Pumpkin Patch

The Griswolds Martins went to a pumpkin patch today.  How times have changed...a few years ago we dressed up in costumes and went to late night parties on Halloween.  Now, we dress up kids like pumpkins and go to petting zoos.  Regardless, it was a good time.  Jen's parents a/k/a Grammi and Grandpa are in town and we all met up with our good friends the Pops family.

Lil' pumpkin...

Evan doing his favorite activity...screaming.

He calmed down pretty quickly and was so excited about his first pumpkin patch, that he fell asleep for the rest of the trip.

Ella showing her Ohio State spirit

I don't know this guy..but even in Chicago, Bengals fans have too much facial hair and wear camo jackets.

Evan was exhausted...time to go home.

Cincy cont'd

Another nice trip to Cincy to see family.  Evan loved meeting his Aunt Erica, Uncle Kelly and Miss Melanie.

Halloween Preview

Play Date

On Saturday Evan got to hang out with his buddy William.  They got along well and William was even nice enough to share his lamb chair and changing table with Evan.  These guys are both growing fast, it's crazy to see.

Intense

Evan has recently discovered the toys hanging from his play mat.  Let the staring contest begin...

Aluminum Overcast

Rusty and I passed on an opportunity to take a flight in a B-17 about 15 years ago.  In a total coincidence, our trip last weekend to Cincy coincided with the return of the Aluminum Overcast B-17 to Lunken.  This time...we (Rusty) ponied up the cash and 15 years of regrets were put behind us.  An absolutely incredible experience, made special because I was able to share it with my father.

 We only had to sit during take-off and flight, the rest of the 30 minute flight we were free to roam the plane and do as we pleased.  A view from our take-off seat in the tail of the plane.

Rusty taking aim at a Nazi fighter plane.  Oh wait...those are just birds.

Radio room...

Walkway to the nose of the plane.  There is a step up to the pilot's seat, and a small plank where you had to crawl on all fours to get to the nose of the plane underneath the pilot (Bombardier's section).

In the nose...

Rusty emerging on all fours from the nose:

Back on the ground.

More Cincinnati

It's been a few days since the last blog.  Sorry.  I'm sure both of you have anxiously been awaiting an entry.  Regardless, here are a few pictures from the Cincy trip.  Evan had a great time and was way excited to meet Bacca and spend some time with Mimi.  By the way...I think Bacca might be the best "grandpa" name around...well done Elise on starting that name. 

Evan's already excited to head back to Cincy in a few weeks to see Bacca again and meet Uncle Kelly and Miss Melanie. 

A side note, the next blog will have some photos from the B-17 flight that my dad and I took.  Incredible.  In the meantime...

Junk in the Trunk

We packed up the Wally Wagon for Evan’s first road trip this weekend.  We got up fairly early (6 am… my proposal to get on the road at 4 am was not well received) and got the car packed, Evan bathed/fed, and still had time for a trip through McDonald’s drive through for some high-cal, high nasty breakfast.  My favorite line from the drive-thru:

Jen: I’ll take a yogurt parfait because it’s somewhat healthy.
McDonald’s guy: We’re out of yogurt
Jen (no hesitation): I’ll take a sausage biscuit with egg and a hash brown.
Paul: You better make that 2!

We somehow managed to pack everything we own into the car and still fit the three of us (barely).  A quick summary of items we brought for our 300 mile / 2 day trip:

-2 full sets of bed sheets, including pillow cases
-2 pillows
-7 blankets for Evan
-8 outfits for Evan
-1 full sized swing
-1 Pack ‘n Play (with napper, of course)
-1 play mat
-1 diaper bag, complete with many diapers (we also bought a box once we got to Cincy)
-1 full suit case for Jen
-1 small backpack with clothes for me

Jen sat in the back with Evan for most of the trip…she claims to help soothe him and keep him company…I’m quite certain it was to avoid conversations with me regarding gas mileage, beating the traffic and ways we can minimize stops.  Needless to say, the 4.5 hour trip took us over 7 hours.  I'm sure she was thrilled with my constant "reminders" that we needed to hurry up and get back on the road...

To his credit, he was great on the return trip and we made good time.