin wanted to join them....so I climbed up to hand him off and then of course, ran in to get my camera! :)

Thought this was cute of Shirley jumping through the snow to come in.

Hopefully the snow doesn't stay around for long....I'd love a clear parking lot to work in the garage and finish off the packing next week.

4th of July Fun!

For the 4th of July this year, we took advantage of our new location and went camping with some friends from Sam's along the shores of Lake Erie. We drove a couple hours west toward Buffalo, just past where Lake Ontario becomes Lake Erie. Jarrod's GM, John, has been going there for years, since his college friend's family owns a cottage there. We enjoyed the gorgeous views, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, Curtis set off fireworks, and we slept in a tent...all 4 of us! (Jarrod, myself, Gavin and Shirley!) It all went better than I expected, even though it was really chilly and windy.

Here's Jarrod and Gavin checking out the waves The view down the beach

Me and my hubby, back together again!

What do you mean we're sleeping in here???

Getting ready for fireworks on the beach. Thanks, Daddy, for letting me wear your hoodie, too! The wind was crazy :)

I'm in the red with Gavin (he's in there, I promise!) and we're with Julie and 4 month old, Evan, and John's girlfriend, Erin, with her baby, Duncan, the hyperactive dog! :)

Gorgeous sunset

Passed out, during the fireworks! How can he sleep through it??? Notice he's still gripping his glow stick :)

Pretty cool shot

We met some great new friends and enjoyed all the babies and dogs :) There were 6 little boys under the age of 3! Happy 4th of July from New York.

Watkins Glen

We ventured out for the day on our first New York road trip. Jarrod had the day off, so we loaded Gavin and Shirley in the car and headed to Watkins Glen. The drive down Seneca Lake was gorgeous. It's such a beautiful area, that's for sure. I can't wait to show it off to the family next month. Watkins Glen State Park was amazing...but we are obviously NY State Parks rookies. The trails weren't all dog-friendly, and they weren't labeled well so we didn't know where Shirley was allowed and where she wasn't. And the trails were definitely not stroller friendly. Carrying Gavin up those steep hills and stairs was not fun. So, about 20 minutes later, we were leaving. :) But, the family time was worth it. Now we're prepared for next time!

I haven't uploaded the pictures yet. That's on my list for tomorrow! But here's one from the Internet that I found. So beautiful!!!