Gym Time

My mom came to visit us last weekend so she could watch Savannah while I attended a wedding (Oscar was out of town for work), but before we left we had to get in our weekly gym class.  Every week I say that I'm going to take pictures but it's nearly impossible to take pictures and be a spotter for my wild, fearless child.  So I was so excited that my mom was able to tag along with us and snap some photos while I chased after Savannah.

"Check out the prizes at the top!"

 She loves climbing up any type of ladder.

 This is her favorite spot--she loves to look down on all the babies.

 She always has to have something in her hand. This rattle hung around for quite a while.

 "Weeeeeeeeeeee down the slide!"

 "I see light at the end of the tunnel."

 "Why is no one helping me push this big log?!"

 Parachute time is her absolute favorite part of class.

 Bubble time

 "Is it time to go under yet?"

 "Seriously dude, why are you crying? This is supposed to be fun."

"My favorite part--under the parachute."

She loves going to her gym class!  She starts to get excited as soon as we pull into the parking lot.  Not only does she love being able to climb around on everything, but she also enjoys just hanging out with her friends.  She's such a social little girl so she loves all the interaction from her teacher, the other moms, and the babies.  In fact, she loves it so much that we've had to start going a few times a week instead of just once.  

Apple Pickin' 2010

Every year since Oscar and I have been together we go apple and pumpkin picking.  We found an amazing orchard up in Connecticut that was the most picture-perfect place to go.  There was always just enough chill in the air to feel like autumn.  We would usually go twice and stock up on enough apples to make apple pie, applesauce, apple chutney, apple cake, and on and on.  Here are some pictures from our past trips:

such a beautiful place

He had to wait in line with the kiddies to get this pic.

A never-before-shown photo of me 37 weeks preggo--yikes!

Now that we're in North Carolina I had to find a new orchard that's not too far away.  Sure, western Carolina has some of the best orchards but that's a little to far for a day trip with Savannah.  So I found one that's only about an hour away and we were so excited to carry on this tradition with our daughter.  Unfortunately, we're a little spoiled when it comes to orchards so we couldn't help but be a little disappointed when we first pulled up to the new one.  It also didn't help that it was 80+ degrees---it just doesn't seem right to pick apples while wearing shorts and tank-tops.  So it wasn't as picture-perfect as our Connecticut place and sadly the dry summer has left it's mark, but we still had a fun time and besides, making memories is what it's all about.
Here are some pictures from this years annual apple pickin'.

Just getting started--check out Savannah's excitement.

"I got this one, Mom."

"I think I'll just have one now."

"Where to next?"

our happy little family

lookin' good, Dad

I love little country stores!

This is what our ride to and from the orchard looked like :(

This time of year always makes me think of family.....the holidays, the cooking, the smells, the decorations---I LOVE IT ALL!!  I especially love to pass along the traditions that I grew up with to Savannah and to create our own new traditions together.  This activity is just one of many that Oscar and I look forward to doing with her over the years.
  

First Family Portrait Session

Back over Memorial Day weekend in Charleston, we had our first family photo session with our old wedding photographers.  We had so much fun with those two guys and Savannah cooperated perfectly.  We hope that this becomes an annual event with them.  Coincidentally, it was also our first year wedding anniversary :)


After looking through 200 pictures, here are a few of my favorites.  (They are scanned images so the quality isn't the best, sorry)

I LOVE my little family!!

Splish Splash

"Savannah was takin' a bath.

Long about a Saturday night.

A rub dub just relaxin' in the tub

Thinkin' everything was alright."

I'm sure one day she won't appreciate my posting of these pictures but until then....who doesn't love to see a naked baby?!  And she's soooo funny in the bath that I feel like this needs to be documented :)  So here is what a typical nightly bath with Savannah looks like:

we clap...

we sing....

we brush our teeth...

we make funny sounds....

(this one just shows how small she looks in the tub)

and we get a little upset about getting out.

I love my sweet girl and I always have so much fun during bath time with her.

Last Horrah of Summer 2010

Because Oscar had to spend a week in San Fran for work, Savannah and I were able to go visit my family in Houston last week.  Despite the rainy weather, we had a great time hanging out with Grams and Grandad.  Here are a few pics from our time there:

The only non-rainy day spent by the pool.

Checking out Uncle Harlan's saddle.

Going for a spin on Grandad's bike.

She loved pressing the horn.

Poor Buster didn't like filling in for a baby doll.

We stopped by College Station to visit the uncles.

One must always dress appropriately for where they're going :)

Checking out the cows on the farm with Nan.

Tea party time with Grams and Grandad.

How 'bout them Cowboys!!!

After our time in Houston, we flew to LA to meet up with Oscar and to spend the weekend with the ENTIRE Alvarez family.  On a side note---our flight to LA was Savannah's worst flight ever!!!  I was "that lady" with the screaming baby that didn't stop until we got off the plane.  I'm not sure what was wrong with Savannah.  She's never had problems flying before and our flight home was great.  It helped that Oscar flew with us and we also got to ride in first class.  More room + snacks = a happy Savannah!

Here are some pictures from our time in Pasadena:

Alvarez family photo

just our little family

the Alvarez girls

all the grandkids

Savannah in 1st Class heading home

It was so nice to see ALL of our family.  I wish we were able to do it more often especially since little Savannah is growing so fast.  I can't imagine spending a day without her so I can only imagine how sad the rest of the family is to see her so little.  Hopefully this blog is a way for everyone to feel a little closer to us all the way over here in Chapel Hill.  We love you all and can't wait to see you again!!!!