Eight Paws

Samuel paints his new room at the farm. March 2009

2009-11-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

Meeting baby girl for the first time

2009-11-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

2007-11-13T20:03:00.001-05:00

Samuel enjoys his homemade sushi ("shushi") (avocado rolls) and asked for "chopsticks?" Thankfully, we had one hidden in a drawer, and he stabbed away. Here he points at dadda. 10/27

Samuel and mama have our first wagon ride to the park in a long time. It was so cold and windy that we turned right back around and came home after only a quick swing. 10/28

Grandma and Grandpa came for Halloween. Here Papa catches Samuel before heading off for more sushi. 10/30

Samuel is lucky to have such a fun papa and grandma! Here the are swinging on the rocket swings. 10/30

2007-11-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

Samuel and Maple go "superfast" at Vale Park 10/21

A beautiful fall day

Making pizza (peez) with dadda 10/20

Picking our home-grown pumpkins! 10/20/07

2007-11-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

Samuel and dadda inspect our round pumpkin

Samuel and mama cut the tall pumpkin

Chop!

Samuel and mama share some raspberries after pumpkin picking

Samuel and Mama go to Saratoga 10/19/07

2007-11-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Samuel and mama stop at the caboose on the way to Saratoga. Samuel's first time being close to a real (or formerly real) "boose"
"I drive?"

Samuel happy to be with the ducks of Congress Park

"Upside down" duck. Funny!

"Bye-a ducks"

Tired but happy to riding the carousel

"I make wish Sooby doo." Samuel remembered what to do at a wishing fountain without being reminded.

We always have fun in Saratoga. My baby.

Our visit to Indian Ladder Farm Oct. 17, 2007

2007-11-12T21:25:00.000-05:00

Samuel tries to get close to a goat

Samuel drives the red tractor

The BIG red tractor

Samuel and his pals Izzy, Elizabeth and Ethan meet a kind and handsome donkey

Samuel and Izzy try to climb in with Mr. Pig

The friends watch the ducks

Samuel takes Elizabeth for a spin (she would have preferred a solo trip) :)

Samuel takes a spin on his trike. He can peddle now! 10/17/07

Samuel watches a "tree truck" take down a banner at the park. They waved and beeped on their way out. What a day! 10/17/07

Samuel pushes Gia at the park (then jumps on). What a big "hi hi" (kid). 10/17

2007-11-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

Samuel has his first taste of tea at a tea party with dadda before bed 10/13

Cedar joins too.

Samuel takes one last spin on the tractor 10/13

2007-11-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

Samuel and dadda take our first hay ride (after we confirm that the horses are well-loved) :) Mabee Farm 10/13

Samuel thanks the horses by sharing his apples 10/13

Samuel climbs on some hay bales at the Mabee Farm 10/13

2007-11-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

Samuel greets a sheep at the Mabee Farm 10/13

Samuel and mama greet baby Honey at the Mabee Farm 10/13

Samuel "drives" the "blue tractor" at the Mabee Farm. Not really a display, but leave it to Samuel to find the tractor. He proceeded to ask to drive the blue tractor during our entire visit. 10/13

2007-11-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

Samuel helps put his firetruck away. He enjoys helping close the door. 10/10

Samuel sips cocoa (warm soy milk) while wearing his new racecar PJ's and dadda's boots (his firefighter boots) 10/12

2007-11-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

Samuel calls dadda at work to tell him about the arrival in the mail of his "green tractor hat" 10/10

Samuel fills his fire truck at the nearby hydrant. Mama gets a huge kick out of the way he wears his hat backwards. 10/10

Dadda (just back from work) pushes Samuel back home 10/10

2007-11-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

Samuel successfully blows a party horn on his first try. Izzy's party. 10/9/07

Samuel with his oldest friends at Izzy's party 10/9

Samuel enjoys the yummy vegan cupcakes that Jaime made. 10/9

Samuel enjoys his first rousing game of balloon with Chris 10/9

2007-11-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

Samuel blows out the moon's birthday candle

Yummy!

Samuel, Izzy, and Elizabeth have fun in Izzy's box 10/9

2007-11-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Samuel eats like a big kid next to Cousin Camilla 10/6

Saying goodbye to cousins Camilla and Nathanael 10/6

Painting a picture for Grandad with Cedar 10/7/07

Helping mama ice the moon's birthday cake 10/8

2007-11-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Samuel gets a lift from Papa at the park. Water fountains are a favorite. 10/6

Papa and cousin Michael make Samuel go "high" 10/6

Samuel and his big cousins swing 10/6

Samuel finds a vehicle at the park near Gma and Papa's 10/6

2007-11-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Samuel helps cousins Nathanael and Camilla with a puzzle at Gma's and Papa's 10/6/07

Samuel and Camilla rest at Gma and Papa's 10/6/07

The cousins play 10/6

Samuel follows cousin Nathanael down the big hill at Gma and Papa's 10/6

2007-11-03T23:02:00.000-04:00

This slide is "super fast" 10/4/07

This is the only slide that Samuel goes down head-first 10/4/07

The two "Sams" at Central Park 10/4/07

Samuel "helps" his cousins Camilla and Nathanael with a puzzle at Gma and Papa's 10/6/07

2007-11-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

Samuel and mama visit the Front St. Park for the first time

Samuel watches the boats on the Mohawk

2007-11-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

Samuel helps mama paint. "I help mama paint." 9/30/07

Samuel poses with a fresh carrot from the garden

Samuel and mama are proud of our pumpkins

Reist Wildlife Sanctuary 9/30

2007-10-16T22:22:00.000-04:00

Samuel runs "super fast"

Having gone too fast in the beginning of the walk, Samuel takes a break.

Samuel loves finding bridges in the woods

One more bridge.

One last day in the pool (mid 80's!) 9/25/07

2007-10-16T22:19:00.000-04:00

Samuel in his pool in late September!

Sending a car down the slide. Splash! FUN! 9/25

Our trip to NJ 9/20-23

2007-10-16T22:13:00.000-04:00

Samuel invited grandad to the Shark Park after a yummy organic dinner. 9/22

Back at Lake Absegami with his new shovel. Note the rain clouds forming! 9/22

Storm is a brewin', but we play on. 9/22

Cedar says maybe we should go!?!

Samuel's first train ride Atlantic City to Absecon 9/22

2007-10-16T22:10:00.000-04:00

Samuel's first hot pretzel (from grandad and auntie's stand). Atlantic City train station

Samuel and dadda get tickets for Samuel's first train ride. Atlantic City

Walking to the train with grandad and dadda for Samuel's first train ride. Atlantic City to Absecon

Mama and Samuel get ready to board the train. Samuel is excited but ready for a nap. The locomotive is also very noisy!

Samuel and dadda next to the noisy locomotive

Samuel, dadda, and the conductor.

Dadda and Samuel board the train to Absecon, NJ Samuel's first time on a train!

Samuel, dadda, and grandad wait for the train to go.

Arrived in Absecon (about 10 minutes later!) Samuel loved the trip! Samuel says "More train??" "Where train go?"

2007-10-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

Driving at the Shark Park in Brigantine 9/21

Giving grandad a goodnight hug 9/21

Samuel plays "Ring around the Rosie" with cousins Joy and Cody after dinner 9/21

Our first non-beach nature outing in NJ - Lake Absegami at Bass River State Park 9/21/07

2007-10-13T13:54:00.000-04:00

Maple "nigh nigh" on Samuel on our way to Lake Absegami. Samuel thought that was great.

Taking a break for some banana at Lake Absegami

Maple tests the Lake Absegami water

Maple and Samuel have fun with a waterlogged stick

Samuel thinks Maple's attempts to raise the stick are hilarious

Maple is one funny dog!!

Maple and Samuel decide who is going to pick up that stick from the lake bottom

There go the semi-dry clothes

At least it's a warm September day! Lake Absegami

Maple shakes off at Lake Absegami, NJ

I'm going to get you Maple!!!!

One more throw for Maple! What a fun game! Lake Absegami

Mama forgot dry clothes. Thankfully, it was quite warm!

Nature boy walks his pal back to the car.

2007-10-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

After a ride on Grandad's cart (in an attempt to satiate Samuel's desire to ride the train), Grandad introduces Samuel to the ticketwoman. Atlantic City Train Station 9/21

2007-10-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

Samuel and the girls race to the beach as soon as we arrive in Brigantine 9/20

Cedar, always the dog, rolls in a dead blowfish! What fun!

Samuel stops for some "dadda wa" (water)

Enjoying the scents and scenes of the NJ shore

Our stop at Gma and Papa's on the way to NJ 9/20

2007-10-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

Always time for a quick visit to the firehouse at Gma and Papa's house

Gma gives Samuel a new truck

Samuel helps Gma blow out her birthday candles

Gma gives Samuel presents at her birthday party. Enjoying a good Thomas book together.

Papa joins the fun

Mama and the girls return to NH after 4 years. First and last stop, the Pemi. One of our favorite place in the world.

2007-10-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

The pack shares a picnic lunch on the shores of the Pemi

What a life.

We have all missed this!

2007-10-12T23:15:00.000-04:00

Cantaloupe and the Pemi. Life is good.

Sunshine and the Pemi. Life is good.

2007-10-12T23:13:00.000-04:00

Our last visit to the Pemi. Samuel's hooked just like mama and the girls.

2007-10-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

Samuel insists on wading in Mirror Lake...

...but isn't satisfied with just wading! Thankfully, the water was WARM

Beauty

2007-10-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

Samuel RUNS down the trail at Peaked Pond (while looking for moose poop - (horse poop))

Samuel has his first look at Mirror Lake

Maple introduces Samuel to Mirror Lake - one of her favorite spots

Maple and Cedar wash their troubles away in Mirror Lake

2007-10-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

Mama's first babies on our hike to Peaked Pond 9/16

Our happy family at Peaked Pond

Mama shows Samuel the fun of milkweed at Peaked Pond 9/16

2007-10-12T22:51:00.000-04:00

After a day of playing in the beautiful nature of NH, Samuel still begged "please park!?!?!" So, Mama had another first in NH - the playground at the Plymouth elementary school 9/15

A choo choo next to the river!? Does it get any better??

Samuel thinks Cedar is silly. Cedar has always loved digging in NH. How easily it all comes back.

2007-10-12T22:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Samuel, Mama takes her first trip to the Campton-Thornton firehouse 9/15

Enjoying a wet picnic lunch along the Hubbard Brook 9/15

Samuel discovers the beauty of the Hubbard Brook woods

How wild for Mama and Maple to have Samuel at Hubbard Brook 9/15

2007-10-12T22:27:00.000-04:00

Cedar and Samuel enjoy the sites from the cabin - horses, trees, and cars

Cedar goes back to bed

Samuel takes Cedar for a spin

Maple and Mama are sad to leave the cabin

2007-10-12T22:09:00.000-04:00

Samuel's first breakfast in NH - at mama's old digs at the Shamrock - Cabin #10

Maple chooses to sleep in

2007-10-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

Samuel and Mama build a sandcastle on our first trip to the Pemi

Mama's three babies together at the Pemi. Does it get any better?

Maple thinks life is great!

Leaving the Pemi on our first night. Samuel, Mama and the girls could have stayed all night. Dadda was hungry!

Our trip to NH for the doggies and Mama 9/14-16, 2007

2007-10-12T22:02:00.000-04:00

Maple and Cedar reunite with the Pemi for the first time in 4 years!! Bliss!

Samuel steps on hallowed ground.

Maple is in heaven and rediscovers the joy of digging for balls on the shores of the Pemi

Cedar rediscovers the Pemi's yummy grass while Maple smiles

2007-10-12T21:58:00.000-04:00

Who can dig the bigger hole?? 9/12

Maple wants in on the action!

Samuel rides his trike for the first time (in PJ's - mama was too eager to get dressed) 9/14

2007-10-12T21:55:00.000-04:00

Samuel and Mama after a good picnic dinner at the park 9/8

One, two, three...! Playground after a picnic dinner 9/8

Ready to play in the rain, well almost! 9/9/07

Cedar and Samuel enjoy another evening of digging 9/12/07

2007-10-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

Mama and Samuel take a late day snooze on the couch. 9/7/07

Samuel thinks about taking a bite of our first (small) carrot from the garden 9/7

Eating a carrot from the garden after dinner becomes a late summer routine 9/7

Lala discovers the joys of Matchbox cars 9/7

2007-10-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

So happy to see Grandma on their way to ME 9/4/07

"Papa" and Samuel hang out at their cars 9/4/07

Digging with Cedar after dinner 9/6/07

Mama's chocolate guy - Maple loves to relax in the front yard while we play 9/7

2007-09-30T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hangin' with friends Sam and Cal and Mama Steph at Collins Park - eating pretzel rods, a new favorite 8/31/07

Visiting the firehouse with daddy 9/3/07

Samuel jumps in on our last trip to the pool 9/3/07

Samuel plays catch 9/3/07

Our first trip to this local farm 8/28/07

2007-09-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

We see tractors!

And pet this amazing goat. Mama later said she wanted to take him home, and Samuel said he'd share his room, bed and rocker. We did smell like goat that day and, a couple of days later, Samuel opened the sunroom windows because he said "pee eww, maaa" (pee eww, it smells like goat in here) (he was just being silly -- cat, maybe)

We came to "pet neigh." Samuel liked them until they snorted.

After nearly a year, mama convinced Samuel to go for a stroller walk 8/27/07

2007-09-03T12:36:00.000-04:00

Much bigger than last time!

Samuel figures out how to pump the horse swing! Happy day!

Samuel has discovered a love of corn this summer 8/25/07

2007-09-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

Huge bites!

Silly camera face

Our first trip to Daddy's office 8/23/07

2007-09-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Lunch with daddy.

Daddy's 10th floor office is a great place to watch buses!

2007-09-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

Giving Cedar some fresh treats ("All done cook") 8/21/07

Continuing our summer playground tour, here Samuel is in Malta. 8/22/07

Of course, Samuel loves to drive!

This is QUITE a steep slide. We both loved it!

2007-09-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

Samuel gets pal Gia to monkey around with him at Central Park 8/20/07

Gia's moved on, but Samuel's still hangin'

Samuel gives friends Gia and Rachelle a spin

Samuel helps make his dog sister some treats (first time) -- he's making "wa wa" (baby-sized) treats 8/21/07

Daddy's first day of work 8/20/07

2007-09-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

A goodbye and good luck hug

pals

2007-09-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

Enjoying a good bath after a good hike 8/19/07

Hiking with daddy and mama at Plotter Kill Falls on our 2nd Annual Bubba Day (A day just for Samuel) 8/19/07

2007-09-03T12:15:00.000-04:00

Samuel likes to be in the lead (and navigates roots quite well)
Mama and Samuel enjoy the trickle
Daddy and Samuel look for "wish" (fish)
We're always looking for fish

Our last trip to Collins Lake 8/17/07

2007-09-03T11:19:00.000-04:00

Samuel loves splashing.

Enjoying the view

2007-09-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

Izzy and Samuel like to smooch... 8/14/07

...and love to wrestle!

Recovering from their recent match 8/14/07

2007-09-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

Samuel's first ice cream cone (organic, of course) at Gma and Gpa's 8/11/07

Our trip to PA to recover from the Bar exam 8/5-8/11-07

2007-09-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

Leaving PA - a good time was had by all!
"How many dogs do you have?" (with watermelon)

Samuel loves the stream on our last day in PA

Samuel hugs Gpa's "choo choo" (trolley) goodbye

2007-09-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

Having a great time at Mt. Gretna "eek" (lake) on our last day in PA 8/10/07
Samuel and daddy share Samuel's first sundae (at the Jigger Shop, a Rhoads family tradition). He ate the whipped cream then decided he'd try the ice cream too.

Back in the stream, wet, sleepy and happy

Really wet and happy

Samuel loves cars...and daddy makes a good road

2007-09-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

Maple admires the beatiful scenery

Mama and Samuel search for fish

Samuel and his sister dogs have fun with sticks in the stream

Wet Samuel climbs dry mama

Our sidetrip to visit Samuel's VA cousins 8/8-8/9/07

2007-09-02T14:23:00.000-04:00

Cousin Nathanael reads to Samuel with Camilla's help

Samuel gives Camilla and goodbye smooch...

...Nathanael prefers hugs...

...as does Michael!

2007-09-02T14:20:00.000-04:00

Playing cars with cousins Camilla and Nathanael

Playing in the stream with cousin Michael and Mama

Cousin Camilla helps swing Samuel in the stream

Cuddling with cousin Caleb

Back to PA

2007-09-02T14:17:00.000-04:00

Cedar, happy to be back in PA (first time since Samuel was born!)

2007-09-02T14:14:00.000-04:00

Mama and Samuel sit in the chilly stream

Maple takes a break after a swim

Samuel enjoys a snack

Exploring the cabin

2007-09-02T14:06:00.000-04:00

Samuel helps Gma and Gpa with the trolley pole

playing monkey boy on Gpa's "choo choo"

Off for a walk with mama and Gpa (and daddy and Gma)

"Hiya" box turtle! Samuel nearly tripped on this guy.

2007-09-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Boy

Samuel loves Gpa's "choo choo"...

...and Grandpa

Yey Grandpa!

2007-09-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Cedar keeps Samuel company

Samuel's smitten with Gma

Grandpa and Samuel have bonded over a love of machines

Gma teaches Samuel about pennies on tracks - cool!

more PA photos 8/5-8/11/07

2007-09-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

Samuel helps Gma with a "tool"

Mama and Motorman Samuel hang out on Gpa's "choo choo"

Samuel and Gma cuddle up with Richard Scarry

Cedar (and Maple) are quite tolerant sister dogs

Trip to Pennsylvania 8/5-8/11

2007-09-02T13:50:00.000-04:00

Samuel and Grandpa "drive" grandpa's "choo choo" (trolley)

Samuel operates the "beep beep" (bell)

There's a tractor at Gma and Gpa's house! Samuel's new obsession!

Out for a walk to the woods and stream. Walking Cedar with daddy.

Samuel playing with his new truck.

2007-08-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

Likin' my groovy new shirt!

2007-07-29T21:23:00.000-04:00

2007-07-29T21:17:00.001-04:00

Enjoying breakfast wtih Curious George.

2007-03-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Samuel enjoys tempeh for the first time (and spinach sauce) 9/27/06

2006-10-20T22:16:00.001-04:00

Samuel climbs onto a picnic table for the first time 8/30

2006-10-20T22:16:00.000-04:00

Samuel climbs onto a picnic table by himself for the first time and is proud! 8/30

2006-10-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

Samuel and mama go for a spin at the state museum 8/27

2006-10-20T22:12:00.000-04:00

Samuel takes his first water fountain drink 8/25

2006-10-20T22:11:00.000-04:00

Samuel loves his doggies! 8/25

2006-10-20T22:10:00.001-04:00

Samuel happy to be with friends 8/23

2006-10-20T22:10:00.000-04:00

Success 8/22

2006-10-20T22:07:00.001-04:00

Samuel sends daddy off to his last first day of school 8/21

2006-10-20T22:07:00.000-04:00

Samuel off for a game of golf 8/20

2006-10-20T22:06:00.001-04:00

Samuel and daddy go for a drive 8/20

2006-10-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Samuel, dirty?? 8/20

2006-10-20T22:05:00.000-04:00

Daddy and Samuel explore the Crossings on Bubba Day 8/20

2006-10-20T22:01:00.002-04:00

Charlie and LaLa, best friends 8/17

2006-10-20T22:01:00.001-04:00

Going for a ride with daddy on my 13 month bday

2006-10-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

Hiding on my 13 month bday

2006-10-20T21:59:00.001-04:00

Cute enough to eat, even with the sand 8/13

2006-10-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

Daddy just cracks me up! 8/13

2006-10-20T21:58:00.001-04:00

Samuel and mama on our bike ride with daddy 8/13

2006-10-20T21:58:00.000-04:00

Samuel gives Jimmy a big birthday hug 8/12

2006-10-20T21:57:00.003-04:00

Samuel gives Izzy a big smooch 8/12

2006-10-20T21:57:00.002-04:00

Hey, why is my mama holding all these other kids?? 8/12

2006-10-20T21:57:00.001-04:00

Samuel with Izzy and mama 8/12

2006-10-20T21:57:00.000-04:00

Samuel enjoys a good ride 8/12

2006-10-20T21:56:00.002-04:00

Samuel in Jimmy's new tunnel -- they're all the rage! 8/12

2006-10-20T21:56:00.001-04:00

Samuel likes sandboxes even with no sand! 8/12

2006-10-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

Samuel and JJ at Jimmy's bday 8/12