New England Aquarium

Dear Conor,

This summer we have made two trips to the New England Aquarium.  We certainly are getting a lot of use out of the family pass that Grandma and Grandpa Trayner gave you for Christmas (2012).  The first trip was on 7.2.13 with Auntie Cathlin.  You and she had a lot of fun and it was nice that Mommy got a little rest because Auntie loved walking around with you and you loved your time with her!

This was one of the last times that we got to spend with Auntie all by ourselves before she got married.  It was a fun day for all of us.  After the Aquarium you napped in the car while Auntie and I had a picnic of Panera.  Then it was off to the dress shop for fittings!!!  Hard to believe that as I type this now Auntie is married and has a new home!  Thanks for a GREAT day Auntie!

Your second trip to the Aquarium was when we met up with Grandpa and Grandma Trayner (and Danielle) to bring Auntie Sarah back to them on 7.27.13.  Again, it was a great day with family and you had so much fun being with your family that Mom got a lot of rest.  You held everyone's hands but mine and spent time with each person.  We got lunch at Faneuil Hall and then walked around the waterfront before it was time to head back home.

Looking for the BIG turtle

Holding the side of the stroller like Grandpa taught you

Mommy, Conor, Auntie Danielle (& Baby Brother - 26 weeks)

Daddy didn't get to go to the Aquarium so we have to plan another trip or two so that he is able to see the new tank and spend some time in Boston with you!  Maybe next time we can bring Little Gordon and his parents!

xoxo
Mommy

Friends

Dear Conor,

On our way back home from visiting our family we stopped in and saw your good friend Little Gordon.  We didn't have a chance to visit for a super long time but we stayed long enough for the two of you to enjoy some time together both inside and outside.

Little Gordon has some toys that you have never seen before so you really seemed to like playing with them.  He had musical instruments as well as blocks and an activity table that none of your friends have.

Playing Blocks (or eating them)

Little Gordon - 11 months old

Conor - 8 months old

learning to share toys

After playing inside for a little while Little Gordon took us for a walk down to the playground/splash park near his house.  The splash park was closed because all the kids went back to school but the playground was open and we had lots of fun swinging on the swings.

And then of course there are the required photos - I love taking pictures of you and LG every time the two of you get together because several years from now his mommy and I will be able to look back and see how much you grew.

Add caption

I also let you crawl around a bit - or I thought I was letting you but you had other plans - you wanted to get to the Hunter!

You decided that you would walk him back to the car yourself......of course, that was not going to happen but you held onto his leash for a bit at the park until it was time to go.

"walking Hunter"

Next time we go to visit LG we plan to be able to stay longer so that the two of you will have more time together...but anytime with friends is time well spent no matter how short :)

xoxo
Mommy

Boston Bound!

Dear Conor,

On August 13, 2012 you and I took a Mommy/Son trip to my old stomping grounds (and Grandpa Tom's too) to visit Auntie Cathlin!  She lives just a few blocks from where your Mommy lived after college and where Pops lived when he was a little boy.  We left around 10am so that you would nap in the car on the way down.  You woke up just as I was pulling through Davis Square so it was a good solid nap for you.

When we got to Auntie Cathlin's house she was so happy to see you!  We let you play for a little bit on her carpet (she made sure to tell me she had vaccummed for you so that I would feel comfortable with you on her floor!) but then it was time to head into the city because we were going to the Children's Museum.

First we had to walk to the T station so that you could ride the T for the first time!  Mommy used to go to this T stop all the time when she was living in the area so it was very surreal to be back there with you!  Auntie offered to carry you (we did bring your stroller but I felt wearing you would be safer on the T).  She seemed to be very comfortable and you loved it as always!  You even fell asleep on her back!  Auntie is the first person to wear you other than me.

Its a Baby Wearing Auntie!

Your FIRST T ride!

 When we got to the Children's Museum we found our way up to the Infant area which is a special section of the Toddler area.  It had carpet, tons of toys, soft structures, and plenty of sensory objects for you to explore.

trying to make a new friend

Such a handsome boy!

 On the upper level of the baby area (it was up 3 steps which you weren't quite able to master) there was a waterbead type activity.  I put you on it to see how you would like the experienxe and at first you really were unsure about it.

Mom - what is this?

I don't think I like this - I want to get off

Still unsure - crawling on this is tough

trying to climb out

OK - I'l just stay here till you come and get me.

 I can't say that you loved the waterbed but by the time we took you out of it you seemed much more comfortable and you were even rolling around on it a bit.  The next stop was a spinner that was also on the second little tier to the infant area.  Auntie spun you round and round (very slowly) and you loved it!

We were able to get a group picture when a very nice lady volunteered to take our picture (after we asked nicely of course).

Auntie, Conor and Mommy

 After some more spinning we left the Infant area and let you try out some of the exhibits that were a bit more challenging for you.  This wall puzzle required you to move the little pegs along the trails - you seemed to like this and spent a bit of time in front of it.

Then Auntie took you into the water area.  You had so much fun here.  It was a little tall for you and the stool didn't offer you much support and you wanted to put EVERYTHING in your mouth (Mommy doesn't mind you tasting your environment but she draws the line at museum water toys) so we didn't stay here very long.  Both Auntie and I agreed that it would be an area that you need to be a bit older for us to really get to enjoy it with you.

Water is cold and wet!

 After water time we did some reading.....and puzzels in the quiet section of the Toddler area.

And because you are "so Vain" we spent some time in front of the mirror making faces :)

Then it was time for lunch!  We tucked you into your stroller and took a walk down a few blocks to a neat little eatery where we picked up french fries and a sandwich.  Then we walked back to the Museum and ate outside at the cafe tables.  You were such a good boy while we ate and you even had a little bit of milk yourself.

After lunch we went back into the museum and walked through some of the older kid exhibits just to get an idea of what else the museum offered.  We went to Japan and we toured the Black Market and an Indian exhibit.  Then it was time to head back to Auntie's house.

You slept the entire walk back to the T station and during the entire ride so you were very well rested by the time we got to Aunties and you were ready to play!

On your mark - get set - GO!

LOVE

Piggy Back Ride

Your Auntie loves you so much and she planned the most PERFECT day for us all to enjoy....you are very lucky to have her as both your auntie and your Godmom.

And because I am raising you to be a good boy with nice manners - what do you say to Auntie?

Thank you Auntie Cathlin for taking me to the museum - I love you!

xoxo
Mommy

PS.  you slept about 1/2 the ride home but had a tough time the second 1/2 of the trip.  I'm not sure if it was because of your teeth or if it was due to the hour of day we were traveling - next time we will either have to stay later so its closer to bedtime or we will have to leave earlier so its like nap time (or stay overnight!).