The newly expanded G family of 4!

January chill

2012-02-06T21:01:00.001-05:00

We've had fun these past few weeks, heading to friends' birthday parties, playing around the house, and rooting on the 49ers. Parker is now quite active - he crawls everywhere and pulls up on everything. Watch out!

Florida time!

2012-01-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

We spent the week between Christmas and New Years down in Florida, celebrating the end of Hanukkah, ringing in 2012, and enjoying the warm weather.

Time for Hanukkah!

One last night...

A family picture

Brotherly love

So proud of myself, climbing these steps!

Enjoying the trampoline

Break time

Silly time with GG

Clowning around at Playmobil Park

GG and Pops get in on the fun

Showing off the rockets

The family at Parker's baby naming

Still happy at the end of the night (10 pm)!

Aunt Arlene and Uncle Fred and the boys

Aunt Carole and Uncle Jay with a happy Parker

Cooper climbing on the big playground equipment

Enjoying New Year's on the beach!

Holiday week

2012-01-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

The next to last week of December was spent at home, celebrating Alex's and Cooper's birthdays, the start of Hanukkah, and Christmas. Here are the highlights.

In our holiday best

Starting with Hanukkah gifts...


Then moving into birthday gifts

Taking a break from opening presents

Time for cleanup

Gifts from Grandma and PopPop

Getting ready to tear into the gifts

Checking out the tree up close

Smile!

Hmmm...how does this thing work?

Showing off our new MagnaTile creation

Smiles before dim sum

Watch out - I'm on the move now!

Party time

2011-12-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

We've had some excuses to celebrate in December, so we've been busy. :)

Hanging out with buddy Chase

Sort of together

Celebrating Dada's birthday

Hanging out in the tub

The first of many Hanukkah gifts

December fun

2011-12-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

After the excitement of Cooper's birthday party, we've kept busy in December before the holidays hit.

Checking out a caboose

At a train show

Hanging out in the car with Mama

Playing around with Grandma and PopPop

Fun with Dada

Cooper's 4th birthday party

2011-12-19T21:33:00.000-05:00

To avoid (some) of the holiday crunch time, we threw Cooper's birthday party early this year. 20 of his friends joined us at a nearby kid's gym, and fun was had by all.

Warming up

Parker getting in on the action

Riding the wave

Enjoying the air bounce

The Cars cake

Blowing out the candles

Enjoying the cake

Yay! Time to open presents!

With Grandma and Pop Pop and some gifts

Smile!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

We hosted Alex's family for thanksgiving. It was great to have more hands to help keep Parker occupied, now that he is busy crawling everywhere.

"Playing" together

On the move!

Enjoying dinner with G.G.

Go 49ers!

Family pictures

Clowning around

Halloween

2011-11-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

This year, we had a tiger and a Power Ranger. And very little interaction between the two. We went to a party, Air & Scare at the Air and Space Museum, and a neighborhood party before trick or treating. Here are the highlights.

Fall fun

2011-11-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

We've been busy doing yard work these days, which includes raking. And then jumping! We've also been busy moving and eating! Here are some recent pictures of the fun!

Brotherly love

Getting ready to crawl

Yummy! Bananas!

Happy birthday Mommy!

2011-10-19T21:30:00.000-04:00

In honor of Lorraine's birthday, the Krupas came for a visit. Lots of ensuing fun!

Trying cereal for the first time. We like it!

September fun

2011-10-19T21:23:00.000-04:00

Oh my, September has flown by. Here are some of the fun we had last month!

Cooper's first day as a frog!

Happy baby in exersaucer

Playing around

Lounging around

Playing around again

Rosh Hashanah at Scott and Jodi's house

Parker's party

2011-09-05T12:06:00.000-04:00

We spent Labor Day weekend up in NY, and Lorraine's parents hosted a welcome Parker party for family and friends. We all had a great time - here are some pictures!

Waiting for the train with cousin Charlotte

Choo choo!

Parker had fun too!

Grandma and Parker toasting to a successful party!

The cousins

The ladies, and Parker

August in DC

2011-08-28T22:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in getting some more pictures up. G.G. went back to Florida and Lorraine's gone back to work, so all free time has disappeared. But we're still busy and growing - here are some highlights from the last month.

Checking out cousin Arthur's Lego creations

Building our own car

Having fun with cousins Dan, Lila (and Erica too!)

Hi there!

Our living room after a play date with Holden and Emerson

I'm looking at you

Daycare buddies reunited!

Are you talking to me?

We had a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese

Why hello up there!

Gearing up for Hurricane Irene

Enjoying the hammock out back after the storm

The heat is on!

2011-07-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

Given the current heat wave, we've spent our days and nights hanging inside the cool a/c, or enjoying the water. Here are some recent pictures.

Playing "mercy" with Pops

Enjoying the links at Camp Green Lane

Finally getting in the pool!

The Gershman boys take CPK!

I love my hands!

It's slip and slide time!

"Chatting" with GG

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-09T10:36:00.000-04:00

We had a great long weekend, celebrating (in Cooper's words) America's birthday. Lots of swimming and BBQ, as Uncle Sam intended!

Parker and GG

Clare and Cooper clowning around

With the American flag

Having fun with Dada at the pool

And Mama too!

The family on the 4th

Our little M&M

Father's Day

2011-06-26T14:22:00.000-04:00

We celebrated Father's Day a week late here, joining with Lorraine's parents and Aunt Bebe and Uncle Larry. And, of course, it's time for an attempt at family photos. Here are the best of the bunch.

June smiles

2011-06-26T14:17:00.000-04:00

As the weather has gotten hotter here, we've also gotten more smiles from Parker. Here are some of the best recent faces of Parker!

Having a conversation with Mama

On a walk with Dada

Florida weekend

2011-06-26T14:14:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, we all flew down to Florida to celebrate Uncle Scott's 30th birthday. Lots of fun for all!

The busy weekend

2011-06-08T07:20:00.000-04:00

We were busy this past weekemd, with swim lessons, dining out, and birthday parties. Here were the highlights.

Clowning around

Snoozing at the park

The boys enjoying lunch

Swim lesson

No fear

At the birthday party

Enjoying the party fun

Our whirling dervish

Relaxing at home

New York

2011-06-08T07:14:00.000-04:00

For Memorial Day weekend, we traveled up to NY for a family wedding, and got to see lots of family. The boys did fairly well, although extra pit stops were necessary!

The family out for pizza

The beautiful family wedding

Our 11th wedding anniversary!

The godparents and Parker

The grandparents and Parker

The happy parents

Cooper and Charlotte having fun

Charlotte kissing Parker hello

The grandparents and all 3 grandkids at bed time

Swim time!

2011-05-25T15:47:00.000-04:00

It's late May here in Virginia, which means it's time for swim class and the local pool. Here we are enjoying ourselves last weekend, as the weather heats up.

Hanging out

2011-05-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

When not sleeping or eating, we've been managing to hang out a bit. Here are some of the better pictures from our time around the house.

Sleeping in the car seat while running errands

Checking out the play mat

Chatting with Mama

The Gershman boys

Laying with Dada

In the bouncy seat

Asleep in the swing after a hard morning

Bath time!

2011-05-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Parker's first bath. (By now, we've given him a number of baths, and now in the bathroom.)

The two washers

Getting started

This isn't so bad

All dry and toasty now!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:16:00.000-04:00

This year, we were fortunate to have 3 Moms with us for Mother's Day - Lorraine, Grandma, and G.G. We took lots of pictures, but as expected with a 10 day old and a 3 year old, we didn't wind up with many fantastic ones. Here are some of the best.

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day!

Introducing....Parker!

2011-05-01T21:16:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Parker Everett on April 27 at 3:35 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, was 19 3/4 inches long, and is a cutie! Everyone is now at home and getting used to the new normal.

Heading to the hospital

Right after delivery

Getting gifts from baby Parker

Meeting Uncle Larry and Aunt Bebe

The meeting of the brothers

Taking a snooze

The doting Grandma

Heading home from the hospital

The brothers G

The G boys with Aunt Jodi and Uncle Scott

Parker's first walk to the park

Happy Passover!

2011-04-22T22:22:00.001-04:00

For yet another year, Jodi and Scott were gracious enough to host us for Passover dinner. And again, they went all out for us, including making Jodi's famous matzoh ball soup. We made sure to take some family pictures before our family grows by one.

Bike, take 2

2011-04-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

After we realized Cooper's Thomas bike was broken, we went to get him a new bike, this time a Radio Flyer that he loved at TRU. We carefully assembled it, and Cooper took it out for a spin. Unfortunately, we are yet again left with a bike in pieces. Maybe some superglue will help?

Finding his new bike on the steps

Again, a natural!

So proud of himself.

Did I do that? (no, he did not)

Fire party

2011-04-22T22:16:00.000-04:00

Cooper was fortunate enough to be able to attend a classmate's fire themed party - and he got to meet actual firefighters and go on a fire truck. Maybe he'll take after Pop Pop?

Cooper and firefighter Ann

Getting ready to drive the truck

Seconds before he slipped off the truck (but was caught by the firefighter!)

Putting out a fire

Excited for cake

Yummy!

Getting ready for little brother

2011-04-14T20:50:00.000-04:00

We're down to only days until Cooper's little brother makes his debut to the world, so we wanted to make sure we spent some time preparing for his arrival. Cooper attended a big sibling class at the hospital, and got to see lots of little babies. We also managed to (finally) take some belly shots!

Cooper coloring a picture for his baby brother

Enjoying the hospital chair

Looking at the babies in the nursery

Practicing to be a big brother

At 37 weeks - full term!

Earlier this week - at 38+ weeks

Giving his baby brother a kiss!

Our active boy

2011-04-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks, we've been busy getting reacquainted with the outdoors. Ah, spring. With the occasional indoor activity for those chillier days, of course.

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

As we gear up for the arrival of Cooper's baby brother, Cooper has been pitching in around the house. He also got his first dental cleaning as well. And now, almost everything is clean - except our storage room. Don't look there!

Washing dishes

Cleaning out the fridge

Checking out his teeth

Hello, Mr. Vacuum!

Enjoying the cleaning

And showing off his clean new M&M shirt!

Spring Break!

2011-03-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

We all were able to spend some time enjoying spring break. Cooper spent a week in Florida with the Gershmans, and Alex and Lorraine got away to Atlantic City for a few days. Here are some pictures from our trips:

Enjoying a fountain

In a new car seat

In the pool at GG and Pops'

Sink bath

Coming home to Mama

Enjoying the (indoor) beach

A toast to us

Happy "Valentime's" Day

2011-02-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

Well, at least according to Cooper! We had a fun time at a Valentine's Day party that was held at a nature center, and also a birthday party and a visit from Grandma and Pop Pop!

Cooper hanging out in a treehouse

Checking out the microscope

Playing balloon baseball with Dad

Alex had a blast at the party!

Resting after the party

Here's Lorraine at 30 weeks

Playing fireman with PopPop

Enjoying a cupcake

Enjoying the Melting Pot

Yummy!

Thanks for another fun visit!

Surgery

2011-02-13T15:09:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Cooper had surgery to correct his strabismus (lazy eye), much like his Daddy did 30 years ago. While it was a rough day, Cooper was a trooper, and has recovered very nicely. We spent some time laying low, but are now back to our normal activities.

Rocking out on the drums at a birthday party

Modeling his glasses one last time

Watching TV before surgery in the hospital

Recovering with GG

Our first trip out after surgery - to the train store!

Venturing out in the snow with Daddy

Using the ramp at bowling

Zooming around the room on a trike...

On a scooter with Daddy

And marching in a parade!

Christmas

2011-01-19T20:35:00.001-05:00

Given that we're now in the winter blahs, here is a bit of holiday cheer for you all to enjoy! We spent a week up in NY, where we enjoyed lots of presents, a big snowfall, play areas, the Norwalk aquarium, and some dinners out.

The first few pictures are from Christmas morning (which was actually celebrated on Dec. 26th).

Watching train videos

Enjoying NY's big snowstorm!

Making pizza

Looking at Nemo and his friends

Enjoying the play area

Clowning around at Charlotte's house

Happy New Year!

An attempt at a family shot

Practicing juggling two kids

Thanks for the hospitality, Grandma and Pop Pop!

Florida

2011-01-04T22:17:00.000-05:00

We were fortunate to spend a week in Florida, celebrating both Alex's and Cooper's actual birthdays with family, along with a belated Hanukkah. Here is what we did during our time in the warm sun.

Enjoying the beach on a chilly day

Waiting for lunch

Together at the food court

Dressed up like Thomas for my birthday!

Cooper and Connor enjoying A Latte Fun

Dressed up as Mater

I'm now 3!

Smiles after lunch

And a hug goodbye

Enjoying all the lights at the party

The birthday boys opening gifts

Enjoying the cake!

A warmer day at the beach

Pictures at the beach playground

I can do this!

Our little climber!

Celebrating Christmas Eve

Clowning around with Gigi

Thanks for all the fun times, Gigi and Pops!

Cooper's birthday party

2010-12-13T21:43:00.001-05:00

We were recently crazy enough to host Cooper's third birthday party, and invite all of his classmates and friends. In all, there were 17 kids in attendance. Fortunately, we did NOT host this at our house. Here are some pictures from the party.

Our birthday king

His very own balloon!

The music class

Riding in the parachute

Fun under the parachute

With his birthday cupcake

Snack time!

Controlled chaos

Resting with his friend Taylor

After the party, we went back to the house to eat and open some presents. Yay!

Thanks to everyone for such a great day!

Hanukkah!

2010-12-13T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hanukkah came early this year, but Cooper was very excited nonetheless. He "sang" the Hebrew blessings with us as we lit the candles, and then got to open one "surprise" each night. Very fun!

Thanksgiving

2010-12-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

We were fortunate to have all the G family together for Thanksgiving!

Cooper showing off his gift to G.G. and Pops - pictures of himself!

One of many attempts at a family portrait

Reading a book before dinner

The big gender reveal....

We're having another boy!

The table at Scott and Jodi's house

The gracious hosts

Some pictures back at our house

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!

November fun!

2010-12-11T14:09:00.000-05:00

We had a somewhat quiet November.

It started with Cooper helping out with chores,

Followed by a quick nap.

We went with Scott and Jodi to a swank "molecular gastronomy" restaurant,

where we ate things that looked like this:

Just before Thanksgiving, we headed up to New York to visit Lorraine's parents and get some pictures with Charlotte.

Halloween!

2010-11-01T21:47:00.000-04:00

Cooper had a great Halloween! On Saturday, we went to a carnival, filled with lots of carnival games and kids. Cooper had a blast trying out everything.

Bowling

Billards

Bean bag toss

Strength

Cheese!

Air hockey and bowling all in one!

The two boys, waiting on line

One tall James!

Going down the slide

The next day was Halloween, and we headed over to Scott and Jodi's house to Trick or Treat. We took a few pictures before Cooper and Alex headed out, followed by Cooper "helping" Aunt Jodi pass out candy.

Happy birthday, part 2

2010-10-19T22:29:00.003-04:00

Lest you think there was no celebration for Lorraine's birthday, here are pictures to prove that there was indeed gifts and cake.

The kids "helped" Lorraine open her presents

Charlotte got to wear Lorraine's new shoes first!

And the cake - yum!

Happy Birthday Lorraine!

2010-10-17T12:06:00.008-04:00

To celebrate Lorraine's birthday, her family came down to spend time with us. Mostly, the weekend centered on the kids, with lots of laughing as well as yells of "mine" and "no" sprinkled in. Not many pictures of the adults, but who wants to see them anyway?

Cooper and Charlotte going for a ride

Having fun climbing in the kitchen

Cooper tried out his new bike helmet

The two had fun spinning on the octupus

Charlotte had fun pushing Cooper in the car,

and then it was Uncle Doug's turn!

We did all go to a hibatchi restaurant for dinner

The kids did NOT like the fire on the grill

But at the end, there were smiles and hugs

Then it was home for bath and bed. Some mayhem before PJs

The next day started with Cooper's soccer lesson

And then back home, for some attempts at a family picture

Time for the kids to play!

One more movie together before everyone left

Wedding weekend!

2010-10-05T21:10:00.004-04:00

We were recently up in Philly for the wedding of cousin Sammy and his lovely bride Lauren. And while I don't have any good pictures of the wedding itself, Facebook is full of them. These pictures focus mainly on the Gershman folks, plus a few cousins.

Cousins Connor and Cooper had a blast together

Before the rehearsal dinner

The next morning, Lorraine's Dad helped give Cooper a shave

After that, it was time for lunch with Connor!

And then the pool, where the 2 boys played with color-changing cars

With Arthur, Cooper's new best friend

On kickboards

And here are the adults, all dolled up

The next morning, there were attempts to take a group shot of the 4 young cousins (all between ages 2 and 3). It didn't go so well!

But we had a ton of fun with everyone!

Glasses!

2010-10-05T21:08:00.003-04:00

In yet another example of the apple not falling far from the tree, Cooper has started wearing glasses, much like his Dada did 30 years ago. So far, he's doing quite well with them. Here are a few pictures of him showing off his new shades.

First day, and last day

2010-09-07T20:55:00.004-04:00

It has been a bittersweet week. Cooper said hello to "big boy school" and goodbye to dear Ria, who he's been with since he was three months old.

Cooper showing off his new classroom

Drawing with Jonah

Ms. Claudia showing Cooper a new game

Puzzle!

Of course, Cooper was very interested in the playground, and checked everything out.

After the orientation at his new school, Cooper got to spend one last day with Ria (and Edward).

Playing cars in the driveway

Enjoying the swings

I love you Ria!

We'll miss you, Ria!

Baltimore and Sesame Place

2010-09-07T20:34:00.007-04:00

This Labor Day weekend, we hit the road to take advantage of the beautiful weather.
Our first stop was Baltimore, where we enjoyed riding the Water Taxi and looking at the fire boats.

After Baltimore, we headed up to Philly and met Lorraine's parents for an evening at a park before hitting Sesame Place the next morning.

Happy birthday, Sesame Place!

Waiting for the gates to open

Alex and Cooper hit the roller coaster first...

And Cooper did OK.

Next up was the carousel with Mama

Then Slimey's slide,

followed by Ernie's bed bounce,

A little bit of sandbox action,

Wrapped up with climbing the many nets with Dada.

And finally, Cookie Monster's mountain.

After lunch, we went to see Elmo Live!

And then showed off our new Elmo hat!

Bye Sesame Place!

A NY state of mind

2010-08-30T21:32:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, we made a very quick visit to NY, to visit Lorraine's family and see her godmother, Judy, who was visiting from San Fran. We were lucky the weather was so nice!

Hanging out on the driveway with Dada

"Helping" Charlotte with her stroller

Clowning around with Pop Pop

Bath time fun!

Watching TV together

One big smooch!

Cheese!

The next day, we headed down to Aunt Joann's to say hello and go in the pool.

Cooper had no fear - he jumped right in!

The three amigas!

Cheese!

Sharing secrets with Aunt Judy

Glad we could say hello!

Atlantis!

2010-08-15T20:59:00.010-04:00

This past weekend, the entire Gershman clan went to Atlantis to celebrate G.G. and Pops' upcoming 60th birthdays. We all had fun - Cooper most of all.

Checking out the airplane safety card

Ready for the pool!

We started first in the small hotel pool...

and then headed to the beach for a quick swim.

After that, we headed to dinner, where C found some drums and shakers, and got into the beat

As did Mama and Dada!

At dinner, the wait staff put on a show for the diners (Johnny Rockets)

The next morning, we checked out the Dig...

After a day of water fun, Cooper and Mama explored some rope bridges

Cooper with his new turtle friends

After dinner, we took lots of group pictures.

Pictures in the "famous" Atlantis chair (Alex and I have a picture of us in this from back in 1999!)

The whole gang!

Finally, some great shots of the guys!

The next morning, we again saw some fish. Cooper loved the starfish.

Cooper spent most of his time on this slide

He went down it over, and over, and over....

Here's a shot of the kid play area, with the bucket of water up high soaking everyone

The last night, we went out to celebrate all the birthdays

Happy birthday, G.G and Pops (and Jodi too!)

Grandma and G.G. and Pop Pop, oh my!

2010-08-03T22:24:00.007-04:00

This past weekend, we were lucky to have 3 of Cooper's 4 grandparents at our house. Needless to say, he was one excited boy!

We started Saturday by playing out back

Pop Pop taught Cooper how to use the hose.

Get that duck!

That evening, we went to the pool for some water fun.

Modeling his new Thomas towel

Sunday morning, we strategically hid the eye patch with the James hat

Then it was off to a park!

Look at those baby blues (and crossed eye)

We then grabbed lunch at a local restaurant, where Cooper was very happy to color with Grandma and G.G.

Cheese!

(Yes, Alex and I were there as well!)

We love you, G.G. and Grandma and Pop Pop! (and miss you, Pops!)

Vacation - part 2

2010-08-02T22:16:00.007-04:00

While we were off in Europe, Cooper got to experience an action packed "Camp G.G." The two of them conquered the pools, restaurants, malls, parks, indoor play areas, and even the library! It was a busy (and tiring) two weeks for everyone.

Before we left, we all spent one evening at a local park.

Sharing a secret with G.G.

Climbing, with an assist from Dada

Clowning around with Mama

One cool guy eating breakfast

Ohio family came for a visit, and Cooper adored his cousins Ben and Jason.

One day, they hit the Water Park - fun (and goldfish) was had by all!

On top of the world at the mall

Playing basketball

At our local pool, with a new friend

Cooling off after a hot day at the park

It's a crocodile - munch, munch, munch!

At the library, Cooper played with puzzles,

drew with markers,

and read some books!

Thanks for all the fun, G.G.!

Vacation - part one

2010-08-02T21:07:00.014-04:00

Alex and I spent two fabulous weeks in Rome and the Mediterranean. We flew in and out of Rome, first class courtesy of Alex's air miles, and then spent 10 days on our ship, the Celebrity Equinox. Rather than bore you with words, here is our trip, in picture form.

Our first day was spent in Rome. First stop - the Roman forum

The Pantheon

The dome inside the Pantheon

The Trevi fountain

We were there!

The next day, we boarded our ship. It was very big! (Our room was in the top row of rooms, under the "X" smokestack and the pool deck.)

Lorraine up on deck

Our spa bathroom

Alex checking out our room

Enjoying the Persian Garden's heated chairs

The indoor pool/solarium

View from the elevator

Our dining room, Blu

Our first stop - Sicily!

The view from Castelmona

A Roman theater overlooking the water in Taormina

The town of Taormina

The next day was a sea day. Which meant it was formal night!
My favorite picture, out on our balcony.

Alex modeling some of the Equinox line of clothing and accessories

And then we were onto Athens. This is the view from the Acropolis:

Looking up at the Acropolis

The Parthenon

The first modern mall, in the Agora

From there, it was onto Mykonos. Here's the beach where we enjoyed the "refreshing" water.

The Little Italy section of town

The iconic windmills

The next day, it was onto Kusadasi, Turkey, and the ruins of Ephesus.

Here's the (really big) ampitheater.

A view of some of the excavated Terrace Houses - look at all the detail on the walls and floors!

The library

We also visited one of the seven ancient wonders of the world - the Temple of Artemis. Needless to say, it was not very impressive, although the storks enjoyed it!

And finally, the lovely village of Sirince, where we enjoyed many fruit wines!

The next day, we visited the Greek isle of Rhodes.

Enjoying the ambience of the Old Town.

The fabulous Faliraki beach, with blistering hot sand!

The last Greek isle that we visited was Santorini.
The view from the top of the caldera (looking down on our ship):

One of many great views from the sailboat we chartered around the island.

The town of Fira, perched on the cliff.

After all those ports, we finally got a day to enjoy the ship. We went to many hot glass shows (when we weren't busy at the casino).

And we also dressed up for another formal night

Our last port was Naples, were we enjoyed the Amalfi Coast and visited Pompeii.

Overlooking Sorrento

Lorraine showing off the town of Positano

A view of Mt. Vesuvius, towering over the ruins of Pompeii

As we were leaving Naples, we saw a rainbow over Mt. Vesuvius. It was beautiful!

After the cruise, we still had 2 days to explore Rome.
We got to unwind at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria - check out the pools!

This time, we visited the Colisseum,

The Spanish Steps,

and St. Peter's and the Vatican.

It was an amazing vacation, and we need to thank Alex's Mom, G.G., who was back home with Cooper!

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-07T22:50:00.005-04:00

We had a fun-filled (and hot) Fourth of July weekend here in VA. Pop-Pop (or Pops) came up for a visit, and we all had lots of fun.

It started with some games...

Peekaboo

Bubbles

We also stopped at a playground

With a car wash!

After that, we visited the Chick-Fil-A cow,

and rode on the train with Pops

The next day, we headed to the pool, where Cooper loves the water

A bunch of water bugs

After the pool, we went to a friend's house for a BBQ.

Cooper chilled on the hammock,

played bocce ball,

and then ate lots of BBQ, before trying for some family pictures.

Hope you all had fun celebrating the fourth!

Vegas, baby

2010-06-30T21:43:00.007-04:00

G.G. arrived last week, so Alex and I snuck away for a long weekend in Vegas. While there, we saw Garth Brooks, ate lots of yummy food, and gambled a bit. We also took a helicopter tour of the area and the Grand Canyon, which was incredible.

In the helicopter

The Hoover Dam from the air

Part of Lake Mead

Flying into the Grand Canyon

Getting ready to land in the Grand Canyon

Pictures from inside the Grand Canyon (near the West Rim)

Back in the air

The Valley of Fire in Nevada

Approaching Vegas

Downtown Vegas (Fremont Street)

The north end of the strip

The central strip, with Paris and the Bellagio fountain

The south end of the strip (Luxor is on the left)

After the helicopter ride, we headed up to the Stratosphere for dinner at Top of the World. Here's the view from more solid ground.

And finally, enjoying dinner

Family (and Elmo)

2010-06-30T21:37:00.004-04:00

We were recently visited by Aunt Bebe, Uncle Larry, and cousin Adam. Cooper had great fun playing with everyone!

Basketball

The guys

Finding a match with Dada's pai gow tiles

Cheese!

Then it was time for morning dancing with Elmo

Finally, we headed out with Scott and Jodi for a belated anniversary dinner

Weekend fun!

2010-06-17T22:26:00.004-04:00

Before the weather gets too unbearable here, we've tried to enjoy our time outdoors.

On our octopus out back

One of many trips down a slide

A rare post-park nap in the car

On a hot day, we went to a sprayground

And then we went back home, where we spent time with our good friend Aileen, who now lives in L.A. (or California, to Cooper)

A good picture with Mommy

And a not-so-good one with Aileen while clowning around

A flying Cooper

Puzzle time!

An attempt at a group shot

We've been having lots of fun!

Pool time!

2010-06-17T22:18:00.005-04:00

Now that June is here, along with all of its heat and humidity, it's also pool time! We've been busy this past month, getting Cooper acclimated to the pool. We've been taking swim lessons, and have gone to an indoor water park as well. He's getting quite used to the water!

A kiss after a jump

Saying hello to Mr. Otter

Getting ready to go down the water slide

A family pool picture

The start of swim lesson with Daddy

Clowning around

Learning how to kick

Time to jump!

Going after the ball

And more balls!

Having a blast!

Memorial Day in New York

2010-05-31T21:48:00.008-04:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend up in New York with Grandma, Pop Pop, Uncle Doug, Aunt Michelle, and "baby" Charlotte. We were blessed with great weather, so we were able to spend our time outdoors. We were very busy, as you can see from the pictures.

Chasing after bubbles

The cousins stop to smile

Racing lawn mowers

Joint artists

Having a serious conversation with Dad

Horsing around with Mama

Helicopter with Dada

Followed by a kiss

Fun in the bath

The next day, we went to the park with Grandma

We then came home to find that the rest of the gang stopped by!

This afternoon was spent in the pool

After everyone dried off, it was time for dinner, and Cooper's favorite - corn!

A serious Cooper

Laughing with Dada

Our best family shot

The attempt at the grandkids picture

Ready for bedtime, watching Elmo

Now we get a good picture - where's Pop Pop?

The other family shot

Last book before bed

We hope you all were able to enjoy the weekend!

10 years!!!

2010-05-26T22:42:00.004-04:00

Pardon the interruption, but I just wanted to take the opportunity to say happy 10th anniversary to my dear husband Alex. 10 years ago Friday (May 28), we said "I do." In honor of that occasion, I've posted a few pictures from our wedding day, courtesy of that modern day device - the scanner. Enjoy!

The combined families - minus Michelle, Jodi and Cooper!

The crazy bridal party!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T21:43:00.005-04:00

Grandma and PopPop came down for the weekend to celebrate Mother's Day. It was the first time they had seen Cooper since New Year's, due to Mom's back surgery. We had a fun time!

On Saturday, we all rode the train at Burke Lake

Choo choo!

And then on Sunday we got to take some pictures and open presents!

Cooper was very excited by his present!

The Moms displaying some of their gifts

New gardening tools, courtesy of the Gershmans

Cooper helped Mama open some presents as well

Afterwards, the gang bundled up on the sofa (it was cold outside!)

We hope you all had a happy Mother's Day!

E-I-E-I-O

2010-05-10T21:31:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, we were lucky enough to go to 3 birthday parties. Most of the picture taking happened at the first party, since there were animals! (Or as Cooper likes to say, E-I-E-I-O for farm.)

Checking out the pen and the ducks

Throwing feed at the animals

Baaaaaaaa

Examining the ducks

Petting a rabbit

Smiling with Mama and a party hat

Feeding the sheep with Dada

By the end of the day, the pool and sticks were a big hit!

There was also a pony available for rides. Here's Mama giving it a go...

And this was the closest Cooper got to the horse!

The next day, here is Cooper and Dada singing happy birthday (to Holden)

And enjoying a cupcake!

We love birthday parties!