ABC's, 123's!!!

The simpler things in life seem to escape us adults as we go about our busy days! I was eating a quick lunch and had an idea for a neat post. I couldn't find any O's or I's though...and I turned an R and an N around the wrong way...D'oh!!!!

Father's Day!!!

My first Father's Day could not have been more perfect! We went to Church, saw allot of old friends and made some new ones, thanks to Ava! We are normally a pretty quiet couple when it comes to meeting new folks, but with Ava we are thrust into the center of attention. I could not be happier with how everyone has received her or how open she is to new people. After church we went for a drive and did some geocaching around Middletown and Myersville (4/4). Caching requires a GPS and a keen eye for things that are hidden mostly in plain sight. But the adventure is that seeking caches takes you to some of the most interesting and out of the way places. We saw many homes and old barns that are characteristic of Frederick County. They gave us ideas for future projects.

Michelle bought me a great video game I have been eying for awhile and then she actually sat and watched while I played it for an hour!! That's a huge step for her!!! We spent some time in the backyard playing badminton the lazy way (the only spikes allowed were lime juice spiked with Vodka). There are no lines so we use mostly natural boundaries and 'naturally' we both had differing ideas as to what was in and what was out. Nevertheless we had some serious volleys that seemed to go on forever! Finally Mom wore me out, 2 sets to 1! Whew!!!!

McEnroe readies the serve!!!

While we played, Dutch guarded Ava from errant birdies! Atta Boy!!!

Daddy's Little Girl!

Dinner & A Movie...

I got to go on a date with two smokin' hot ladies this past weekend! We had some very interesting and delicious sushi...
And we got to wear some really cool glasses...

B.O.B Ain't Stoppin'

Which one of these vehicles has suspension, rugged oversize tires, brakes, a tow strap and is red???

Not content with the previous days escapade, we decided to put our new Go Anywhere BOB Sport Utility stroller to the test!! Much like the beloved "X" the stroller is touted as a stroller that can go offroad on moderate walking trails and all over town in the roughest conditions. Well we set off for downtown Frederick and the Delaplaine Arts Center Arts Festival. Frederick is a very diverse and ethnic city considering its location and surrounding topography. We are always treated to things that are out of the ordinary given the "country" setting and this day was no different. The different styles and types of art on display tugged at space in our wallets were money should be, LOL! We had sushi and rice bowls at a restaurant nestled just above Carrol Creek (the location for the Arts Festival).

Even Dutch came along for the trip. He had fun digging and playing along the creek. Once while he was running really close to the edge of the creek, he looked back at us, as if to say, "Look at me Mom & Dad!!" he made a misstep and disappeared right in front of us. We waited to see him pop back up but it took him a while. Eventually he limped back up over the edge of the creek in embarrassment. Still I could tell he was having a blast!

We ended the day at Baker Park for what we thought was the beginning of the Sunday Concert Series. We were wrong...But we were presented with another example of the eclectic lifestyles and community gatherings happening all over Frederick:

An impromptu gathering of percussion enthusiasts? Maybe just a bunch of folks who like to bang on things. In any case it was a cool, amusing, and rhythmic way to end the day.

Buy me some Peanuts & Crackerjacks!

Ava's first baseball game was a hit. Not only did the Key's whip up on the Salem Redsox (8-2), we had a great afternoon in the sun, met some really cool people who suggested their church for us to visit, and Ava made it through the fireworks in amazement instead of fear!!! We were so worried she would not like the works at all.

Mom and Dad had the usual baseball game fare...
while Ava attracted the attention of all the fans, young and old.

We had a great day just sitting and enjoying the day with Ava and the Keys.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Buddah

Just wanted to post a cute picture I found on my phone! Ava loves to get comfortable in her bassinet. We find her in all types of crazy positions that make us wonder what she is thinking about. She is already showing us that she is going to be a funny, funny person to be around. Enjoi

Lifting Weights, Keeping in Shape

Dad doesn't get to the gym too much anymore but he is still staying in shape thanks to Ava (and Mom).

Cousins

I remember my older girl cousins when we were young, Linda and Laura. I used to want to be just like them, wanted them to think I was cool. I never knew when I was going to see them but could always count on seeing them every Thanksgiving; couldn't wait to jump in Linda's water bed with her to wake up the next day and see what clothes she was wearing so I could copy her style back in MD!! WHat sticks out to me the most was the different slang we had, I had never heard the word "wicked" used so much in my life!! LOL I remember enjoying looking around Laura's room and seeing all her pictures with her friends; wishing I will be just like her when I am in high school/college. I know Hollie and Ava will enjoy each other as much as I enjoyed my older cousins! My only hope is that they share more time together growing up only being a short distance away rather than 8 hours!!

Family Firsts

Nowadays Michelle and I are experiencing a lot of "Family Firsts". We had our first exploding diaper, our first projectile puke, and (my favorite) our first smile. We also experienced our first family picnic/party at our house, celebrating Michelle's BIG 3-Oh, Ava's arrival and the semi-completion of the second half of our house (the basement). It was really a joy to see so many faces from so many special places in our lives come together to celebrate and have a good afternoon.

They say it takes a village to raise a child and I can see the truth in this statement reflected in all of the wonderful gifts, thoughts, and advice that we have received from every one of you over the last months. On behalf of Michelle, Ava, Dutch, Marley and our home we would like to thank you all for the support you showed last weekend with all the unique gifts as well as all of the continued words of encouragement. Like blessings raining down from heaven above, we have been drenched in your love, soaked in your friendship. Thank you so much...