Summer vacation: BOS-NHM

Our voyage continued with a trip west to Northampton to visit Abuela Sarah, Tio Fidel, Tia Karen and Sylvia's prima Amanita. Upon arriving we were quick to continue our whirlwind tour of "Playgrounds of the Northeast." By an incredible coincidence the cousin both owned very similar purple bathing frocks. (Some say coincidence, I say DESTINY).

However, a their uniform did differ by a single barrette, a condition Sylvia was quick to attempt a remedy.

After playing in the water our merry band hit the play structure. It was quickly apparent that we had entered a new realm of play experience. Hatches, windows and ramps abound.

And swings have safety bars to prevent the pinching of fingers.

One of Northampton's little treasures is a walking path built upon a former railroad embankment.

This path has the added benefit of passing near Sarah's home.
We stopped by for a romp in the backyard.

(And some homemade chocolates).

Now it is a bit difficult to explain how much time we actually did spend in playgrounds but suffice it so say here's a few more pics from a different one.

All that play makes small ones grubby. A bath was clearly in order.

And a snack.

And some abuela lap time.

Our visit to Northampton concluded with the arrival of Torcasa from Ecuador and Gary and Susana (Sarah brother and his wife) from Vermont. A group picture and a hug from her aunt prepared Sylvia for the next voyage: Cape Cod.

Amanita at one year

My niece, Amanita is already one year old! Hard to believe. She, her momma and poppa are looking wonderful and we send them much love and hugs from the Pacific Northwest.

Amanita y su Papi

Here's a quick pic of Amanita at 12 weeks, 11 pounds and 8 ounces with her dad, who weighs a bit more.

Amanita Vivian and the Rotisserie Chicken

Fidel and Karen sent a few pics of Amanita and some prose from Fidel:

"Its a brand spanking new year and with this new year came......... Amanita Vivian!!!!! Amanita is one of the most chillest little persons you will meet. She chills, thats what she does for most of her waking hours.

Stares, raises her eyebrows as if she just realized something then yawns and makes a sleepy face and a crying face before she burps*. Then she cries and starts turning everything she sees into her mothers bosom.

Its the equivalent of turning everything into a rotisserie chicken when we are hungry, or a hot dog or hamburger. When she is hungry get out of the way! It's a good thing she wasn't born with piranha teeth like I wished for."

My niece rocks!!!

Movie of Amanita

Here's a a link to very nice movie of Amanita at 7 hours old. She makes the whole newborn thing look easy. (Yes, I'm a very proud uncle, can you tell?)

Amanita Vivian Hidalgo!!!

Look out world! The first Hidalgita has arrived. Karen looks happy and relieved and Fidel, judging by his thumbs up, is psyched. The parents and Amanita are doing well and as Fidel said, "You really don't get any sleep!"