Final Two Days - Gabi's visit

As I post this, it's basically mid-November, and the Moreys and the Grasheims are getting ready to plan for NEXT summer's extravaganza. Leo might join us for camp for a couple of weeks; we might go there or they might come here--who knows! But I can't wait for another family adventure. Wish we had more time together.

These photos are from our last two days together in August. First stop was the zoo. 

There is a family of lions (including babies) behind this family photo, but you can't really see them. Kaya really wanted mommy in this shot. These lions called to us with little roars--it was a great morning at the zoo; lots of active animals.

Ooh, this cheetah looks like it could pounce right on Kaya! But instead he played on the tree and pretended to fall off. It was pretty funny.

Liora with the prairie dogs.

Cousin Heather with her two boys (Lane and Conor) and Uncle Fred joined us from Freeburg, Pennsylvania for some fun at the zoo and a spaghetti dinner. Here are all the kids with their grandparents.

The last day was bitter sweet as always. The cousins got in their last cuddles and fun times.

Until next year!

Natural History Museum - Day 5

Guys, I'm so bad at this blogging thing. Even though it's not Thursday, this is now a throwback post, finishing up Gabi's visit to DC.

For the fifth day, we headed downtown to the Natural History museum. Gabi's friend from college Cam met us there, and  we had a great time enjoying the museum and downtown sites.

Snacking on the museum steps.

Requisite photo in front of the elephant.

Post-museum lunch.

Butterfly exhibit.

Kaya, contemplating butterflies.

The boys checking out the pupae.

Kaya touching a stick bug.

Leo holding a hissing cockroach (? maybe?)

Petting a dino at the interactive video exhibit.

Putting our toes in the water for a little cool off.

Day 4 - Drive Home

The day we left Shenandoah, we opted for a long drive home, stopping first at the Route 11 potato chip factory (highlight: standing next to the potato chip man), then lunch in a very, very small town sandwich shop, and then stopping to visit Uncle George in the hospital. 

Even though we'd been spending every minute together for many days, there was still a lot of love to go around at lunch. See below! Also, we needed the hugs to protect us from the questionable food.

Long ride home! Sisters bugging each other.

And then, a nice bath at the end of a long day. Do these two look like cousins or what?!?

Shenandoah - Day 3

On our next day in our trek to Virginia, we visited Shenandoah National Park. It was so beautiful to drive up the mountains, stop for a little picnic, then go on a water fall hike. When we first arrived, the temperature dropped down in the low 60s, and we felt underdressed. Matching pink Shenandoah sweatshirts here we come! Even mommy got one. It was all they had. (note: Daddy was still nursing his foot back at the cabin, and so he was missed!)

Preparing for the hike.

Liora races ahead with Uncle Paul.

Liora is warning us: Bear ahead!

There he is, that black shape in the forest. He paid us no mind, just kept foraging for his food.

We were really close!

Aunt Gabi helped the kids search for salamanders under rocks near the water. As you can see, it warmed up quickly and we took off the sweatshirts. Great purchase...

Liora took the plunge and held one in her hand!

Even petting it!

Then we climbed on some rocks near a pool.

And paused near the bottom of the waterfall to cool off our feet and relax.

Kaya was not happy with the loud noise the falls made.

Sort of a group shot.

Exploring

Aaaah, feels good.

Getting ready to put those shoes on again.

I'm not sure what is happening here...

...or here.

DeeDee and Kaya posing near a lookout on our way down the mountain.

That hike sure tuckered us all out, even Kaya (who spent at least half of the hike on mommy's back).