Spring Break

Spring Break was a blast...all except the extensive driving. We wanted to make it up to Rhode Island in time for a family dinner the evening before Rachel's baby blessing so we left very early Saturday morning and arrived just in time. I am happy to say that there was not a single potty accident from AJ this entire trip. He was so good about telling us when he needed to go. Even when we were in the car. I'm so proud of him for doing so well.
We loved spending all the extra time with family. AJ just adored his new cousin and wanted to hold her all the time.

They even had matching moose feet.

Oh don't worry, Joe and I each got our fair share as well. Rachel is such a doll. I am so happy we got to spend that time with Keith and Rebecca and their new addition. New babies just tend to bring a calming factor into any home. We relaxed a lot and just enjoyed being together.

 We even got a little glimpse into what life might be like with two kiddos. Let's just say AJ wasn't too thrilled when his parents were holding the baby when he wanted to be sitting on our laps... guess that is something every first born gets to look forward too.

As you can see, AJ found other means of entertainment

After a wonderful long weekend with Keith and Rebecca we traveled west to see Grandma and Grandpa Fairbank at the farm in New York. AJ couldn't be more excited. I will admit I was pretty excited too. I love going to the farm and enjoying the warmth and love surrounded by the farm's back story and legacy.
Our first day there we got to venture out with Keith and try our hand at tapping maple trees for sap. It was a little too cold to see much sap running, but it was fun anyway. I wish we could have stayed longer to see the entire syrup process  run out, but sadly we didn't have as long of a break as we wished for.

 Like I mentioned before, AJ adores the farm and was so excited to wake up every morning and look out the kitchen window. He would stand there telling us all about the barn, horses, and tractors. He couldn't wait for Grandpa to take him outside to see it all again.

 Everyday he would wait for his rides on the tractor. The silly thing was that one tractor wasn't enough. He had to take a ride on all the tractors, every time. Oh, don't worry, he was very careful to put his seat belt on every time. He would recite back to me every time he got back to the house, "grandpa barn. AJ seat belt,  Grandpa seat belt. Big red tractor." I'm glad safety came first.

We even got to take the time to see the Amish with their giant work horses logging for one of the neighbors. We took a quick picture on their equipment.  

When AJ wasn't out at the barn he was inside playing with any tractor, truck, or car he could find. We are so happy Grandma kept these toys around for him...and future grand kids I am sure. 

 He looked forward to building the fire every evening and did his part to bring in as much wood as he could carry, and then he would snuggle down adn read book after book with Grandma in the nice comfy chair.

 We of course enjoyed a few goodies while on vacation. My favorite was our banana split night. It was so tasty and it hit the spot!

Speaking of cooking and such...do you remember the older pictures from Thanksgiving that showed what the kitchen used to be like when we visited last? well let me refresh your memory...
Before...

The bathroom was standing in as a kitchen sink.

After...

New bathroom

Slight improvement, don't you think? Well, when all was said and done we didn't get enough time at the farm, but the time we had was well spent and enjoyed very much by all three of us. It is good to just get out and find a place to relax. We loved our trip and can't wait to come back in the fall!!!!