Upstate New York

Joseph, Sam, Mr. Octopus, and I just returned home from a trip to Upstate NY.  We stayed with Samantha's Aunt Mary and Uncle "Greggie" and devoted 100% of our time to visiting family.  

My Aunt Joan with Samantha

Aunt Mary, Uncle "Greggie", and Samantha

                                          Samantha & Mr. Octopus (her favorite)

Samantha met a few of her 2nd Aunts and Uncles on both sides of the family and also met her great grandmother.  I personally enjoyed spending time with my Aunts and Uncles.  Joseph and I got to see Debbie & Chip (aunt and uncle)'s new toy: a camper.  It's awesome.  It sits on top of a truck bed (it's not a 5th wheel) and holds 4.  It's a hard top and is perfect for their needs.  We are very jealous and hope one day we can be as cool as them.  I was particularly blown away to learn that my Uncle Jim picked up his clarinet, after not playing for 50 YEARS, and is now in 4 bands, including a Polka Band.  My aunt Joan plays bridge 4 days a week and has definitely kept her mind sharp throughout her retirement :)  I've never played bridge and probably shouldn't because I would become way too obsessed with winning.  

 Perhaps, what was most impressive was my 87-yr-old grandmother's mind.  She continues to amaze me by her attention to details and her knowledge and awareness of current events.   

Samantha got to meet her other aunt and uncle, Chris and Matt, along with her cousins, Ryan, Alexa, and Taylor.  There was quite a competition between Alexa and Taylor as to who was going to sit closer to, touch, talk to, and hold "the baby".  It was so great to see all of them.

Taylor and I enjoyed a trip to the Crandall Park playground.  I was slightly disappointed by how small the playground was.  Funny how things look so much bigger when you are so small.... hadn't been there in YEARS.  

Samantha traveled very well.  She didn't make a peep on the planes and adjusted to all the new environments easily.  She was such a trooper.  The only challenging moment was realizing I had no more clean outfits to put her in after she had had her 2nd "blow out" (a poopy) in the Washington-Reagan airport!!  All the family seemed to like her and said how good she was.  She is perfect!!!!:)   

It was REALLY SPECIAL sharing Samantha will all of my family.  If only we could all get together more often...