Poppa & Lago Jorge

Poppa Crosby wanted to escape the oppressive Florida heat and see Gwen, so he came up for a visit! The weather today was clear, cool (compared to Florida), and just overall gorgeous, so we took a trip to Lake George. We went on a "historic cruise" and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Gwen was quite excited to go on a boat. As usual, lots of people liked to say hello to Gwen. Her new response is to put her cheek to her shoulder (as seen above) and say, "I shy." After the cruise we had lunch and got some delicious cider donuts and pie at Lakeside Farm before making it home for nap time. As far as Gwen was concerned, Poppa was the most interesting part of the cruise!

Day at the Museum

Today we went on a family outing to the New York State Museum. Because it was going to be an adventure, Dora had to accompany Gwen!
Gwen enjoyed running around many of the exhibits. Once in awhile she would stop and take a look at something. Some of the "stuffed" animals caught her attention. She wanted to hold the animals and would reach for them while saying, "Ah hold!"

Gwen appreciated the benches located throughout the museum and took a seat on many of them. Sometimes a more extensive rest was required, and she would lay down.

Gwen learned about many interesting things including: fossils, bugs, animals that live or have lived in New York, and the Erie Canal. One of Gwen's favorite parts of the museum was a small table with chairs that had paper and crayons for coloring. Mom and Dad's favorite part of the adventure was when Gwen said she needed to use the potty and was successful in the public restroom!

The adventure ended with a carousel ride. Gwen was all smiles!

As we headed back to the car, we asked Gwen if she liked the museum. She replied with an affirmative, "AGAIN!"

How to Throw a Rock

Find the perfect rock...

get set...

and toss! (Don't forget the dainty follow through!)

The bigger the splash the better!

Always be on the lookout for your next rock throwing opportunity.

The Most Magical Place on Earth

Because Gwen has roots in Florida, it is inevitable that she will go to Disney World many times. But there is only one first time, and it was today! It was a laid back day taken at Gwen's short- legged pace, and because Mom and Dad were Honorary VoluntEARS, they didn't feel bad about leaving lots to be seen during future visits.

As we walked by Cinderella's Castle, we spotted lots of Disney characters dancing and singing. Gwen recognized Mickey and Minnie because she had been playing with small Mickey and Minnie stuffed animals at Grammie and Poppa's house. She enjoyed the show from her perch.

The carousel was Gwen's favorite ride. She looked so little on the big horse, but Grammie helped her stay safely in the saddle. When the music ended and the horse stopped, Gwen said, "Again! Again!"

Gwen always enjoys her lunch!

Gwen getting playful (or maybe fighting the crowds) at Pooh's Playful Spot.

Then it was on to the classic "It's a Small World" ride. Gwen didn't mind waiting in line as the cuckoo clock was quite entertaining and Grammie offered good companionship.

Gwen was quite taken by the many cultures represented...or maybe it was all the glitter and movement.

The boat ride was fun and the cuckoo clock was still going when we got back to the beginning.

We headed to the tea cups next, but Gwen didn't make it. So we picked up a souvenir Minnie cup for Gwen, took the ferry boat back to the parking lot, and headed back to Grammie and Poppa's instead. It was a magical day!

IKEA!

Friends and family we trust have long touted the many virtues of IKEA, and now we can tout too! We experienced IKEA for the first time with Grammie Crosby, Auntie Rachel, and cousins Katie and Zack.

When we got to the children's section of the store, Gwen spent as much time as she was allowed appreciating each children's bedroom set up. She loved the little tables with chairs and the mini dishes and utensils. She would have happily cooked and served pretend food for the remainder of the day!

For Gwen, IKEA was like a giant children's museum where she could run around checking new things out for hours.

Gwen decided she might be getting ready for a big girl bed, so she tried a few out for size.

We came away with a few mementos from our first trip to IKEA. However, we probably spent less than we would have at a children's museum while still thoroughly enjoying the hours of entertainment!

Gwen Goes to the Children's Museum

Gwen and her cousin, Niko, had lots of adventures at the Children's Museum today.

Toddler Park

Gwen and Niko would have been quite content to spend the whole visit in the toddler park. Everything was padded and just their size.

Vet

Gwen is as tall as a goat!

Market

Niko loved stacking cans, and Gwen loved putting food in the shopping basket.

Farm




Maybe Gwen will be a farmer when she grows up. She loved collecting the eggs, milking the cow, driving the tractor, and moving the mini hay bales along the conveyor belts.

Car Repair


Gwen is in the driver's seat.

Fire Engine

Gwen liked being a firefighter so much that taking off the boots brought her to tears!

Ranger Station


Munoz Family - Eduardo, Niko, & Audrey
Crosby Family - Jared, Gwen, & Ashley