Sam's First Bike Ride

Last week we felt it was time to get back on the bikes that have been collecting dust for a year, so we bought Sam a seat to go on the back of Dan's hardtail. We heard from friends that this would be better than a trailer attachment since he doesn't have a sibling to sit in the back with him and he would feel more secure this way. So we went to REI and purchased a seat and helmet. We were not too sure what he would think of it, but after Dan took him for a trial spin around the block pulled up in the driveway, I lifted up Sam's safety handle bar and he quickly slapped it right down back in place. Well, that answered that, he was in love. So now we were off for fun at Smithville Park with our little companion at our side (or behind if you will).

Mayberry 4th of July

...or so it seemed. We started out the 4th by going to our favorite diner for breakfast. Then we decided to try a parade, of which the closest was in Moorsetown. It is a great little township up the street from us that was voted the best place to live a few years back. When I used to think of NJ, I used to think of refineries and the crap up north. Thankfully, the southern part of the state is far from that. Moorestown is a great little town that feels like Mayberry. The only thing the parade was missing to make it perfect was the local high school marching band. We camped out on Main St, in front of this great white house. Sam actually loved the fire engines and ambulances, even though the sirens were deafening. He didn't mind them at all, I even tried to cover his ears and he moved my hands away. Sam enjoying his wagon on a walk through the neighborhood.

All worn out after a long day of, well, nothing really. But apparently long enough for him.

Grandma and Papa Bean Visit

Our second week of company was with the Bean grandparents. Like before, most of our time was spent local, with the exception of a Long Beach Island trip and shopping at the King of Prussia mall. Most time was spent with Sam, either blowing bubbles for him or just watching him. Here Grandpa Bean fixed up a shoe towing car for Sam, for those times he may need such a device.We had never taken the Bean's to the coast, so we decided LBI and Barnegut Light would be fun. Although we miss the mountains of the west, it is hard to beat the coast and huge cities with a ton of things to do in them.

The view from the top of Old Barney!

Mom, Sam and I are on the bench to the right.
We also took the Beans to Smithville Park, but this time we had a little picnic before playing. The weather cooperated nicely for us, and we had a great time. Until, of course, Sam threw a fit when we told him it was time to go.

Sam at PJs for lunch, doing his normal cute thing. What a goof. Don't look too close at the food still in his mouth. Yuck!Since the adults were able to have a good time shopping at the King of Prussia Mall, we thought Sam should enjoy some fun play time too. I think he and his Sanrio panda are trying to escape from this never ending mall.

Stromberg Grandparents Visit

Well, it has been a while since we last posted, but things have been crazy for a while. First, my parents came to stay with us for a week. They were on their way to a Scandinavian cruise, so they decided to stop off here with us! We had a great time, and of course, it all revolved around Sam. We actually didn't do much traveling, other than a quick trip to NYC for some great pizza. Mainly we hung out at home and watched Sam show off for anyone who would pay attention, or we went to the park and played. We also ate pretty well, and introduced the parents to some great food, including Philly Cheesesteaks for my dad of course. Here Sam is clowning around for my parents at Five Brothers, a great east coast hamburger joint.
Who knew bubbles were so much fun. Sam and Grandma Carol playing with his new bubble wand.
At Smithville park. Sam contemplates the slide, and with some gentle persuasion from his momma, he took the plunge. I can tell you now he is a fan of the slide! Or at least it seemed that way as he screamed when I took him off of it. Love it.It kind of reminds us of Utah, so we needed a picture of it.Sam and Grandpa Ben S.

Why do we Celebrate Father's Day?

To honor and commemorate our fathers. How do we do this? By living by the examples they have set for us. Here are a few that our fathers and my husband have shown.

Discipline/motivation:

If you have something to do, get it done. Do it well, and don't procrastinate. That is Ben Stromberg, and he has instilled in us the discipline to succeed.

Protective/loyalty/loving:

Dan is one that has always shown his love by being protective and loyal. You know that he will do anything to protect the ones that he loves.

Selflessness:

When I think of my dad I think of all that he has done for us. In this picture for example, he saw three babies on the ground and he had to get down in the middle of them to ensure they were all happy. If he sees a need, he will fulfill it even if it means playing on the floor.

Sunday at Smithville

Today was beautiful, so we decided we had to do an afternoon walk. We decided to try Smithville Park, about five minutes from our house. For four years we have neglected this little gem, but no longer. Sam had a great time with it, until he took a header on the trail. He has a nice tiny raspberry on his temple, but it just gives him more street cred. Walking on the floating trail provided the best views of the lake.

Necessity is...

the mother of invention. For our super exciting Memorial Day, we did absolutely nothing. I am leaving on a trip this afternoon, so instead of the traditional barbecue with friends or trip down the shore, we are doing a lunch and mall trip. Not too exciting, but what can you do. As far as inventing goes, I thought I would post these pictures for fun. Sam had a rough night last night as he was very congested (we think it is the amount of pollen in the air right now). I have mild hay fever, so we think he may also, who knows. Anyway, this morning he had a very runny nose and we were constantly calling for a kleenex. As I was in a different room Laura rigged this little contraption up as a joke. I guess we should call it the "Kleenex Katcher" and market it as the newest thing for toddlers with a runny nose. I kind of think it looks like a sumo wrestler belt or something. That is what happens when we are bored!

A Visit from Lisa

A few months ago my cousin Lisa (who was a best friend to me growing up) moved from New York to California. I was sad to see her move so far away, but luckily since we are cousins we knew we would see each other soon. This last week she flew in for business and we were able to meet her and her boyfriend Ryan who flew in from California as well for dinner in Brooklyn at Grimaldi's (awesome pizza). It was so great to see her and I miss having her around, but we are so glad she is having such a great time in California.

Happy Mother's Day from your boys!

Happy Mother's Day from your two favorite boys! We love you! For mother's day we took Laura shopping to the King of Prussia mall in PA. We had plans to go to Cape May for the weekend and hang out on the shore but unfortunately the weather disagreed, so we went shopping instead. I have to tell you, for not being much of a shopper I was impressed. Cartier, Tiffany's, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, and just about anything you wanted was there. Of course, I passed on the $10,000 Cartier diamond necklace, but we were able to find some nice things for Laura anyway. Apparently it is the second largest mall in the nation and I believe it after seeing it. Today Sam and I cooked her breakfast and lunch. Well, OK, Sam wasn't really much of a help, unless you count systematically destroying the kitchen, then he did really well. The highlight of the day for Laura was when I gave Sam his card to pass along to her. He actually grabbed it, then waddled over to Laura with a huge grin on his face and deposited it in her hands. This for Laura was finally a true testament that she was indeed a mother.

Haircut Trauma

We finally decided it was time to get the little one's hair cut. He was still super cute, but we figured he was getting a little shaggy. Here are a pre-cut bath time picture and a picture of the curls on the back of his head.
We came prepped for the breakdown, with treats, toys, books etc... but they all failed to sooth his troubled nerves as captured below.
Once the cut was done he actually relaxed a little in his car chair. However, his mouth is still stuffed with Nilla wafers.
From baby to little man, we think he looks great!