ADK 2014

The Adirondacks. One of my favorite places to be!
I forgot my camera, so these pictures are all from my phone.

This was our 3rd annual trip with Jeremy & Victoria & their kiddos.
We had fun thinking back on how our families have changed from trip to trip.

The first time we all went together, we camped at Heart Lake.
Colden was 2, Victoria was pregnant, and Doug & I were waiting to bring Bo home.

The second time we went, we stayed at the beautiful Grouse Patch.
Colden was 3, Kade was 8 months old, and Bo was 1.

This time, we stayed at this sweet cabin, Old Eb.
Colden is 4, Bo is 2, Kade is 1, and I'm pregnant.

It's fun to wonder what next year's trip will bring!

The weather was beautiful for us during our week-long stay.

We enjoyed a lot of swimming in the Ausable River.

I'm happy to share that Bo was much more excited about the water this year.

Almost every time he was in the water, he told us that he was going to swim,
"all the way to Grampa & Gramma's house."

And of course, multiple trips to Stewart's must happen when you're on the east side of the state.

 
Seriously. Their ice cream "Happy Camper"?!

We drove by this crazy "monument" noting the water line due to Hurricane Irene.

It's also become one of our traditions to grab lunch at 46 Sandwiches and eat by Mirror Lake.

This year, we were surprised to see the old gazebo has been replaced by a little amphitheater. 

While we waited out the only rain to interrupt our plans, 

we documented Bo & Colden's matching hiking shoes.

This was our 7-year anniversary picture:

And of course, V & I had to capture our coordinating plaids.

An abundance of s'mores were enjoyed...

and massive marshmallows consumed.

One morning, Doug & Jeremy left our cabin in the middle of the night to go hike Mt. Colden.

Doug texted me this picture from the summit - they got there right as the sun was coming up!

(This peak marks the halfway point for Doug - 23 out of 46!)

As we waited for the big boys to descend and arrive home, 

Victoria & I did a little hike of our own with the little boys.

I had Bo stop and pose by the entrance to our cabin:

He was a very slow little hiker that morning - 

taking his time to look all around and enjoy nature!

Another day we drove over to Marcy Field...

where we ran around...

and flew Colden's kite...

and played with trucks in the rocks...

and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

Such an incredible backdrop to our little lunch!

Both Victoria & I really wanted to get some family pictures,

so we coerced the boys into venturing out after dinner one night. :)

Victoria snapped this photo on Doug's phone:

Jeremy took a lot of pictures with his camera too, and I can't wait to see how those turned out!

On our last full day in the 'Dacks, we did a family hike of Cobble Hill.

Here we are enjoying a little snack atop the summit.

And here's me, Bo & baby with amazing views of high peaks in the background.

I'm so thankful that we were able to take a vacation with some of our best friends.

Love this place and can't wait to plan our next trip.

Bann Clan in Cali: Day 5

Day 5: November 26 - our last day in Cali

::1::

Sadly, Robert & Bailey had to fly home this morning, but we remembered to get a group shot.

I love how my dad is like The Godfather here...

::2::

On the drive to San Diego, we saw a sundog! 

I used to think my dad made up that term, but it's a real thing. 

You can kind of see it in the upper right corner...

::3::

The drive to Point Loma.

 ::4::

Exploring at Point Loma

 ::5::

Yet another gorgeous day.

 ::6::

Just sitting and looking at the Pacific.

::7::

This.

 ::8::

Boys looking over the edge.

 ::9::

Climbing.

 ::10::

You guessed it: throwing rocks.

 ::11::

The view in the other direction.

 ::12::

Seeing what we can see.

::13::

Fam. [Our family photos all by Jayne!]

 ::14::

What I Wore. aka I will never be a fashion blogger.

 ::15::

Oh, what up, Jay?

 ::16::

31 years & going strong.

 ::17::

Trying desperately to get in the water.

 ::18::

Around the tide pools. So, so cool.

 ::19::

The Family Squinty.

 ::20::

Checking out various sea creatures adhered to the rocks.

::21::

Dip.

 ::22::

Again, would really just love for Dad to let go & let him do his thing.

 ::23::

Amazed I could take this picture, my palms were so sweaty.

I feel compelled to mention that Doug is standing super close to Bo (cropped out of pic, actually) - 

we're not trying to be reckless with our son's well being.

 ::24::

Felt he could point more effectively if he stood up.

 ::25::

Did I say "gorgeous" yet? GORGEOUS.

 ::26::

 Dad

::27::

Views along our hike.

 ::28::

The tiny figures on the rock in the lower left-hand corner are Ethan, Emily & Jayne.

 ::29::

I spy my boys.

 ::30::

Tide pool.

 ::31::

Sweet rocks. Sweet boys.

 ::32::

Jayne getting drenched.

::33::

Jayne getting drenched and Emily trying to get away...

 ::34::

TOO SLOW. Gotcha!

 ::35::

There are about 100 more pictures like this on my computer.

 ::36::

Pelican.

 ::37::

Parton.

 ::38::

Lone Ranger.

 ::39::

Cemetery. 

 ::40::

Last shot of San Diego.

Thanks again to Mom & Dad for an incredible vacation.

Such a special time to spend with our family.

Can't wait for our next family trip!