August Photo Round Up

Literally in the 11th hour on the 31st, here are some (but not all) pictures from August.

Blogger uploaded the pics backwards so we're just going to discuss them that way.

Little boy, big playroom

Practicing forward rolls with Dadu

Nasya and Okera came over to hang out with Chase and Stephen when I was out of town. Cuteness ensued.

We went to Massachusetts in early August, but on Sunday of that weekend we went to New York for Addy's baptism.

(Is this the 2011 Zayac Family Christmas Photo?)

(outtake)

So backing up, while we were in Massachusetts, Chase had so much fun hanging out with his cousins. Unfortunately, he is into everything so there weren't many opportunities to take his pictures between keeping him out of trouble.

He watched the big kids play tetherball at Heritage.

As did Amelia.

Chase had so much fun in the baby pool at Heritage- he didn't even get upset when he fell and dunked under the water a few times. In fact, we encouraged him and clapped so that when he fell again, he got up and clapped for himself!

Chase loved playing with Amelia and Owen, but he wasn't so sure what to make of their bathtime shenanigans.

More August to come....but in September!

Wordless Wednesday: My favorite bench

Earthquake and a phone photo dump

You *may* have heard that the East Coast had an earthquake yesterday that really rattled DC (but was felt all the way up into New England). It's true. We're all fine. Luckily our nanny had called in sick yesterday so I was home with Chase. I was on the phone with work when I felt shaking. When the low rumbling and the shaking continued for more than 10 seconds, I immediately thought "earthquake!" grabbed Chase (with Mueller at my heels) and ran outside. Of course the person I was talking to felt the movement too, which brought up my second thought: bomb.

Despite lots of shaking, nothing in our house was damanged-- just a few pictures askew and some fallen books. But that doesn't mean we weren't affected. Unfortunately, living near the nation's capitol, we are familiar with the gut-wrenching fear that something is terribly wrong. Often it's quickly dismissed, but yesterday it lasted. The sensation of shaking was scary. It could have been any number of terrible things besides an earthquake. Phone service was sporadic at best. I didn't know if my family and friends were okay. Our neighborhood was eerily silent.

I cannot imagine how terrified I would have been if I'd been at my office, streaming out into the street, trying desperately to get in touch with our nanny and Stephen to make sure everyone was all right. Or facing the decision of getting on the metro with the risk of aftershocks, but as my only way home. Luckily I was there to hug Chase a little tighter and feel like my home was safe, but I was worried about Stephen. By the time our text messages started going through, I had seen the news online and knew that he was very likely okay.

All of this is to say that somethings things happen to remind you to enjoy the moment and the time with your family without distractions.

So here's what I'm thinking of:

Peek-a-boo!

Smiley dinner

Bub-ble hat!

Eating Spaghetti-Os with Nonnie (more on our trip in an upcoming post)

 YUM!

Basket Hat

Chase hearts bobble-head dolls.

Pre-earthquake on Tuesday: Mowing the lawn....



Hey, what happened? 

I'll fix it myself!

Up and running again.

And just in case you think Washington is all natural disasters (hurricane this weekend?), attacks/bombings, and terrible political showdowns, here's something to warm your heart. I took these on my commute home a few weeks ago.

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome to the world

Welcome to the world
Brooks Thomas Picard
Born August 11, 2011 at 10:41am
8lbs 9oz

We are so excites for Story and Dan and the newest member of the Trinity Class of 2033!

Welcome to the world!

Welcome to the world'
Daniella Marie Puvak

8lbs 14oz
August 18, 2011
We are so excited for Veronica & Josh and can't wait to meet Daniella!

Jersey Shore 2011: Early mornings and hawaiian shirts.

I should really be going to bed, but I'm eager to post the last Jersey Shore 2011 post within a month of the trip. So I'm going to only post a few pictures this time.

As I said previously, Chase woke up EARLY, like 5:30am early, every morning of vacation. We alternated days so one of us got to sleep in while the other made coffee, went for a walk, and entertained Chase (in a half awake state). One morning I caught a few pics of Chase and his Daddy.

 And then Chase stealing the milk!

He doesn't even like skim!

One night I realized that we had yet to put Chase in his Hawaiian shirt that is a hand-me-down from Caleb. I couldn't believe that I missed the opportunity to get a shot of Chase in this shirt next to Pop (a big fan of Hawaiian shirts at one point) and that Uncle Billy (still a fan of Hawaiian shirts) had missed it. So I took a million pictures. Naturally.

Check out his hilarious faces!

He also got into some trouble. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt will make a guy mischievous.

Big hats are in this year so I decided I should wear mine and Chase and I could channel the beach together. Except he didn't want to hold still...

On our last day we went to see Grandma and Grandpa Ness. As lifelong Yankees fans, I knew that they'd want to see Chase in his Yankees jersey. Daddy was conveniently busy that day and not there to veto my outfit choice for Chase.

I have to say, he looks pretty happy in it.

And finally, our last afternoon at the beach.

 No trip would be complete without some reading time with Grammy.

Happy Vacation! We're looking forward to next year already.