Nick is geting too BIG!

Nick is becoming Mr. Dare Devil trying to keep up with all the big kids. This is a "zip line" at the local park. Of course the first time I went with him (picture that - not much fun for pregnant mom or independant kid) and now he LOVES flying solo
Hold on little bugger!

This was our 3 year check up! Can you believe it - nice pants!

Nick even got to visit the Dentist.

Checking out those pearly whites =)

We had yet another fest in our little town - not exactly sure what wewere celebrating - mostly good beer. But when Nick saw this set up he instantly asked dad if he could do it. Chris being the amazing dad and really just surprised Nick wanted to do it..... He hooked him up.

Bounce away little man!

The French Wine country

This weekend we toured the Alsace Wine Route in France - The weather was perfect and our traveling buddies Farrah, Brian, Tate and Macy were the best. They discovered a great location with awesome stops along the way. Its only 2 hours from us!! So a great adventure when you come to visit the Leadbetters!

Our first stop was this lovely restaurant. In typical French fashion, the waitress was less than thrilled to serve us. Little did we know - they were able to host a small wedding for a super cute older couple as well as an 80th birthday party!! How would we know!! Needless to say, we looked a little out of place - especially when this cute car showed up with the wedding couple inside!!Nick and Tate entertained themselves at the play ground while we figured out what to order.

Check out Nick on the Bouncy ball. I remember my own bouncy ball - ah the days...

View of the vineyards (and our cars) from the table.

First winetasting stop - I must admit - being 8+ months pregnant makes wine tasting a little over rated.... But I did get a few sips. The wines were mostly whites - the area is known for their Reislings - I am holding out for the Italian reds... Farrah did a great job packing a bag of tricks for the munchkins to enjoy at each stop.

Let the tasting begin

One of the beautiful towns we got to drive through

Tough flash on this picture - but its the inside of our room which was HUGE. Great balcony and a loft upstairs for Nick.

Here is the view from our Balcony

Farrah and I enjoying the evening - Macy obviously had too much wine!

Nick and Dad hunkering down for the evening

The next morning the big boys hit the road on their bikes soaking up the local scenery. Once the came back, the little boys hit the road checking this out too.

Momma with baby, and momma with baby =)

Family shot from the outside of our hotel room

More tastings on the way home - I just loved this photo of the vineyards.

Every Hill top had a castle.... Ah Napoleon.

Our traveling buddies

Bring on the Champagna!

The "Nick" version of wine tasting...

The final stop on our way home was a super chic frech restaurant. We all had Pizza!

The final tunnel to home - check out the date..... the town we stayed in was established in the 1100s - they have some serious history. Guess i should have stayed awake in that class!

See you next weekend when we hit switzerland with 4 other couples. Talk about adventure!

Waiting for another visitor as well as wine, wine and more wine!

August 23-25 we hosted Carly and Sean Passes. Carly is just finishing up her 2 year studies in Tel Aviv Israel. Her brother Sean flew to italy last week after graduating college, to enjoy several weeks of Eupoean travel and to help his sister move home. They only stayed with us for two nights - but LOVED sleeping in (you can't do that in hostels!) cleaning some laundry and just relaxing. They left us and headed onto Munich as well as a week in Amsterdam!

On Friday night we headed to the Stuttgart wine festival. Lots of folks as it was a beautiful German everning. The boys managed to keep themselves entertained and even met some new buddies.

Street break dancing - the german's are giving them a wide berth...

Wine or Water
Who can resist hopping on this hourse on the way home.... Not Tate and Nick!

Chris and I couldn't resist this picture. We were in an Electromark store in search of a washing machine (a gift from my mom!!) we came across this awesome listening device. Anyone recognize it? maybe from 20 years ago! We couldn't believe they still sold this ancient tape player - and for 35 Euros! (Almost $50) makes me wonder about the washing machine!!

A Surprise Italian Baby shower!

So as the story goes - we were all getting together for Dinner at Farrah's favorite Italian Restaraunt. Its our monthly Ladies dinner. However, as Erica and I pulled up to meet everyone - they were trying to hide from us as they were all carrying large pastel baby bags! They were caught in the act!! Its a baby shower!

Who doesn't love a cute Italian waiter?!



The orchestrator - Thanks so much Farrah

Apples to Apples - Toss in some Margarittas and its the perfect 'night in'

A Kiss from a Frog prince

Wine - now this is a hospital bag essential!

Or maybe right now...

Diane is too sweet - look at all the energy bars indiviually cutified =) What were you doing last night?!?

Here is the wonderful group of ladies - Lindsay, Amy, Kelly, Erica, Helen, Kalisa, Diane (and Farrah is taking the photo) Plus the table decoration came all the way from Boston as my sister wanted to help out too!

This is from my mom - love the photo as it reminded her of maine and how I cannot sit still. Even if canoeing is essention. But the funniest part is her gift. A washing machine??? Guess no more luandry mat for me!

Since Erica has lived here for 3 years now - she was daring enough to go for the fish - head and all! Yum

Champagna+Baby Bottle = happy baby = Happy mommy! Even if it does say Tennessee

A Piggy Bank! Clark Howard would be so proud!

Thanks so much ladies - what a wonderful night and I felt so loved!! We even topped it off by going through Farrah's closet - (I think that was her favorite part!-great halloween customes - hehehe)