Blue on Green

Chase frolics on our lush, new lawn.

(And takes a momentary break from eating and throwing the rocks which border it.)

Easy Rider

Get your motor running,

Head out on the highway,

Lookin' for adventure...

And whatever comes your way!

A good source of fiber

You see this wood chip? I'm about to put it in my mouth.

It's delicious!

Designated Driver

Ace just inherited two new motor vehicles from Uncle Waxie and Auntie G. Tonight, he tried out the Spidey Truck and discovered he could scoot it along all by himself.

He's no Mario Andretti yet, but it counted as another first, all the same.

Fountain of Youth

Chase inaugurates the Stapleton summer season with a trip to the nearby Puddle Jumper pool. With water jets and fountains galore, this place is custom made for the Critter, who never minds getting his face wet.

The other kind of Train

Mommy made the spur-of-the-moment decision that we should head to the mountains this morning and the next thing we knew we were riding the historic narrow gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad.

The Little Engineer loved it, especially every time the whistle blew.

Cat Nap

On their own for the last three weeks, our cats were hungry for attention when we arrived. Boy, have they gotten it.

Chase has spent the better part of the last day chasing, grabbing, tugging, hitting, "patting" and generally assaulting them. Thank the Maker those kittens are gentler with him than he is with them.

One of Ace's favorite moves with Trane is to collapse on top of him, while saying, "Night, night."

At least this time he really was about to go to bed.

Bye-Bye

Grandpa bids Chase farewell as he drops us off at LaGuardia Airport, officially bringing our East Coast vacation to a close.

We had a great three weeks and hope to see everyone again soon. Thanks for all the hospitality. We're happy to return the favor -- Chase loves visitors!

Glam Ma

Chase's final vacation day was highlighted by great time with Grandma. She took him for morning playtime outside, helped with all his meals, gave him his bath, brushed his teeth, and even taught him how to take a picture on her Blackberry.

And, as pictured, she showed him how to look fabulous.

Fan Boys

Two Red Sox fans wearing Bruins and Celtics gear walk into the Patriots Hall of Fame...

Way to Go!

Chase high-fives Nanna and Papa on the occasion of their 34th wedding anniversary. Tomorrow we depart, but it has been a wonderful week in Maine with the grandparents.

The critter will certainly miss them.

Auntie's Day

We enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day, complete with pancake breakfast, lobster feast, and new Bruins t-shirt for Daddy.

But, Chase's favorite part was probably blowing bubbles with Auntie Katie.

Mowin' em down

Papa gives Chase his first driving lesson on the riding lawn mower. The kid supplied his own "brmmm, brmmm!" sounds.

Baby Labor

While the parents were away for the day, someone had to pay for the room & board. Grandparents decided that Chase could do his part by vacuuming the kitchen rugs. Lends a whole new meaning to crumb pickers and rug rats doesn't it? Lest anyone blame the parents, this post is entirely the responsibility of grandparents Nana and Papa Dyer.

Toys R Us

Clearly, Nanna and Papa were completely unprepared for their grandchild's arrival.

The Good Life

Chase and Nanna the Elder tagged along today as Mommy & Daddy took a road trip to visit their old schools, their former home, and a favorite eatery (The Good Life Market in Raymond, ME).

Here, Chase inspects locally-made Adirondack chairs as the rest of the family enjoys lunch on this beautiful sunny day.

Oh, and another reason it was a good day: the Bruins just won the Stanley Cup! Ace is ecstatic.

Still Truckin'

The Tour of Great Grandmothers continues, as Chase visits his Great Grammie on the Maine coast.

The "Room of Trucks" was a hit not only for Ace, but also for his parents, who were thankful for not having to spend the whole time chasing him around as he tried to destroy precious keepsakes around Grammie's home.

Nanna, Too!

Chase plays with his food -- and is encouraged to do so! -- as his great grandmother Nanna Koehl oversees snacktime.

Reunited

We reached Maine today and Chase saw his Nanna and Papa for the first time in a year. Our weekly Skype sessions seemed to have been enough to make him feel comfortable around them. Very comfortable!

Cousins, Part III

Chase calms cousin Izzy with a Jedi mind trick during Day 2 in Boston.

The Baby Whisperer

We traveled from CT to MA today, and seemed to spend much of our time in both places chasing Ace around saying "No, no" and steering him away from mischief.

Until John arrived home and scooped the little guy up into his lap. Chase settled down for 15 minutes, in perfect bliss.

We've got to take this man on the road with us...

Love and Nature

Mommy got a few hours to herself today as Grandpa took Chase first to the UPS Shipping Store (not so exciting) but then to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, where the little guy had great fun climbing through tunnels and eating sand.

Cousins, Part II

Another hot day led to more time in the inflatable endless pool, this time with James and Estelle. Chase's cousins came to Stamford for the day from New York with Katie & Jean. Fun was had by all, as we splashed, played, and ate until well into the evening.

Hot Fun in the Summertime, Part 2

Chase cools off in the inflatable pool at Grandma & Grandpa's place. The bandana was supposed to protect his scalp from the sun, but it didn't stay on for long.

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Chase delights in the "mister" at Mill River Park in Stamford, which not only cooled him but provided a much-needed libation.

Auntie Joie de Vivre and Uncle CRM (don't look now, but he's pictured in the background) took us out for a wonderful breakfast and then for some fun times in the park before they headed back to Pennsylvania.

Chase will miss them.

In Detention

Chase and Aunt Joie de Vivre go over the fence at Learning Zone to enjoy a few precious hours playing Nascar and peek-a-book. It's claimed there were others there, but I only had eyes for this little man. /sigh

Party Time!

Chase enjoyed Auntie Amanda's engagement party today, especially the part where he received gifts, too. Note to all Dear Readers: books and toy cars are a big hit with the Ace.

Cousins, Part I

Chase was reuinted with his cousins today after a year apart, as we ventured into New York City for the afternoon. Chase, James, and Estelle enjoyed some family time in a park just a few blocks from the apartment where Daddy lived back when he first met Mommy.

Great fun was had by all on one of those rare NYC summer afternoons with perfect temperatures and cool breezes.

Plus, James is really good at swing pushing.

Shopping with Grandpa

Meyrick Chase and his namesake do a little evening shopping during our visit to Stamford, CT.

Friendly Skies

On his first airplane flight, Chase strolls around at 35,000 feet. He did quite well, although spending most of a day strapped to a seat is nobody's idea of a great time. At least he got to end the day at his loving grandparents' home in Connecticut.

It's good to be back to earth.