Sanity Provided by the Backyardigans

Why you wonder... because my Sam loves them and I love them too because...

1) Dan is gone for 2 weeks to Dallas, TX for training in a commercial jet, so I am a one man show.

2) Sam has been sick with this nasty thing called the Summer Time Virus! Basically it's a cold that started with a rash all over his body that gets worse in the heat (not good he loves being outside) and it itches so I slather him with Calisone Cream. My poor baby.

3) I am trying to tie up all the loose ends before Sam and I fly out to Utah for awhile. It's not the easiest thing to pack when you have a sick, demanding toddler.

So as you can see this is why the Backyardigans are #1 in my book.

I caught Sam dancing to the Backyardigans song and he caught me taking a picture, so that's why the weird smile because he is saying "CHEESE!"

Trying to get the house clean upstairs before we leave, so I attach Sam to the DVD player so he is in my sight.

Little Gym

At the beginning of the summer we enrolled Sam into a gymnastics class at The Little Gym. It isn't too intensive, but we hope it will get Sam interested in activities, and will be a good place to socialize and learn structure. His age group is called the "Little Birds." They have been learning to grasp and swing on a bar, sit and stand on the balance beam, jump, forward rolls, monkey jumps, run and gallop. He was very hesitant at first but after the first few days it all changed. He now charges in the door as soon as his teacher tells them they can go in. It has been so much fun to see my little boy grow and learn.

Biking at "Rails to Trails"

Since Dan is off from work for a while, and now that we finally have a nice bike rack we really have enjoyed taking a bike trip each week. This week we decided to go to Pemberton and bike a trail that used to be railroad tracks. Several years ago the tracks were converted to a nice bike/jogging path that begins at the old Pemberton train station which is now a museum.

We never imagined NJ would have such beautiful trails!Sam enjoyed this trip as much as the last. And even more impressive, he still is fine with the helmet. He won't wear a hat to save his life, but as long as he is on the bike, the helmet is OK with him.Daddy must be a good driver, or Sam is easily bored with nature. Here he catches up on some (insert sarcasm) much needed sleep.Daddy and Sam by one of the train cars at the museum. Sam had to inspect the museum thoroughly, so here he is checking out some very old luggage.

Historic Palmyra

It was a must while living on the East Coast to visit Palmyra, New York, since it is such a part of our church history. We planned a few day adventure up there since Dan is off of work for a while. Here is the Hill Cumorah and the monument on top. How exciting to be where it all started!

Dan and Sam's reenactment. The angel Dan bestows the plates to a seriously young Sam.

More of the hill, where Joseph Smith found the golden plates.

This building was where the Book of Mormon was first published.

A first printing edition of the BoM.

Our feet touching the same floor Joseph Smith walked on.

A reproduction of the cabin where the church was organized at the Peter Whitmer farm. Sam was having fun running all around outside, after having been shut in a car the day prior. The Palmyra Temple through the trees on a path to the Sacred Grove.The home Alvin started for his parents. Here Joseph hid the gold plates a couple of times. This was mostly original!

Sacred Grove: Shortly after entering the Sacred Grove, Dan took his hat off and I looked over at my cute little Sam and noticed he had his arms folded(which he loves doing every time we say "Let's say prayers" and then grins wide). He must have realized how quiet it was even though there were a lot of people walking around. There definitely was a sense of sacredness and a feeling of the spirit. My favorite part of the whole trip!

What became Sam's favorite pastime in our hotel! Luckily, Dan unplugged it so he wouldn't bug the front desk or room service.

Hill Cumorah Pageant: We scheduled this trip while the church was holding the pageant and decided to attend the second night we were there. Unfortunately, as we made it through the 4th scene (out of 10) Sam decided to have a melt down. We couldn't have Sam disrupt the pageant for everyone, so we packed up and left. We were so disappointed and frustrated, I mean Sam was the only one of the billion kids there melting down. What was wrong with our kid, or was it his parents?! So I talked Dan in to giving it one more shot, the next and last night we were there. I went to the Target by our hotel in search for something that might help save the night. I called my expert mom for help and she suggested glow sticks, it made no noise and he could see it when it became dark. Yes, this was the answer along with a little nap and his friend Lexy who happened to be there that night too. Luckily I bought two sticks, so Lexy got one too. We were able to make it through all 10 scenes and it was amazing. The trip felt complete!

The saving toy, thanks Mom!

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.