Exploring the Area

We are taking advantage of my week off by trying to do some short walks/hikes and to explore the area. Here is Evelyn gearing up for the outing with her game face on.

We decided to do a loop around two bridges which cross the Hudson. This first bridge is the Mid Hudson bridge. It has a sidewalk for pedestrians but just out of the picture to the left are cars and trucks whizzing by. To make matters worse, you can see through the grate on the bottom left of the picture and are acutely aware of just how high up you are. I assure you my smile is completely fake because I was unnerved enough to want to keep moving but humored Joshua by stopping for a picture.

Here is a picture of the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge from the Mid Hudson bridge. Needless to say, Joshua was the photographer.

Here is the view South of the Mid Hudson bridge (in between traffic).

Now we had looped around and this is the view of Poughkeepsie and the Mid Hudson bridge from the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge.

Evelyn needed a snack while we took in the view to the North.

Looking South down the Hudson.

Looking North up the Hudson.

Joshua's parents would be proud - his Dad because he was taking time to read the signs, and his Mom because he is multi-tasking.

The end of the mile-long pedestrian bridge. It just opened in 2009 and is a converted railway bridge.

Evelyn and her snack

Joshua with his hands full back at the parking lot with the pedestrian bridge in the backdrop.

Today we went to check out Shaunepeak Ridge which is a preserve maintained by the Scenic Hudson organization which we've decided is our new favorite non-profit because they own and maintain a bunch of trails and parks along the Hudson (and close to us!)

This was Sadie's first hike!

Sydney and Joshua (with the Hudson in the distance).

Elizabeth and Evelyn

Evelyn and Elizabeth with Louise Pond in the background. If only we were independently wealthy and I didn't have to return to work next week, I think we could probably spend a lot of happy time and energy getting to know the area. So far, two enthusiastic thumbs up from both of us (I guess that means four thumbs up...or eight if you count the kiddos).

Evelyn's First Hike at "The Gunks"

We went hiking in the Shawangunk Range and Minnewaska State Park. We hadn't been hiking since Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky last July. The biggest change since then - Joshua and I now both have to have munchkins strapped to us. Here are Sydney, Joshua, Rebecca, Bo, and Catherine at the top of the Rainbow Falls detour

A gaggle of Munzes

This is our "We Moved!" photo - we are going to love living by the mountains!

Catherine and Bo with the Catskills in the backdrop

Rebecca, Joshua, & Sydney

The gang at Lake Awosting (about 5 miles in on an 8 mile day)

Snack break for Evelyn

Enjoying the view of the cliffs and Lake Minnewaska from the landing before the parking lot

Videos

A couple of fun videos of Sydney's antics and Evelyn's giggles!

Sydney is finding creative things to do in the morning in her bigger bed. One morning, we went in and were greeted by the stuffed animal lineup.

Evelyn does seem to be getting cuter by the day

and she is largely a happy camper with lots of smiles to go around

Adorable tummy time

Love the hair!

A visit from Aunt Kim, Uncle Jon, Ryan, and Erin

Hanging out in the sun room

She's happy because she's wearing her Red Sox shirt...even if they are having a tough season.

RI Summer Gathering

Dance Party with cousins

Hanging out with Great Grandma

Quality time with Auntie Kim

Charming the Aunts

Today's itinerary...Enjoy life! (that's what the Happy Retirement card said)

Yeah, retirement!

Eliciting smiles from Evelyn

More smiles for Nana

Looking up to cousins Donovan and Ashley

Birthday boy, Ashley, and Sydney

Sydney and Evelyn in dresses from the O'Meara's

more quality time with Evelyn

Ashley, Evelyn, Sydney

Ashley and Evelyn

Graduation weekend - Part 2

We stayed with John and Maura before and after the graduation and Julie came for dinner Sunday night before we flew out on Monday. We had a great time visiting with them and definitely count them among the things we will miss about the Midwest. Sydney had a great time with Maeve...and her toys!

Graduation Weekend..."Dr. Mommy"

Me with my parents outside Beering Hall

Some fun at the Purdue Memorial Union Club Hotel

Close up with Mom and Dad

My Major Professor

Me with Joshua and Evelyn after the ceremony

Sydney got to see it all happen over the internet thanks to our fantastic neighbors (who we miss!) and their facilitation of a stellar play date! Sydney has taken to calling me "Dr. Mommy." It started on my birthday after I successfully defended. Now, she uses it in everyday conversation (e.g., "Excuse me, Dr. Mommy, I want some other food" and "There's Dr. Mommy right there"). It is pretty adorable.