Weekend at the Bluff

After a jam packed summer and moving into the new house, we didn't think we'd have the chance this year to spend time at one of our favorite summer spots. So, we were pretty excited when scheduling worked out and we were able to spend Columbus Day weekend at the Bluff! Beautiful weather + a peaceful lake + a cozy cottage + delicious steamed clams + awesome people = a wonderful fall weekend to close out the "summer" season!

Abby had a blast exploring and enjoying the Bluff for her second time. For her, it was more like a first because last time she was only 7 months old.

Lately, Abby enjoys taking showers and she took a Bluff shower like a champ. Showering at the cottage is a special experience. You have to have been there to understand!

There's something special about waking up on a chilly fall morning, sitting near the wood stove, watching the lake through the window and enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast with family.

Abby doesn't do "lazy" very well yet. After finding the toy cabinet filled with lots of Daddy's old toys, she grew tired of waiting around and let herself outside in her footie jammies to see her buddy, Greeley.

Abby and Grammy relaxed on the front porch swing and watched the lake.

Then, we went for a walk to the beach. Through the woods, into the field, under some branches and onto the fun rocky beach. Abby and Grammy stopped to pick some flowers along the way.



Keeping Abby out of the freezing water was the challenge of the morning. Grammy tried to show Abby how cold it was, but it didn't really phase her....which is why someone was holding the back of Abby's hood the whole time. If it were up to Abby, she would have jumped in a long time ago. After all, no one was stopping Greeley from having all that fun.



G-Diddy taught Abby how to skip rocks.


Abby finally met Lauren! Officially (and I always mix this up), I think they are third cousins. Sweet little cousins who will grow up together. It didn't take long for them to hit it off. After all, they have lots in common...like playing outside, eating grapes and watching Barney!




Grammy made Abby's day with a "Made with love" tutu! A little princess' dream come true. Now, Abby's had tutus, but never one like this. We didn't even have to tell her what to do. She slipped that skirt on and all of her ballerina instincts kicked in. She was twirling and displaying her beauty for all to see! Especially Grammy.




The weather was perfect for a boat ride. It was Abby's first. She wasn't sure at first. You could see the look on her face when she put the life jacket on and the boat started moving. She started fussing and for a millisecond I thought she might be afraid, until we realized she wasn't scared at all, she just wanted to be hanging over the front of the boat as far as she could, hair blowing in the wind, "I'm the king of the world" style! This girl loves a good adventure.

the cottage from the lake

Baby came on the boat too!

and just to add to the "Uncle Tommy sleeps anywhere" picture collection

love.

Another perk of our weekend was getting to spend some quality time with Uncle Tommy, who came up from New York City! We even got to spend a few hours with Tori on Sunday afternoon.

sharing some snacks after our boat ride

"good story, Uncle T. Tell me more!"

representing.

On Saturday night, we celebrated G-Diddy's 65th birthday with a big Bluff party, which always equals lots of fun hor d'oeuvres at happy hour. The little cottage filled up quickly with more than 20 people, but that didn't stop Abby from eating through platter after platter of crackers, veggies, chips and dip. She kept sneaking Laughing Cow cheese wedges, but instead of unwrapping them she would squeeze out all the cheese with her mouth. Funny quote of the night: "Abby, I don't think you're supposed to be eating cellophane!" Thanks for looking out Vicki!

After dinner, Lauren and Abby watched some Barney while the adults talked.

Happy Birthday G-Diddy!!

Sunday morning, we savored every Bluff minute we had left. This time, Abby & I enjoyed our time on the swing with some books.

Nana, Uncle John and Tori all came in on Sunday afternoon. Our time with them was too short, but we loved the time we did get. At lunch, Abby and Nana sat next to each other. I nearly forgot our little girl was there with us because she and Nana had such a great time together. They colored. Nana gave Abby all the ice from her cup (their special "thing" that started last spring) and they shared lots of french fries.




Until next year...

La La La: A Special Friday Treat

Fall Getaway 2011

Last weekend, we traveled west to the annual Upstate NY Fall Getaway on Seneca Lake. Each year, we gather students on college campuses from Buffalo to Albany to worship God, grow in their relationship with Him and have fun together!

This year, a record number of students came and heard from the Lord while getting some much needed rest and connection time with others (both on their campuses and from across the state). It was a great weekend!

Not only did I get to spend some time with students, but I loved being able to connect with some of my "mom" friends who are on staff . We look forward to this weekend every year. Last year, our kiddos were so much smaller. This year, they were running around playing together.

Our car rides (long and short) consist of LOTS of singing and dancing all the time. What can I say? Abby has us as parents. The other day Abby heard this song on the radio and in an attempt to occupy her, I made up some dance moves for her. This is only a small part of it. But, make sure you notice Abby very clearly showing you where you "should have put a ring on it".





On the way to FG this year, we stopped in Syracuse to visit our good friends Rob and Kelly who just had their baby. We loved God's timing on this one. It was such a special moment for us to have the chance to go to the hospital and meet little Asher when he was just a couple days old. Abby was excited to meet Asher too, until Mommy was holding him. She wasn't too sure about that one. When we put him on the bed to admire all of his cuteness in full, Abby noticed right away and started climbing up too. When we let her up, I thought she would go right for Asher, but instead she laid down right next to him and sprawled herself out, so everyone could admire her too! Oh my sweet little show stealer.

Asher is such a precious baby! Congratulations R+K! We love you and can't wait to snuggle your little guy again soon!

Another special perk was getting to visit with our dear friend Julie! Our trip to Syracuse was so quick, but I was so excited for any chance to visit with Julie on M-street for a bit. Our visits are always too short and too far between, but the fact that we got any time was super special.

Can we do it again very soon? For more hours...maybe eating Pitas and walking around campus reminiscing and talking about life. Don't worry. You can run into Hinds Hall if you need to. I'll wait for you. Just like I did the day we REALLY became friends!

Of course, Abby loves Julie (and Julie's smart phone). I love it! Abby saw Crouse on the top of the hill and kept calling it a castle. Perfect photo op!

Abby & Julie

I probably wouldn't have believed you six years ago if you would have told me we would be standing here together on campus taking a picture with my daughter...:) I love God's plans!

It rained the entire weekend, but the rain couldn't stop what God wanted to do.

meeting.

Abby is a great sleeper at home, but doesn't usually sleep very well the first night of any trip. So, though she's never actually slept in our bed at home, I'm pretty sure she loved taking up 3/4 of my little bed the first night.

I love her!

Abby loved the entertainment that was meal time. There were tons of students to play with. While we were in line waiting to get food one night, Abby reached for the Syracuse student behind us to give her a hug and then kept the hug chain going. I guess she didn't want to leave anyone out. She was ten people back giving hugs before she turned and looked for me. Hilarious!

Then, she spent some time bonding with our UA student Keyana. Keyana was teaching Abby how she isn't allowed to be a Syracuse fan if she's a UA fan. But, we teach Abby that she can like Great Danes and still bleed Orange!

Go Danes!

Since it was raining non stop Saturday and almost everyone was crammed inside during free time, we got creative with ways to occupy our toddler. We couldn't walk to get snacks, so we drove. And since we literally drove two buildings down (because of the rain), Abby got to sit on Daddy's lap and drive her first car (at 5 mph)!

feeling really special

Abby loves visiting with her friends. She hadn't seen Katie since the summer!

wearing the sweater Mama made. Her baby was wearing the matching one and Abby carried her around all day.

Abby and I went to the morning meetings and stayed in the back for the worship.

Then, she snuck over to Daddy who was the Program Director this year.


I was taking a picture of little Livy....

...when Abby ran over turned the camera toward herself and starting saying "Cheese!"

little ladies hanging out with Amy

And to sum up our whole wonderful weekend...

the ride home

Daddy Kisses

Abby doesn't let Daddy leave the house without kisses through the railing!