Loads of Fun!

I don't even know where to begin! I'll try to summarize our last 3 weeks quickly and then post lots of pics. Nate had 3 weeks btw internship ending and school beginning, and were they ever packed full! The 1st week was low key and mostly relaxing. That was when we went to the aquarium (last post). The 2nd week was consumed with planning a retreat for PHD students. We all got to go along and it was definitely LOTS of work (mostly for Nate), but so much fun! We had an awesome time. We were at Ocean Grove, NJ, and stayed in a house that had 3 other families in it (AND, there were 4 kids under 1 1/2 years old). We all fit comfortably, it was huge! We had 2 gorgeous days at the beach and 1 day where we weathered Tropical Storm Hannah passing through. The waves were unbelievable!!! Came home on a Sunday night and crashed. Then Monday was Joshua's 1st day of Pre-K. There was little to no anxiety seeing as he was going with all his friends. He loves it! Tuesday Nate's folks flew in for one week. We had an AWESOME time! I am so blessed to have in-law's that we have so much fun with. The biggest event was a trip to a Yankee's game that was a 'manly' event only. Mama Jo and I stayed home and shopped, rested, cleaned, did laundry, made peppernuts and vernike too. There is no stopping 'shteeber' women! Nate started school this past Monday now and we are finally sensing some routine is about to happen again. The weather is gorgeous and life is good: ).

New events for Jenna would include mastering her spoon about a week ago. What a blessing!!! She's starting to put the beginning or end to her words now, i.e. 'cream' is now ' ice cream' or 'men' is now 'amen'. Also, she's showing lots of mental signs that she may be ready for potty-training, but physically she's not. What to do... I sure don't want to miss my window of opportunity. She's a strong personality and I want to catch it when it's time. It sure is difficult with the 2nd though. With Joshua I just took about 3 days with nothing going on and we conquered it. Now 3 days with nothing going on is impossible!! Ah well, we'll figure it out.

That's a quick catch up. My mom comes in less than 3 weeks now and we're already excited for that. Blessings - Janel

(WARNING: Ridiculous amount of pics to follow:)


First day of Pre-K



So sweet


Joshua loved helping Grandpa Jo find things on Ebay to 'watch' for the train shop


Nate's toenail finally fell off from his bicycle accident, sick!



Joshua had fun playing lots of games with Grandma and Grandpa Jo

Jenna was very sweet on Grandpa Jo, she would often initiate sitting on his lap


A trip to downtown Princeton


Grandma and Grandpa Jo! What a great pic!


Yummy Halo Pub ice cream!


More yumminess!!




Me in the back of the Subaru so we wouldn't have to take two vehicles to Sraten Island


A picnic overlooking lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty


Joshua helping us figure out which way to go!


On the ferry at Staten Island






The day we went to Straten Island was 9/11. This was an art structure that was in the world trade center when it was hit. Ironically, it was named "World Peace".


Story time


The boy's at Yankee Stadium!!!!


Jenna being silly on the PTS bus


Joshua and his buddy Sam (at the beach house)


Lunch on the beach, thanks to Nate and Ryan





Fun on the beach for Joshua and Jenna and their new friend, Ellie