Soaking it up

It feels like summer already! It's been in the mid to high 80's for the last few days and I am loving it! Last weekend we had several fun outdoor activities to take advantage of the weather. Friday was our playgroup and we met up in Central Park at Conservatory Garden for a picnic.

This is my amazing group of friends, mostly from my ward, that get together at least once a week.

Sam and me tiptoeing through the tulips

Sam with his friend Paige

Then on Monday, we went to a luncheon on the roof of our friends' building. There was a gorgeous view of East River and the bridges. It was pretty toasty up there!

The Gang

And I thought I'd just throw in this little gem. I was trying to cook dinner, but Sam was being fussy and Bill was still studying. So I strapped Sam on and finished cooking. He seemed pretty content supervising me making dinner.

Coney Island & Conservatory Garden

Sam has been quite a trooper being dragged all around the city. I'm trying to squeeze in every last sight we want to see since we will be leaving in T-minus 25 days.

Last Friday, we went with our friends, Stephanie and Joshua Wilson, out to Coney Island to see the Aquarium. Sam was riveted looking at all the interesting sea life! Not really, but I do think he enjoyed seeing the ocean for the first time!

Then on Saturday, Sam and I went up to the north part of Central Park to the Conservatory Garden. It is very beautiful and I plan to take Bill up there one more time before we leave to see all of the trees in bloom.

Magnolia Tree

Little Sam in the sun

Celebrity Sighting!

I've had two since we've been here. Can you tell who this is? I first saw him when Sam and I were on our way to Babies 'R' Us this afternoon. He was standing outside a bank talking to a woman. When I first saw him (we made eye contact!), I thought, "that looks just like Matthew Modine". I tried to get my camera out of my bag lickety split, but he started to ride away. But then he stopped to look at his phone so I hurried past him, spun around and snapped this. I promise it's really him! (Did you know he was raised in the Mormon church and dropped out of BYU?)

My other sighting was in the fall. I was walking home from the library along Houston between LaFayette and Broadway and walked right past Meredith from The Office. Unfortunately, I don't have photographic evidence of that one, but it was definitely her. No one has red hair like that!

Earlier today, Sam and I met up with a group from our ward at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. It was a gorgeous day. We love hanging out with our friends!

I snapped this on our walk as well. This is the Grace Church a few blocks from our apartment on Broadway. I love the spring buds!

Big Boy!

Sam had his 4 month well visit on Monday. He did great! He now weighs 14 lbs 14 oz (50th percentile) and is 26 inches long (90th percentile).

Wondering where he is and why he's naked

Still a happy boy with no idea what was coming next...

He had to get another round of immunizations and cried right when he got the shots, but calmed down pretty quickly. He was happy that afternoon, but became kind of clingy and fussy later that night. I can't believe how much he is changing every day. He's so much fun!

Easter

The Easter Bunny found our little apartment and left us some goodies. He even knew that our friend, Nate Justis, was visiting and brought him one too!

Sam in his Easter outfit with his basket

Last week Bill, Sam and I rode a bus down to D.C. for an interview that Bill had. It was a pretty smooth ride and Sam did really well. He was pretty worn out by the time we arrived at Bill's brother, James' house. It was so great to get to stay with them again. Hanna, Madi and Jack are so sweet to Sam and Sam loves his cousins!

Bill met us at The Mall after his interview and we spent some time walking around. It was a fun little getaway!

I fear...

that our days of enjoying a peaceful and quiet General Conference weekend are over...for a few years at least. This is what we had to tune out while we tried to listen:

Sam does this pretty much all day unless he's eating or sleeping. I'd love to know what he's saying! What we were able to hear of conference was very good. I love this time of year. It was a gorgeous day, so during the break, we took a nice walk out to the Hudson.

We need to get Sam out in the sun a little more. I guess Bill and I could use some rays too. We're so white!!

Four Months Old

I can't believe our little Samuel is 4 months old!! He's getting so big and is so much fun for us.

He loves his little gym and keeps himself entertained long enough for me to get a few things done here and there.

With Mom on a walk to Madison Park

With Dad at church

And I had to throw in a picture of Sam's cousins Cael & Whit. Aren't they the cutest?!