Life in the Valley

For as long as I've known Jen I've heard her talk about a place called "Willow Valley."  Given the endless stories/ anecdotes/ inside jokes I've heard about this place I've come to realize that in the mind of my wife this is a mysterious and mythical place at the level of Brigadoon or Camelot.

This past weekend, at long last, I was finally able to enjoy my first visit to this tiny hamlet in the picturesque Lancaster countryside.  Upon arriving at Willow Valley I could immediately feel something different in the air.  It was like magic, it was like fairy dust, it was... the smell of two indoor pools and an overflowing smorgasbord. Mmmmmmm, smorgasbord.   

Now you might think that given our visit to such a quaint locale we'd have dozens of pictures of rolling hills, green pastures, or maybe a cow or two?  

Nope.  Just more pictures of Aiden.  Get used to it people, I don't think this is going to be changing anytime soon.  First we've got some pictures of our boy getting ready for his first big dinner at Willow Valley.  Looking good buddy!  You can tell he is eagerly anticipating the down-home country cooking.

And what do we do after stuffing ourselves full of sweet smorgasbord goodness?  Why, jump right in the pool of course!

Aiden and I both had a great first experience at Willow Valley.  It was a fun, quick getaway, and a good time to be with Mom and Dad Weidner.  Hopefully we'll be going back soon!

These pictures are from after we got home.  Try not to be blinded by the white-hot cuteness.

If you're in the mood for something sweet...

A large helping of piping hot cutie pie, with a generous dollop of hand whipped adorableness.  

Enjoy.

Under the Phoenxiville Sun

It's always fun to have friends come to visit us here at the abode.  This weekend was no exception as we were lucky enough to have some very special visitors. 

 Chris was my room-mate in college, best man at my wedding, and one of the great friends that I'll have in this lifetime. He and his wife Becky are both teachers in Schenectady, New York and a week off from school for them gave us the chance to spend a few days together.

The weather was so nice that we pretty much just laid around in the sun for two days.  It was the type of weather that makes you seriously consider moving to southern California.  But then again... if we didn't have to live through all that Pennsylvania rain/snow/wind/slush/sleet would those perfect days be as sweet?  I think not.

Flattering or Freaky?

The other day we got this letter in the mail:

Are we wrong to feel like this is a little creepy?  Maybe this happens all the time, but I sort of feel like it doesn't.  It could just be two people who really like our house, but it seems like there would be a better, less stalker-ish way, to convey that message, right?  

You could say, "Hey we really like your house, if you're ever looking to move give us a call." Or some variation of that where you don't write a big fat $BUY$ complete with sandwiching money signs.

Is this odd, or is it just us?

Boys

Jen and I have said on occasion that if we had to choose we would rather have all boys than all girls.  I don't know what this decision is based on other then the vague notion that it would be slighty more pleasent to have a house full of racous, hormonal teenage boys, then one packed with giggling, boy-crazy, teenybopper girls.

Anyway, Jen's cousin Lauren and her kids (all boys) were down to visit earlier in the week. Tyler, Andrew, and Conner were really good with Aiden and they immediately accepted him into their boy fraternity.

I'm sure that Aiden would love to have a little sister to take care of, but really what boy doesn't want to give their kid brother a nice noogie now and then?

Here is the epitome of boy bonding.  I am trying to teach Aiden to give a hearty boooo! whenever he sees anything related to the New York Mets.  So far he has mastered "blugh."  Not bad for only 2 months of practice!

Aiden has Philies fever!

Bon Voyage Benners

For those of you who know our friends Mike and Rhianwen, or who have read their blog, you know that they will soon be moving to Los Angeles.  Mike is an amazing writer (which is why they are moving to LA in the first place) and if you want to read his account of their decision to take this step check it out here.

On Saturday we went to a going-away party for the Benner's. It was a great time to hang out, meet some of Mike and Rhianwhen's friends, and watch lots of little kids run around.  These first two pictures are of Rhianwhen and her Mom holding Aiden, and one of the party's other babies, Edan.  Pretty cute, huh?

We also got a little bit more Benner time in on Monday.  Valley Forge Park is a great (and big as we found out) place to a walk... and walk... and walk.   

What started out as a casual afternoon stroll soon turned into an epic forced march (the "trail of tears" was briefly referenced).  By the second hour morale was getting low, and there was some mutinous chatter circulating among the women-folk.  A typical exchange went something like this:

 Jen/ Rhianwhen-  "Do you know where are? Or are we just walking?"

Rob/ Mike- " Of course.  See that church over there? Thats where we started."

Jen/ Rhianwhen- "You mean the church on the other side of that mountain??  It's farther away NOW then it was 20 minutes ago!"

Rob/Mike- "Yeah, but at least we can SEE it."

And on it went- through hills and dales and replica revolutionary log cabins, until finally we  stumbled back into the parking lot, tired and broken (but happy.)

In reality the near nonexistent drudgery of our long walk was FAR overshadowed by how great it was to spend so much time with our friends.  Mike and Rhianwhen have been in our lives as long as we've been married (and longer for Rhianwhen and Jen), and it's going to be hard to have them so far away.  But more than anything we are beyond excited for this next stage in Mike and Rhianwhen's life.  

Bon Voyage Benners!  

And in conclusion, Aiden hates hats.

Party Time

The season of birthday celebrations continued today.  This time it was Jen and Dad's turn.  After church today Jen and Aiden and I, along with Aaron and Bethany, went to Mom and Dad Jones' house to get our party on.

Looking at this first picture you may wonder exactly which party-related activity is taking place.  We are clearly not eating dinner, having cake or opening presents (that was later).  

So why were we all standing around staring at a computer screen?

It's Gwyn!!!

Thanks to the magic of "Skype" Gwyn was able to join in the celebration from under her mosquito net in Uganda.  It was great for us all to talk to her, and see her together. Having her in the conversation made it feel like a real family get-together.

She'll be home pretty soon and Aiden can't wait to meet his Aunt Gwyn!

Ah yes, and now we're opening presents.

Aiden is giving his undivided attention.

Toby is really interested in Aiden.  He likes to sniff him and give him little kisses.

This birthday cake looked like something straight out of Doctor Seuss, and tasted like sweet blueberry goodness.  Good work Mom!

A happy Grandpa and a happy Grandson.  What could be better?