If I were a fuzzy-wuzzy bear--

The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory was a hit for Makana. GiGi was excited to discover that Makana enjoyed playing with all her teddies. When we took the tour of the factory, we discovered that the eyes of the bears that are made in Vermont have "Born in Vermont" written around the pupils. Makana hugged as many of the furry friends as she could. She also saw her own Fifi (Yes, she named her bear!) being hand-sewn. Although she wanted to purchase clothes for her bear, we decided to go to a thrift store and buy a newborn denim overall dress for Fifi (which was much more economical). Fifi survived the plane trip back to Arizona and is adjusting to the climate. :)

How CUTE, Daddy! :)

Makana placed her new tutu from Auntie Donna on Daddy. Awwwww!

Chowdah, anyone?

Makana and Dominic were excited to see, hear, and ride on the trains in the big city. :) We took the subway to one of Dave's favorite places and had Clam Chowder on the steps of Quincy Market. :) Makana was excited to share some of her crackers with the birds.

Future Scientists?

We were able to spend more time with Dominic, for AJ has started kindergarten this year. For our first morning in New England, we went to the Museum of Science in Boston. The two toddlers had a great time. Even though there were many things that they don't quite know how to appreciate at this age, they enjoyed the variety of interactive displays. Mostly they enjoyed playing with each other. Dominic thought Donna was always pushing him. He even thought so when Makana took the controls and cracked up laughing when he discovered it was his cousin.

Yes, Cousin!

These 2 2 year-olds are 10 days apart in age, and they had fun playing with each other. Makana asked permission to use every toy she borrowed. AJ (the 5 year-old) finally told her that it was okay to play with everything, for he grew weary of giving her permission. Dominic, on the other hand, had a default answer of, "No!" :) He'd say it with his cute smile, of course, but Makana would take him seriously and not use the toy until he relented and said, "Yes, cousin."

In one of the pictures, Dominic is heading down a hill . . . which ended in a little tumble. :) Yes, all these pics were taken on the same morning, but Dominic had to change. The next time Makana went outside to play, she recalled Dominic's tumble in the yard. However, it didn't prevent her from enjoying the GRASS and lush plants around the yard (as opposed to our desert rocks and sand).

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Rockets!

Dominic, AJ, and Makana played well together. Makana especially loved the fact that her cousins have a plethora of things with wheels. It was fun to watch them chase each other around the house and laugh.

Deer Leap

An autumn hike in New England was gorgeous and COLD. It was extremely windy and snowing a little at the peak of Deer Leap (aka Deer's Leap). Makana did not like the hike from that point and refused to go hiking with us again while in Vermont. She said, "I stay with GiGi, otay?"

As we were hiking, Dave observed that the fallen leaves were making him dizzy, like a polka dot pattern. Makana offered her shirt as an example, "Like my shirt! See the dots?" :)