Goats, Horses, and Roosters Oh My!

Stephan received a warm Pennsylvania welcome in late April, beginning with hugs by his Aunt Brook and Uncle Dolf.  The hostesses treated us to a delicious meal and dog licks upon arrival.  The next day, Stephan traveled to Penn State (State College, PA) to check out his half-sister's Claire pad and her friends.  We toured the beautiful campus on what was their first real warm day plus eager graduates!  The weekend trip concluded with a visit with Grandma Nancy and then a trip to a farm, where Aunt Brook temporarily keeps her horses.  Stephan BLEATED with the goats and NEIGHED with the horses.  He looked like a pro on old Mina (Aunt Brook ensuring he kept his seated position). 

May brought lots of visits to the park, where he made his first attempt down the slide solo and played in the sandbox.

More pics of summer highlights to come!

 

Goat ice cream - yum!

                                                                      Oh, that hair!

                                            Mother's Day at the Georgetown Water Front

                                                               Love a Spaghetti face!

Stephan Welcomes 2014 with new Discoveries!

Stephan celebrates the New Year with family and friends hosted by his Uncle Ray and Aunt Susana's.  In January, Stephan left crawling behind and took his first strides solo.  His walking parallel a new rhythm of sounds and babbling (let's say monologues are his thing!).  His family and friends gathered once more to celebrate his birthday, where we took the party to the rooftop on what was finally a warm spring day!  With warmer weather, more hours spent at the park and long walks.  He also joined Gymboree for weekly music class and climbing exercises, where he is honing his skills in music appreciation and scaling!

Enjoy some of our favorite moments....

Stephan's First Christmas and New Year!

Fresh on the heels of Thanksgiving, Stephan kicked off the holiday season with being introduced to Christmas music 24/7 (thank you, Pandora!).  Stephan greeted the celebratory month with introductions to new friends and family, followed by parties, strolls through Zoolights, and of course, the big day itself, Christmas cheer.  Enjoy his first Christmas pics!

Meeting new friend, Salvatore (5 weeks old)

 Santa made a special appearance at our building's Holiday Party - Stephan approached him like a pro!

Zoolights at the National Zoo

We traveled to Catawissa, PA for a pre-Christmas celebration and first introductions to Jan's family - sister Brook and her lovely boys, Claire, and Jan's mum, Nancy.  Oh, and of course, Brook's endearing pups - Jack, Sophie, and Millicent who adopted Stephan as one of their own.

Christmas pajamas and bunny slippers

Christmas day celebration with Mary, Michael, Ian, Mason and Elise.  We feasted on ham, turkey sandwiches, mean mash potatoes while indulging in great conversation, laughter, and cheer.

Uncle John was Stephan's Secret Angel and while his gift arrived several days later, his ode to UNR WOLFPACK was intact! Go WOLFPACK!

We were blessed with another warm, loving, joyous, and peaceful holiday season!  Next major event - Stephan's first birthday on April 4th.  Until then, continue to follow his every adventure and glorious discovery.  Many blessings in 2014!