Avalon Vacation

We spent last week in Avalon. Obviously not a restful vacation with a toddler and a baby but we enjoyed it regardless. Viv, in particular, loved the beach. I'll devote another blog entry to Viv's love of the sand.

I love those thighs!

Checking out a horseshoe crab.

Finally... hair long enough to blow in the breeze!

Some members of the family nap better than others.

Sitting up (with a little help from the sand).

Viv enjoyed the water.

Low tide.

Now its nap time.

Out to dinner.

My little mermaid.

Why?

Why is it that everytime we dress up as a family and pose for a photo my hair is frizzy and Viv is in a bad mood?

Phanatic Phan

Viv loves to visit the Phanatics which are situated all over the city. The exhibit ends soon. I wish I had carried my camera to more locations.

A Royal Visit

So tired... take two!

Today was Elli's first taste of apples. She loved them so much she feel asleep in the middle of her meal. Sometimes Elli is a lot like her older sister.

Babies!

We spent some time at the Zoo on Saturday.

We had lots of fun.

It was such a perfect morning that even the Sumatran orangutans were walking around their yard. In over a year of frequent visits to the Zoo, we've never seen both of these orangutans move around the yard in full view.

Walking across the yard (notice anything in the photo?)...

Not sure why this one is wearing a big plastic bucket, but to each his own...

Look closely between the two orangutans -- its Batu the orangutan baby! Batu will be one on October 2nd. This was the first time we've seen Batu. She was inside most of the winter and her mama kept her hidden from view during most of our visits (or, there were too many people standing at the glass inside to get a good view). We didn't realize that they had the baby with them but when I looked back at the photos (look at the photo two above) I could see Batu's arm clinging to her mama as mama moved about the yard.

Another family photo.

Here's the new baby giraffe. Stella is the mom. The baby (who isn't named yet) was born in July.

Such a cute baby.

A familiar activity.

Elliana

I know I already posted some cereal photos, but I just love this photo with the cereal on her nose.

Such a sweet smile.

Not enjoying the cereal on this day.

Nap Time

Elli isn't a regular napper. Just before I took this photo she was playing on the blanket. Next thing I knew, she was sound asleep.

Fairy Princess

Viv has embraced her inner princess. Oy vey!

A New Seat

Cereal Time

We started Elli on cereal. She doesn't seem to love it :)

I can only imagaine what she is thinking. Not what her sister was thinking...

Ok, its getting better.

Happy because its over.

Four Months Old!

Elli just loves those fingers!

I love those eyes.

Her morning smile.

Good Bye

Jeff's GrandPa Porter passed away earlier this week. Last summer we took Viv to Indiana to visit her relatives and she spent some time with GrandPa and GrandMa Porter. He lived a long and happy life. He will be missed by his family.

Splash Park

Friends told us about a renovated neighborhood park in S. Philly with a really nice splash park area. This weekend we finally packed up the kids and searched it out.

What a find! Viv loved it.

Viv ran and ran through the water.

It was hard to convince Viv we had to leave.

Contemplating one more pass through the water before leaving.

Elli had to watch the action from the sidelines. Next summer she can enjoy the splash park.