A visit with Elmo Mark in New York

So, Satchel loves Elmo. We never encouraged this, but somehow, all on her own, she decided she dearly loves the little guy. She also has taken to calling my brother, Mark, Elmo Mark. He used to be just Uh'Mark, but now he is Elmo Mark. Anyhow, we visited Elmo Mark in New York City where he is currently working for the year.

Satchel turned two since the last time we flew, so we had to buy a seat for her this time (no more lap child). Here she is studying the safety instructions.

Always have to do the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Satchel doesn't seem impressed. Maybe because it was unseasonably muggy and hot.

Ah yes, a slide is always a favorite. She hopped up and down so much that her pants fell down around her ankles. It was a perfect America's Funniest Home videos moment except that we weren't videoing it.

And second best to slides: swings.

This was a really cool old carousel from Youngstown, Ohio. It is almost 100 years old and has been completely restored with the original calliope. It was really neat!

And our favorite of the whole weekend: the highline. An incredibly cool park made from an old elevated railway system running through the city.

Another favorite: watching the neat automatic car parking system.

Taking in the view of the city from one of the Highline overpasses.

Riding the subway!

Satchel kept requesting a boat ride, so we took the Staten Island Ferry.

From our ride on the ferry, we saw many many tugboats which made Satchel's ride even better.

And, can't pay a visit to New York without taking a quick photo of this...

Isaac's Birthday!

OK, I'm a bit behind here, so I'm going to do a few catch up posts. Isaac turned one in September (yes, I realize that was two months ago). To celebrate, we had some Elmo hats and Elmo curly things you blow into (what are those called?). Both Satchel and Isaac very much enjoyed the evening. Here's a couple snaps.

The last of the summer photos

A few weeks ago we did a few fun things for a final summer hurrah. A boat ride from Navy Pier during the Air and Water Show weekend and a trip to the county fair (and Satchel's first demolition derby!).

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

Navy Pier from the boat

Downtown Chicago

Pointing out another airplane or another boat (there were quite a lot to point out)

Playing in the fountain

And breakfast at Yolk afterward

Unfortunately we only took one photo at the county fair, but it was a good one.

What to Wear

Satchel picked out this outfit first thing upon waking the other morning. Onesie, red patent leather Mary Janes, and a monkey hat. It's a new trend.

She wore it for breakfast.

Elmo's Tragic Accident

I am sad to report that Elmo has been involved in a tragic shopping cart accident. Though the accident was quite serious, he seems to have recovered OK. Much to some people's dismay, he has retained full abilities to sing the ABC's every single god-blessed time that he is hugged.

Satchel Turns Two!

Satchel actually turned two July 22nd, but I'm just now getting the photos up. For her birthday:

1. Balloons

2. Her favorite meal - pancakes, sausage, and eggs

(It was so darn hot that it didn't make sense for her to wear a shirt)

"Happy Birthday" crown from Aunt Michelle

A visit to Ohio to see Grandma, Grandpa, Great Aunt Barb, and Great Grandma on her birthday.

Satchel got an awesome dollhouse from Grandma and Grandpa and was particularly interested in the bathtub and potty.

Swinging in the park. It was so hot that there was not another soul around.

Satchel's travel tent/bed is so cool that Grandma has to try it out. I was really impressed that she fit!