Horvath Happenings: Of Knobel's, Family Reunions, and More...

So, our busy week finally ended on Sunday, and it certainly took it's toll on my poor little teething, non-napping G3. Yesterday was spent at home, with only a quick sidetrip to the pool, and baby Gabe finally got back into his nap schedule. Big Gabe was also apparently exhausted from doing nothing all day, and took several naps himself.

So what were we doing all week that had us so busy? Sunday and Monday my cousin Erin came to stay while teaching camps in Hershey, and Wednesday Aunt Kellie came. Our first excursion was a trip to the Tannersville outlets, specifically the Coach outlet. Gone are the days when G3 would simply drift off in his stroller while we shopped away. So that was day 1 for Baby No-Nap.

On Thursday, we headed over to my friend Jenn's for Kellie to do "professional" pictures of her little girl Maddie. Check them out. I have decided that it would be in Kellie's best interest if I started pimping her out as a photographer to all of my friends. Why pay $300/hour for boring studio pics when you can have Kellie come to your house for $150? And quite honestly, I think her pictures turn out way better anyhow.

Friday's plan was a playdate at Knobel's. Kellie decided that she and her friend Morgan would come too. Gabe, upon hearing of the fun and games, spontaneously took the day off work to join us. I liberally warned him this is a playdate, not a Gabe-date, and we're not changing our plans because you decided to come along at the last minute, and if you're not out of bed, showered, and ready to go by 10am I'm leaving without you. Gabe was ready to rock and roll on time, and my friends Jenn and Salena arrived at our house with their kids Maddie, Theresa, and Hailey in tow. The day was definitly hectic, and kind of an eye-opener for Gabe, I think, into the world of playdates. Highlights of the day included:

1. All 3 babies hated the merry-go-round. WTF?

2. After waiting in line for a half hour for the motorboats, little Hailey apparently saw imaginary sharks and cried for her mommy (who was on stroller duty). We were just 1 person away from getting in a boat, but after questioning a crying 4 year old multiple times, are you SURE you don't want to ride the boats? we hastily got out of line.

3. Gabe rode rides for the first time in 8 years. Not since one of our first dates to Hershey Park when he was trying to woo me have I seen him on a ride that goes higher than 5 feet in the air. Roller coaster and log flumes galore were ridden, though probably not enough to justify his $37 handstamp!

4. G3 had the meltdown to end all meltdowns. While Maddie and Theresa drifted off in their strollers like good little babies, G3 cried and thrashed about. He did pass out for about 20 minutes, twitching and yelling out in his sleep like he was possessed. It was rather sad and after that we all agreed it was time to leave.

G3 not having fun on the merry-go-round

Morgan, Kellie, and Gabe (is he dry-heaving? laughing?) on the log flume

And then on Saturday, at 10am, G3 and I packed up for a family reunion in Lancaster, PA. My mom has 5 brothers and sisters, and while two of them (and my grandparents) live close and are seen regularly, the other 3 and their families get together with us pretty infrequently. The reunion was at my Aunt Terri's house, and she (along with my Uncle Dan, my Uncle Jim and his wife Kim, and my cousin Andee) had never met G3. So it was great to show up with my 95%-of-the-time-happy baby who decided to sob hysterically for the last 20 minutes of the drive. His debut to the Lancaster family members was pretty miserable, though he did have a shining moment after lunch. By 3pm we were headed home and despite some new, TOTALLY NOT SHORTER directions from my Uncle Paul, we made it home and here we shall stay!! At least, for a few days!