White Water Rafting

Who likes rapids more than Brian? Nobody. But because we go to ADK in the summer months, the rivers are usually too low.

This year Brian discovered that the Hudson River Gorge is controlled by a dam. They release water for several hours each day, and during that time rafting companies guide white water rafting tours.

Nine of our bravest family members signed up to tackle the Level III & IV rapids: Brian (of course), Ryan, George, Jenna, Dean, Margaret, Robert, Jack, and Mark. Take a look at some action shots! Looks like fun, doesn’t it?

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of the Rafting Pictures

Enchanted Forest

Enchanted Forest Water Safari is an odd combination amusement park that blends story book statues and miniature houses with a petting zoo and a water park. Add a small section of kiddie rides and a few random circus performances thrown in for good measure, and there you have it. Dare I say a competitor for the Happiest Place on Earth?

For us, it is always the highlight of the week. This year was no different. Ask William, and he will tell you it’s “a biggest fun place”. Indeed.

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of the Enchanted Forest experience

Megan’s First Cone

Rocky Point is located in the little town of Inlet, NY. Like any touristy little town, Inlet is filled with souvenir shops and parks and fun things for us tourists to do. The one-screen movie theater is quaint, and the playground area is clean and well maintained, but the biggest line in town forms outside the Soft Serve Ice Cream Shoppe.

Who can resist a twist cone with chocolate jimmies? Certainly not us. And now, definitely not Megan! She had her first ice cream cone ever this week. Can you tell by her face if she liked it?

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of Inlet’s Ice Cream Shoppe and Playground

Mr. Guy Smiley

The ’08 reunion trip was especially fun because we got a chance to hang out with my brother’s family, including their new baby, Ethan. I know I’ve mentioned that this kid was a happy baby before, but after spending a week with him, I’m beginning to think he is THE happiest baby.

Look at this face! He is the most laid back child I have ever met. What a cutie!

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of Brian, Crissy, and Ethan

Hiking Moss Lake

The first day there, Ryan, Brian, Crissy and I decided to take the kids on a hike around Moss Lake. It was a 2.6 mile walk on a well marked path in the middle of the woods. Though we walked around Moss Lake, we really didn’t see too much of the actual lake. But it was a fun hike anyway.

William stopped to pick up just about every rock he found, which slowed us down a little bit. But Ethan and Megan hung in their packs like troupers and seemed to enjoy the scenery.

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of the hike around Moss Lake

Adirondacks – A Family Reunion

We’re back! And we’re covered with bug bites from this last vacation. I love the North East, but those pesky mosquitoes need to be dealt with.

Aside from the bugs, we had another wonderful family reunion. For anyone who doesn’t know, every year my Grandmother arranges for a family reunion in the Adirondack Mountains. We hike, bike, swim, and enjoy the company of our extended family. It’s great to catch up with my Aunts & Uncles and to see how my cousins are growing into their own.

Due to the enormous amount of pictures that were taken, I’m going to break this blog into several sections. Stay tuned for postings!

In the meantime, I’m going to leave you with a few images of Rocky Point (see below for links).

To see more pictures: Click here for a full gallery of Rocky Point

ALSO: Click here to see some pictures of the clan

William’s First 4th of July Celebration

North Carolinian’s are CRAZY!

It’s Independence Day and this year we thought we could wake William up around 9PM so he could see fireworks for the first time. Being the responsible father, Ryan purchased his “fireworks” from the local grocery store. I say “fireworks” because a few pop-snappers and a couple of sparkers might not actually qualify.

In the meantime, every neighbor on our street drove to South Carolina and purchased professional grade TNT that emits a spectacular fire show, illuminating the rooftops of every house in our development.

We heard no screams, so we assume that everyone made it through the evening with all their fingers still attached. With so many people setting off fireworks at the same time, the sounds and smells of the area is like the Battle of Saratoga. Pop! Pop! Squeeeeeel! BANG! And, of course, there’s smoke everywhere.

Ryan’s little sparklers barely made a dent in the noise, smoke, and light pollution that was already happening, but William enjoyed all the commotion.

Happy 4th of July!!