Our Last Wine in the Woods

We were lucky enough to have a visit from our Miami grad school friends last weekend so we are a few weeks behind on posts. Two weekends ago we spent Saturday at the annual Wine in the Woods in Columbia. We had taken a year off for the pregnancy but used to go to this event annually since moving to Maryland with friends. Maryland wineries gather for samples, bands play, jewelery and craft vendors have cool offerings, and the weather tends to be perfect. What isn't perfect? Maryland wine. Actually if I am honest, it pretty much is gross. There are two vineyards that aren't totally horrible, and apparently everyone in Maryland knows it, because these two tents had crazy lines at the festival. So for future years, we are going to bring Wine in the Woods to our decks here in Patapsco Woods, and the only requirement will be that you have to bring wine from a place other than Maryland! So local friends and family, look for our new tradition beginning next May!

We did have fun though! The weather was beautiful, the company was good, and the picnic foods we brought were all yummy. Here are some pictures of the day!







Noelle was on her best behavior and loved being outside all day. And her backpack was the hit of the show, and all the yuppy parents wanted to know where we got it!

On Sunday, we visited Great Grandma and my mom's family in Philadelphia. We always hate the drive up 95, but it is nice to see them. Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Taking a Hike

When we moved in to the new house that backed to Patapsco State Park we couldn't wait (or at least some of us couldn't wait!) to take some great hikes in the area. We soon realized that the stroller although great for some hikes, struggles a bit with some of the local paths. And since Maddie isn't allowed on the paved parts of the park near the playground, picnic area, and campground, we knew it was time for a backpack.

We had been using the Baby Bjorn. And it was great. That is, it was great until Noelle was about 14 pounds. Now that she is closer to 20, the Bjorn just wasn't going to cut it anymore. So we did some research in the normal Saxton fashion, tried on some packs, and of course, had to buy the yuppiest backpack we found. It is kind of pathetic how dorky we have become. Honestly though it was quite a challenge to find a pack that would work for Bryan and myself since we have such a height and build difference. So we are now equipped with the Phil and Ted's Metro Pack for all our hiking and city museum type needs.

This backpack is amazing. Bryan can seriously fit 10 diapers, a box of wipes, a blanket, blocks, stacking rings, 6 pacifiers, a quart of milk, whole chicken, etc. in this pack. Plus it comes with a cool sun/rain shade! We have tried it out a few times and Noelle seems to be pretty happy hiking along with the family. In fact, last Friday when we took our walk with Mom Hayhoe who visited for part of the weekend, she was so comfy she fell asleep! Here are a few pics of our sleeping beauty in the coolest backpack ever!

You're So Vain!

Noelle has recently become obsessed with looking at herself in the mirror. The new house has a hallway mirror in between our room and Noelle's, and every time she crawls on by she has to stop and see how she looks. It is hilarious. The other night I took some pictures of Noelle checking herself out as we were getting ready to brush her hair and teeth for bed:

Noelle Hits the Beach

While we enjoyed the weather and company in NC, Noelle hit the beach for the first time. With shovel and pail in hand, she loved every second! And thankfully, sand seems to be the one thing she is not super interested in eating! Here are a few pictures of my bathing beauty!







And here are a couple of other pictures from our visit! Thanks for a great time Hayhoe Family!