The Rocket Slide at Knoebel's

This is the Rocket Slide at Knoebel's Amusement Park. Mercer loved it and went on it twice; once with Mommy and once with Daddy.

Mercer at Knoebel's Park

This is Mercer's third summer at Knoebel's. Here he is looking at the attractions map.

Taking in a show.

Getting off a helicopter ride.

Trying to figure out the construction machines.

Coming down the steps of the play area.

Enjoying a lollipop.

Getting ready for the frog hop.

Back home at Alyssa's.

Mercer's face got busted up.

Just before saying goodbye to Aunt Alyssa on Sunday morning, Mercer was practicing his jumping skills. Unfortunately, his flip flop got caught underneath him and he landed on his face. There were some tears, but so far Mercer has loved telling everybody about his adventure.

The above photos were taken the morning after and Mercer looks a little tired since he just woke up. His injuries look much better tonight.

Mercer Visits Coney Island

Thanks again to Cindy for taking the photographs.

Sneak Preview: Trip to Coney Island

Last weekend, Mercer went to Coney Island with Mommy and her friend Cindy, who was nice enough to take a bunch of photos. Here's a sneak peak of Mercer on the subway with Mommy. Plenty more to come.

More cartoon photos

Update: Still not sure what to think of the services offered by befunky.com. The idea is very cool, but I think I've gotten better results with standard Photoshop filters.

Off to Aunt Alyssa's

Mercer and the gang are off to Alyssa's this weekend for what will hopefully be a good weekend of weather, wineries, rides, breweries, and pretzels. We plan on making stops at Mom and Dad's alma mater, Lycoming College, the Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville, PA, and best of all, Knoebel's Amusement Park. We were supposed to go a couple of weeks ago, but Mercer got himself a nasty little case of croup. He's all better now and ready to burn his endless energy.

Creepy image above courtesy of befunky.com. Not sure we like it, though. Look at those squinty eyes!

Mercer has the blues.

Mercer loves his harmonica. I think he was sad to see Mommy and Daddy go on vacation without him!

Mercer plays soccer.

No ball games in the house...unless it's soccer-related.

At Scarborough Park

Here's Mercer checking out the Hudson River at a popular fishing spot near our house. The Tappan Zee Bridge can be seen in the background. Some garbage can be seen in the foreground.

Of course, Mercer checked out the garbage. There was a bug in the cup. Pick up your trash, people.

Video fails

Dad had two new videos of Mercer ready to post, but something happened with the future. It's broken. One video showed Mercer playing the harmonica and the other was him playing soccer in the living room. Maybe it's time to look for new video options.

Mercer seems to be recovering from his croup nicely. He had a few days of steroids and Motrin, but is now back to his normal self.

Two more random bits

Forgot these milestones for the last post:

* can count to 15 (with help)
* can memorize his favorite books

Random milestones/information

* can walk up and down stairs
* sleeping in a toddler bed
* drinks out of regular cups (enjoys juice, milk, seltzer, soda, coffee)
* favorite foods include corn, bacon, pasta, pizza, pancakes, ice cream, pork, mushrooms, french fries, grilled cheese, pretzels, chips, crackers, strawberries
* favorite phrases: "Stop it, Daddy," "I'll be right back," "I did it," "Ta-dah," "Mercer do it," "No, Mommy do it," "Thank you, Mommy/Daddy."
* sits in a regular chair to eat
* sleeps with: favorite action figure or matchbox car at the moment, Grover, Grandma's quilt, a pillow, and Daddy's childhood stuffed animals, Monkey and Curious George
* favorite books: Polar Bear Night, The Pigeon Wants a Puppy, First Dinosaur Board Book, The Magic Rabbit, Not a Stick, Little Pea
* favorite exercise: climbing steps
* favorite car: bugatti veyron 16.4
* favorite movies: dumbo, the iron giant, robots, chicken run, horton hears a who, finding nemo, the incredibles, bee movie
* when asked if tired, can answer "a little," and lay down on the couch
* runs up the stairs naked after baths to crawl under the covers
* loves water; drinking and playing in it
* can hit you square in the chest like a linebacker
* won't answer the question "who do you love more, Mommy or Daddy?"
* doesn't think golf or figure skating are sports
* loves kiddie thrill rides

Cleaning out the Blackberry

Mommy takes a lot of pictures of Mercer with her Blackberry. Time to clean them out!

On the horse ride in front of the local stationary/newspaper/lotto/candy/card/toy store.

On the carousel at Woodbridge Mall in New Jersey.

At Irvington Park, Irvington, NY, with the Tappen Zee Bridge in the background.

Lunch with Grandpa.

Snuggled in for a viewing of Dumbo.

Brush those teeth!

Daddy's boots on the wrong feet, going for the pretzels.


At the local park.



Gone fishin'.





Blueberries in the Stop and Shop parking lot.

Bike!


Iced coffee and gelato in Westfield, NJ.

"No, Daddy, this way!" At Island Beach State Park, NJ.


Look at that stride!
Surfing with Hanna at MeMa's house!







Hanna!

Ice cream in a bowl and a cone in Tarrytown, NY.


More ice cream!

Sick Mercer with a magical medicinal pretzel.