The Leonardos take over Assateague Island!

We hopped in the car and waved goodbye to our mountain vacation to head straight for our beach vacation :)
The Leonardo family gathered together at a beautiful beach house to enjoy the hot summer sun, salt water, and fresh crabs, glorious crabs! :)

Cousin Josie was a BIG fan of crabs along with your big brother Benjamin!

Although you couldn't partake in the crabs sweet Christian you were a HUGE fan of meeting your Uncle Nathan, Aunt Suzette, and new cousin Geronimo for the first time!

Big hugs and kisses for our Grandpa John!!

First 4th of July

Your first 4th of July Christian and one of what will be many, many on the lake in the Adirondacks! I know Mama keeps reminiscing about where we were last year but I just can't help it. A year has gone so very fast! Last year when you were bundled up inside, Mama was DYING from the heat and spending her very first 4th of July NOT in the mountains because she knew her angel was going to come early (call it Mama's intuition!). So instead we celebrated here with Uncle Marky and Aunt Jecca (and your cousin-to-be Ari who was dancing around inside Aunt Jecca then too :)).

This year, my sweet baby boy celebrated his country's independence with some shaker music (thanks Aunt Anne Marie!) and his first experience of Mama's obsession with 4th of July parties and decorations :)

 Happy first 4th of July Christian!!!

4th of July sunset over 4th lake

Adirondacks 2012

This time last year you were kicking and punching to come out of Mama's very large belly! And it would only be two weeks later.... :)
This is already your second trip to the Adirondacks in your first year of life but this time you were on the move and ready to play! And you had plenty of playmates this trip!

 Christian enjoyed our gorgeous 4th Lake and the vehicles he so desperately wanted to drive on that lake :). Plus, there was not an ounce of fear in our little guy when it came to flying across the water on Ga's boat. We were not surprised you squealed with delight :)

And since it was vacation, and you were only a couple of weeks away from the "official" date when you would be allowed to have dairy, we thought a little first taste of Gelato (Papa's favorite salted caramel!) wouldn't hurt too much!

Playing with Lo Lo, Nattie, and Dani and our cars was the best!

We had so much fun with our family and we can't wait to go back! The family love for this place that holds such a special place in our hearts starts early...and you were definitely a part of it this summer!

Christian's Baptism

Our Sweet Christian was baptized on July 1, 2012 at St. Anthony's Church in Inlet, NY in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains surrounded by his wonderful Godparents Megan Messmer and Mark and Jessica Messmer AND an amazingly special group of family and friends who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us.

Two of the blessed babes in their baptism finest (Ari is wearing Benjamin's baptism outfit so it was very special for Mama to see them together :)

 As always, you were smiling and happy on your special day Christian, despite the new outfit and the hat and booties you were wondering about :). How beautiful it was to have everyone surrounding us as we welcomed you to your faith! And how perfect it was when you gazed up at Fr. Shane with those dark chocolate eyes as he christened you with the holy water....as you tossed your cookie in to the holy baptismal fountain....OOPS! Mama was trying not to laugh but I just couldn't help it. And Fr. Shane promised us it was by far NOT the worst thing that has been left floating in the font following a baptism. You sure know how to make special memories my sweet baby!

Welcome to your faith Christian

Scooping out the cookie...now a blessed cookie :)

Happy parents with their boy

So thankful for C's wonderful godparents Megan, Mark, and Jess

Benjamin enjoyed hanging with his Great-Grandpa

 The party that followed was fun for all...all 45 of us!! This was truly a wonderful celebration and a once-in-a-lifetime event....I doubt there will ever be another "joint" baptism for THREE cousins all born within 6 months of each other :)

What a crew!

The Messmer family as we grow and grow

Congratulations to Ari Joseph (our godson :)), Eleanore Marie (our goddaughter :)), and our sweet baby boy! We love you!!

A cake for each baby :)

How fitting this should be in the hall :)

On our way...

Our bags are packed, we're ready to go.....

This is definitely not legal or safe....but this is what traveling with children looks like! :) Apparently we are in need of a small bus for two week's worth of travel items :)

A "manly" project for the boys

Some of you may recognize this picture.....there was one on our little Benjamin's blog way back when, when he and Papa worked together to move the crib mattress down once our little guy was pulling up and looking at us.
Here we are again...but this time there is another little sweet boy growing up too fast! Time to move the mattress down. A perfect project for the "men" of the house.

Good work boys!

Hiding from the Mama Paparazzi

Oh Mama....I can't escape you and your camera no matter how big my dark glasses are :)