Newport Beach, Rhode Island

We visited the beach in Newport and walked the "cliff walk" with Collin. It was pretty crowded with tourists, but we all had a great time.

Like Father... Like Son Ammon put on his glasses and said, "Hey look at me. I'm a cool boy!"
Walking on the beach with mommy
Uncle Collin & Ammon
Collin in front of one of the mansions
running in the water...
Digging in the sand
Just chillin'

A Weekend at Camp Joseph

We camped in Sharon, Vermont this past weekend with a few other families from our ward in Connecticut. Collin was on a Youth Trek, but joined us later on Saturday.

It’s about a three hour drive from where we live. The church owns 400 acres of forest there and built the camp ground referred to as "Camp Joseph." Sharon, Vermont is celebrated in the church because it is the birthplace of the prophet Joseph Smith (in 1805).

There is a beautiful monument to Joseph Smith and a visitor’s center where you learn all about him. The atmosphere was so calm and relaxing. We all had a blast and Ammon enjoyed playing with the other kids.

Ammon infront of the "Ammon" cabin

"Hmmm... I think I'm starting to catch on. Let me move a few of these chips around."

I think that they had to restart their game a few times -- thanks to Ammon. They were very understanding though. He was quite eager to participate.

Pictures with his buddies...

Taking a stroll with Ethan

Funny faces...

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When I told Ammon that we were camping this weekend his response was, “and we’ll eat white food.” I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but he quickly explained, “Mom, white food is called marshmallows.” He doesn’t quite pronounce it correctly, but I was a little shocked that he put these two together. When I told Nathan about it, he said that he had told him a bedtime story about a daddy and little boy that went camping. The daddy and little boy visit new places each night at bedtime.

The roasting begins...
and finally enjoying the fruits of his labor!

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We visited the “White River.” The water was wonderful, and we enjoyed rock climbing. Ammon found a few crab fish too.

Daddy & Ammon

Ammon loved the water!

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While in Vermont, we visited the “Sugarbush Farm.” They had a small petting zoo for the kids. They also make maple syrup and cheese there. When you walk through the door, they offer samples and explain how there products are made. There was also a beautiful view of the Vermont mountains.

Sugarbush Farm

Ammon petting the goat

Samples of jams, meats, and various spreads... Yum, Yum!!

Ammon & Uncle Collin

Picking black berries with Uncle Collin

Daddy & Ammon beside the Joseph Smith Statue

Ammon poses infront of the fireplace

Uncle Collin soaking in the Vermont sun

Collin in front of the Joseph Smith Monument

Family Photo

In the Visitor's Center we heard the amazing story of how this monument came to be here are the highlights:
381/2 feet tall (one foot for every Year of Joseph Smith's life)
One of the largest solid pieces of polished granite in the world
Took 33 days, oxen and 22 horses to move the granite 5 1/2 miles
Shaft: 40 tons
Base: 60 tons
Dedicated: December 23, 1905

Visiting New York City

We visited New York City with Collin. It was quite an eventful trip! It was his first time there... and mine too. Enjoy the photos.

4th of July in Boston

In front of the U.S.S. Constitution
Uncle Collin, Ammon, & Nathan (Boston Bay)

4th of July BBQ
Ready for Fireworks with "Uncle Ben" ... Nathan's Mission companion & good friend. As you can tell by the photo, Ammon was a huge fan of fireworks!

Mystic Aquarium & Groton Submarine Museum

Uncle Collin is here visiting. Ammon has loved having him around. We've taken a few road trips to show him the east coast. Here are a few pictures from the Mystic Aquarium & Groton Submarine Museum.

Rhode Island - Quonset Air Show

Ammon wasn't a big fan of the Air Show. The entire way home he held his hands over his ears. I think he kept them there the entire time we were there. In his defense, the jets were "wicked loud!" (spoken like a true New Englander)

Uncle Collin, Nathan & Ammon
Family Pic
Uncle Collin infront of the "Battle Field"
Ammon finally took his hands off his ears to eat a rice crispie.

He scream the entire time we put the head phones of his ears. Poor Kid!

Ammon's 3rd Birthday...

We celebrated Ammon's birthday with his friends & their families at a local park. It was a challenge getting Ammon to eat (except for cake), because he was much more interested in playing. If you notice in the all pictures his face is flush...

Nathan, Ammon, and his friend Brynly (AKA "Brownly - Ammon has a hard time pronouncing her name, but loves to play with her)
Happy Birthday... Blowing out candles
Kayla, Collin, Ethan, Nathan, Ammon, & Brynly
Daddy - Play nice!
Thank you to everyone who made this day so special for Ammon! Where have the last three years gone?